Abstract: This paper proposes a novel virtual Content Aware Network (CAN)
layer as a part of a full layered architecture, focused, but not limited,
to multimedia distribution with quality of services assurance. The overall
system is based on a flexible cooperation between providers, operators and
end- users, enabling users to access the offered multimedia services in
various contexts and also to become private content providers. The paper
introduces the main concepts and architecture for the main virtual network
layer (CAN), exposing its role and interfaces among overall system layers.
This work is a part of the starting effort inside of a new European
research FP7 IP project, ALICANTE.

Keywords: content aware nertworking, network aware applications,
          quality of services, multimedia distribution, Future Internet