Advanced techniques for multicast service provision in core transport networks

Although the network-based multicast service is the optimal way to support of a large variety of popular applications such as high-definition television (HDTV), videoon- demand (VoD), virtual private LAN service (VPLS), grid computing, optical storage area networks (O-SAN), video conferencing, e-learning, massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG), networked virtual reality, etc., there are a number of technological and operational reasons that prevents a wider deployment. This PhD work addresses this problem in the context of core transport network, by proposing and analyzing new cost-effective and scalable techniques to support multicast both at the Optical layer and at the Network layer (MPLS-IP networks). In the Optical layer, in particular in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Optical Circuit Switched networks, current multicast-capable OXC node designs are of a great complexity and have high attenuation levels, mainly because of the required signal splitting operation plus the traversal of a complex switching stage. This makes multi-point support rarely included in commercial OXC nodes. Inspired in previous works in the literature, we propose a novel architecture that combines the best of splitting and tap-and-continue (TaC), called 2-STC (2-split-tap-and-continue) in the framework of integrated optics. A 2-STC OXC node is a flexible design capable of tapping and splitting over up to two outgoing links in order to obtain lower end-to-end latency than in TaC and an improved power budget distribution over split-and-delivery (SaD) designs. Another advantage of this architecture is its simplicity and the reduced number of components required, scaling well even for implementations of the node with many input/output ports. Extensive simulations show that the binary split (2-split) is quite enough for most real-life core network topologies scenarios, since the average node degree is usually between 3 and 4. A variant of this design, called 2-STCg, for making the node capable of optical traffic grooming (i.e. accommodation of low-speed demands into wavelength-links) is also presented. At the Network layer, one of the main reasons that hinder multicast deployment is the high amount of forwarding state information required in core routers, especially when a large number of medium/small-sized multicast demands arrive to the core network, because the state data that needs to be kept at intermediate core routers grows proportionally to the number of multicast demands. In this scenario, we study the aggregation of multicast demands into shared distribution trees, providing a set of techniques to observe the trade-off between bandwidth and state information. This study is made in the context of MPLS VPN-based networks, with the aggregation of multicast VPNs in different real network scenarios and using novel heuristics for aggregation. Still, the main problem of aggregation is the high percentage of wasted bandwidth that depends mainly on the amount of shared trees used. On the other hand, recent works have brought back Bloom filters as an alternative for multicast forwarding. In this approach the packet header contains a Bloom filter that is evaluated at each hop for matching with the corresponding outgoing link ID. Although this approach is claimed to be stateless, it presents serious drawbacks due to false positives, namely important forwarding anomalies (duplicated flows, packet storms and loops) and the header overhead. In order to solve these drawbacks we propose D-MPSS (Depth-Wise Multi-Protocol Stateless Switching). This technique makes use of a stack of Bloom filters instead of a single one for all the path/tree, each one including only the links of a given depth of the tree. Analytical studies and simulations show that our approach reduces the forwarding anomalies present in similar state-of-the-art techniques, achieving in most network scenarios a forwarding efficiency (useful traffic) greater than 95%. Finally, we study the possibility of using tree aggregation and Bloom filters together, and propose a set of techniques grouped as H-ABF techniques (hybrid aggregation - Bloom filter-based forwarding), which improve D-MPSS and other previously proposed techniques, practically eliminating the forwarding loops and increasing the forwarding efficiency up to more than 99% in most network scenarios. