Abstract: As a novel network architecture, the active network will greatly speedup the process of developing, validating and deploying new network protocols and services. But the management of active networks requires different techniques from those used in traditional network management. Considering the active network＇s special features of dynamic deploying new protocols and services, this paper presents an active network management architecture （M2BMA） based on small management applications （MALet） and management agents （MA）. The major components of the architecture include the active network management server, the local node manager, the active network management agent execution environment, and the message system. The active network management server and the local node manager can dynamically construct management applications following the change of active network services. The local node manager provides an effective method to manage the active node in the active network. The active network management agent execution environment supports dynamic deployment of active network management agents. This architecture results in a convenient, flexible, and efficient management of the active network. The architecture is also compatible with the traditional network management.