Proposal for a Workshop on Research Directions for Communications After the Internet and Cellular Systems

George Mason University, Fairfax VA

Investigators

Abstract

In the future, communications systems are expected to be characterized as ubiquitous, pervasive, very mobile, and highly distributed, among other at- tributes. In contrast to current systems, such as cellular systems or the current Internet, the reliance on central network components will be much reduced and ad hoc methods for forming networks will become more preva- lent. Additionally, the number of connected devices, including both sensors and actuators as well as processors, will increase dramatically and many network devices will operate autonomously. Massive quantities of data of various highly structured formats will need to be accessed and distributed across these networks. Wireless and wireline systems will interconnect with optical fiber and free space communications media. This workshop is intended to bring together a distinguished group of research scientists/educators and industry and government experts to discuss and identify critical research in communications to support this vision. The workshop will provide an opportunity to interact with experts from related fields, primarily computer science, working on different aspects of future communication systems. A list of invitees for this workshop is provided in the appendix. The workshop aims to identify research challenges and opportunities as- sociated with the emerging vision for future communications systems. We expect a report to come out of the workshop reflecting the themes discussed.