CC*Integration: BRACELET: Robust Cloudlet Infrastructure for Scientific Instruments' Lifetime Connectivity

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

Universities typically have many scientific instruments in interdisciplinary research laboratories to conduct high-quality research in science and engineering. Yet many of these older operating instruments are prematurely disconnected from campus networks because they cannot operate at the speed of a modern computing devices, or use legacy operating system software that is not updated with the latest security patches, creating potential vulnerabilities. This project will develop a robust cloudlet-based infrastructure, called BRACELET. BRACELET is an integrated three-tier infrastructure that integrates the existing campus network, cloud, and security infrastructures with the NSF DIBBs program supported 4CeeD data file upload service. Each cloudlet will be placed alongside potentially vulnerable instruments to shape traffic and protect against external threats. The cloudlet will play a crucial role in keeping the instrument connected throughout its lifetime, continuously providing otherwise missing or new performance and security features for the instrument. BRACELET will extend the capabilities and useful lifetime of scientific instruments, helping to accelerate scientific innovation and discovery.