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Aunque el servicio de multidifusión (multicast) basado en redes es la mejor manera de dar soporte a una gran variedad de aplicaciones populares como la televisión de alta definición (HDTV), el video bajo demanda (VoD), el servicio de LAN privadas virtuales (VPLS), la computación grid, las redes de área de almacenamiento óptico (O-SAN), la videoconferencia, la educación a distancia, los juegos masivos de rol en línea de múltiples jugadores (MMORPG), la realidad virtual en red, etc., hay varias razones tecnológicas y operacionales que le impiden un mayor despliegue. Esta tesis doctoral aborda este problema en el contexto de las redes troncales de transporte, proponiendo y analizando técnicas de bajo coste y escalables para dar soporte al multicast tanto para la capa óptica como para la capa de red (redes MPLS-IP). En la capa óptica, en particular en las redes ópticas conmutadas por circuitos con multiplexación de longitud de onda (WDM), los diseños de nodos OXC con capacidades multicast muestran una gran complejidad y altos niveles de atenuación, principalmente debido a la necesaria operación de división de la señal, además del paso de ella a través de una compleja fase de conmutación. Esto hace que el soporte multi-punto sea raramente incluido en los nodos OXC comerciales. Inspirados en trabajos previos de la literatura, proponemos una novedosa arquitectura que combina lo mejor de dividir (splitting) y tap-y-continuar (TaC), llamado 2-STC (2-split-tapand- continue) en el marco de trabajo de la óptica integrada. Un nodo OXC 2-STC es un diseño flexible capaz de hacer tapping (tomar una pequeña muestra de la señal) y dividir la señal hacia un máximo de dos enlaces de salida, con el fin de obtener una menor latencia terminal-a-terminal que en TaC y una mejorada distribución de la disponibilidad de potencia por encima de los diseños split-and-delivery (SaD). Otra ventaja de esta arquitectura es su simplicidad y el número reducido de componentes requerido, escalando bien para las implementaciones del nodo con muchos puertos de entrada/salida. Extensas simulaciones muestran que la división binaria (2-split) es prácticamente suficiente para la mayoría de las topologías de redes de transporte en la vida real, debido a que el grado promedio de los nodos es usualmente 3 y 4. Una variante de este diseño, llamada 2-STCg, para hacer el nodo capaz de realizar grooming (es decir, la capacidad de acomodar demandas de menor velocidad en longitudes de onda - enlaces) de tráfico óptico, es también presentada. En la capa de red, una de las principales razones que obstaculizan el despliegue del multicast es la gran cantidad de información del estado de reenvío requerida en los enrutadores de la red de transporte, especialmente cuando un gran número de demandas multicast de tamaño mediano/pequeño llegan a la red de transporte, ya que los datos de estado a ser almacenados en los enrutadores crecen proporcionalmente con el número de demandas multicast. En este escenario, estudiamos la agregación de demandas multicast en árboles de distribución, proporcionando un conjunto de técnicas para observar el equilibrio entre el ancho de banda y la información de estado. Este estudio está hecho en el contexto de las redes basadas en redes privadas virtuales (VPN) MPLS, con la agregación de VPNs multicast en distintos escenarios de redes reales y utilizando nuevos heurísticos para la agregación. Aún así, el principal problema de la agregación es el alto porcentaje de ancho de banda desperdiciado que depende principalmente de la cantidad de árboles compartidos usados. Por otro lado, trabajos recientes han vuelto a traer a los filtros de Bloom como una alternativa para realizar el reenvío multicast. En esta aproximación la cabecera del paquete contiene un filtro de Bloom que es evaluado en cada salto para emparejarlo con el identificador del enlace de salida correspondiente. Aunque se afirma que esta solución no utiliza información de estado, presenta serias desventajas debido a los falsos positivos, esto es, anomalías de reenvío importantes (flujos duplicados, tormentas de paquetes y bucles) y gasto de ancho de banda por la cabecera de los paquetes. Para poder resolver estos problemas proponemos D-MPSS (Depth- Wise Multi-Protocol Stateless Switching). Esta técnica hace uso de una pila de filtros de Bloom en lugar de uno sólo para todo el camino/árbol, incluyendo cada uno sólo los enlaces de una determinada profundidad del árbol. Estudios analíticos y simulaciones demuestran que nuestra propuesta reduce los anomalías de reenvío presentes en otras técnicas similares del estado del arte, alcanzando en la mayoría de escenarios reales una eficiencia de reenvío (tráfico útil) mayor que 95%. Finalmente, estudiamos la posibilidad de usar agregación de árboles y filtros de Bloom juntos, y proponemos un conjunto de técnicas agrupadas como técnicas HABF (hybrid aggregation - Bloom filter-based forwarding), que mejoran D-MPSS y las otras técnicas propuestas previamente, eliminando prácticamente los bucles e incrementando la eficiencia de reenvío hasta más de un 99% en la mayoría de los escenarios de redes

