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KQML Routers

Routers are content independent message routers. Each KQML speaking software agent is associated with its own separate router process. All routers are identical; each is just an executing copy of the same program. A router handles all KQML messages going to and from its associated agent. Because each program has an associated router process, it is not necessary to make extensive changes to each program's internal organization to allow it to asynchronously receive messages from a variety of independent sources. The router provides this service for the agent and provides the agent with a single point of contact for the rest of the network. It provides both client and server functions for the application and manages multiple simultaneous connections with other agents.

The router never looks at the content fields of the messages it handles. It relies on the KQML performatives and its arguments. If an outgoing KQML message specifies a particular Internet address, the router directs the message to it. If the message specifies a particular service, the router will attempt to find an Internet address for that service and deliver the message to it. If the message only provides a description of the content (e.g. query, :ontology ``geo-domain-3'', :language ``Prolog'', etc.) the router may attempt to find a server which can deal with the message and it will deliver it there, or it may choose to forward it to a smarter communication agent which may be willing to route it. Routers can be implemented with varying degrees of sophistication -- they can not guarantee to deliver all messages.