CAREER: Accessing Shared Objects and Routing in Distributed Environments

Arizona State University, Scottsdale AZ

Investigators

Abstract

The research component of this project focuses on two fundamental distributed network problems. The first problem is that of devising an efficient method for accessing shared information (objects) in a distributed scenario (Problem A); the second problem is probably the most fundamental problem that arises in any communication network, namely that of devising efficient point-to-point routing protocols (Problem B). More specifically, the PI proposes to accomplish the following research items: - to deliver solutions to Problem A in fixed-connection networks, taking into account several important network parameters -- such as link congestion, dynamic link costs, and multiple representations of objects -- and in cellular and ad-hoc wireless mobile scenarios. - to deliver solutions to Problem B in conjunction with Problem A, with the aim of minimizing the cost of accessing an object. - to deliver solutions to Problem B on its own, in wireless mobile and fixed-connection scenarios. Not surprisingly, the problem of accessing shared objects and the routing problem in distributed environments are strongly related in many ways. For example, they are directly related in dynamic scenarios. Therefore the PI anticipates that studying these two problems together in mobile scenarios will help devise better solutions for both problems.