Implementación de mecanismos de enrutamiento sin estado en un nodo para el tráfico multicast MPLS en la plataforma NetFPGA

El Internet Protocol Multicast (IP Multicast) es un estándar que se desarrolló para poder soportar, de manera eficiente, un gran número de servicios y aplicaciones. Sin embargo, muchas redes de transporte no cuentan con un a capacidad multicast real. Para emular una red multicast, se utilizan varias conexiones unicast, malgastando ancho de banda y haciendo crecer en gran medida las tablas de enrutamiento. Esto desalienta a los Proveedores de Servicios de Internet (ISP) de incorp orar servicios multicast en sus redes. Recientes investigaciones han surgido con el objetivo de incluir la información de las rutas en las cabeceras de los paquetes, reduciendo así drásticamente el consumo de recursos en la gestión de tablas de enrutamiento con miles de entradas . Estas soluciones utilizan el principio de funcionamiento de los filtros de Bloom, los cuales p ermiten resumir rutas y árboles y codificarlos en simples arreglos de bits que se insertan en las cabeceras de los paquetes. Algunas de éstas propuestas se han llegado a implementar físicamente en prototipos de nodos. Sin embargo, el mecanismo DMPSS (la más reciente de las propuestas), que consiste en codificar en una pila de filtros de Bloom jerárquicos las rutas/árboles de los paquetes, aún no ha sido implementado ni probado en un prototip o de hardware. El presente traba jo tiene como ob jetivo realizar la implementación de un prototipo de no do con la solución D-MPSS en la plataforma NetFPGA, la cual ha sido diseñadaesp ecialmente para redes de transp orte. En este diseño, se reemplazan las cabeceras MPLS p or cabeceras con pilas de filtros de Bloom jerárquicos y, usando un mínimo número de entradas en las tablas de enrutamiento, es p osible en caminar los paquetes unicast o multicast. El paso del diseño hacia la concreción de un prototip o no es un problema trivial, sino que implica el idear estrategias de evaluación de los filtros, la compresión y descompresión de los mismos, ad emás de diversos otros aspectos que significan imp ortantes retos. La plataf orma NetFPGA es un disp ositivo de hardware reconfigurable de uso libre, que puede trabajar asumiendo el funcionamiento de cualquier tip o de disp ositivo de la red, ya sean enrutadores, conmutadores, interfaces de red, etc. También permite que se mo difiquen los mo delos preestablecidos o incluso crear nuevos, dándole completa lib ertad al usuario que desee programar en ella cualquier diseño digital. De esta manera, realizar la implementación de los mecanismos de enrutamiento presentados, resulta ser altamente viable. Por otro lado, la obtención de resultados (al trabajar a nivel de capa física) llega a ser mucho más precis a y cercana a un entorno real.Tesi

A Survey on Data Plane Programming with P4: Fundamentals, Advances, and Applied Research

