There are a number of alternative directions in which active networking is progressing, each of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. This paper presents the Lancaster Active Router Architecture (LARA), as a means to integrate these distinct active network environments in a single system, to allow increased flexibility in network programming. There are a number of issues involved in accomplishing this, including scalability, resource management, performance and security. The remainder of this paper describes our prototype composite hardware/software solution, which takes the first steps towards tackling these issues.