This paper presents the main concepts of the IST Project FAIN “Future Active IP Networks” [10], a three-year collaborative research project, whose main task is to develop and validate an open, flexible, programmable and dependable network architecture based on a novel active node approach. This generic architecture for active networks is an innovative integration of active networking, distributed object and mobile agent technology. Starting from the definition of a business model that underlines the FAIN architecture, we identify three key working areas for contribution: the active node platform layer, the service programming environment and a build-in management system. The active node platform layer of the FAIN Active Node is comprised of the kernel OS, a node resource access control framework, and active components for management, security and service provision. These elements provide the foundations on which Execution Environments are deployed and operate in an independent manner. A novel service programming environment is envisaged enabling the dynamic creation or update and secure deployment and operation of protocols, and supports various role-specific ways of deployment, e.g. application-specific signalling or PNOgoverned network control signalling. The third aspect of FAIN is a management paradigm based on standardised API and autonomy of nodes. The paradigm enables the development of a fine-grained and more efficient management framework, which reduces needless traffic or information processing, e.g. by filtering and self-management of nodes which take care of the management of their own resources and states. Autonomous management of nodes enables the distribution of management intelligence. Loosely coupled management functions facilitates the traditional difficult tasks such as policy enforcement, and integration of new managing functions. Reusable components and interoperable operation can be achieved using the standard interface and an implementation using distributed objects and platforms.