With traditional networking, users can configure control plane protocols to match the specific network configuration, but without the ability to fundamentally change the underlying algorithms. With SDN, the users may provide their own control plane, that can control network devices through their data plane APIs. Programmable data planes allow users to define their own data plane algorithms for network devices including appropriate data plane APIs which may be leveraged by user-defined SDN control. Thus, programmable data planes and SDN offer great flexibility for network customization, be it for specialized, commercial appliances, e.g., in 5G or data center networks, or for rapid prototyping in industrial and academic research. Programming protocol-independent packet processors (P4) has emerged as the currently most widespread abstraction, programming language, and concept for data plane programming. It is developed and standardized by an open community and it is supported by various software and hardware platforms. In this paper, we survey the literature from 2015 to 2020 on data plane programming with P4. Our survey covers 497 references of which 367 are scientific publications. We organize our work into two parts. In the first part, we give an overview of data plane programming models, the programming language, architectures, compilers, targets, and data plane APIs. We also consider research efforts to advance P4 technology. In the second part, we analyze a large body of literature considering P4-based applied research. We categorize 241 research papers into different application domains, summarize their contributions, and extract prototypes, target platforms, and source code availability.Comment: Submitted to IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials (COMS) on 2021-01-2

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Guiding readers through the basics of these rapidly emerging networks to more advanced concepts and future expectations, Mobile Ad hoc Networks: Current Status and Future Trends identifies and examines the most pressing research issues in Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs). Containing the contributions of leading researchers, industry professionals, and academics, this forward-looking reference provides an authoritative perspective of the state of the art in MANETs. The book includes surveys of recent publications that investigate key areas of interest such as limited resources and the mobility of mobile nodes. It considers routing, multicast, energy, security, channel assignment, and ensuring quality of service. Also suitable as a text for graduate students, the book is organized into three sections: Fundamentals of MANET Modeling and Simulation—Describes how MANETs operate and perform through simulations and models Communication Protocols of MANETs—Presents cutting-edge research on key issues, including MAC layer issues and routing in high mobility Future Networks Inspired By MANETs—Tackles open research issues and emerging trends Illustrating the role MANETs are likely to play in future networks, this book supplies the foundation and insight you will need to make your own contributions to the field. It includes coverage of routing protocols, modeling and simulations tools, intelligent optimization techniques to multicriteria routing, security issues in FHAMIPv6, connecting moving smart objects to the Internet, underwater sensor networks, wireless mesh network architecture and protocols, adaptive routing provision using Bayesian inference, and adaptive flow control in transport layer using genetic algorithms

Point-to-Multipoint Services on Fifth-Generation Mobile Networks

[ES] Esta disertación cubre el estado del arte en LTE eMBMS Release 14, también conocido como Enhanced Television Services (ENTV). ENTV trajo un conjunto de mejoras, tanto a nivel radio como a nivel de núcleo, que transformó a eMBMS en un estándar de televisión terrestre completo. La última versión de esta tecnología se denomina LTE-based 5G Broadcast; pero no usa New Radio ni el núcleo 5G. Para proveer una solución nativa 5G de servicios punto-a-multipunto, hubo investigación en entornos acad\'emicos y colaboraciones público-privada. La iniciativa más notable en este aspecto fue el proyecto del Horizon 2020 5G-Xcast, que transcurrió de 2017 a 2019. 5G-Xcast produjo varias soluciones a nivel de arquitectura, desde la perspectiva de provisión de contenidos, nuevas funciones de red interoperables con el núcleo 5G, hasta modificaciones a la interfaz aire basada en New Radio. Los hallazgos del proyecto están descritos en esta tesis. La tesis incluye dos ejemplos de eMBMS aplicados a verticales diferentes, una para el uso de eMBMS en entornos industriales, y otra presentando eMBMS como un sistema SAP. Incluir servicios punto-a-multipunto como un modo adicional celular trae algunos desafíos, como ya mostró la estandarización de eMBMS: las redes de radiodifusión terrestre y las redes celulares son muy distintas entre ellas. Encontrar una forma de onda viable para ambas infraestructuras es complejo. Esta tesis ofrece un punto de vista distinto al problema: un escenario de colaboración entre cadenas televisivas y operadores móviles, donde la infraestructura de radiodifusión y móvil son compartidas. Este concepto se ha definido como Convergence of Terrestrial and Mobile Networks. Las tecnologías elegidas para converger son ATSC 3.0 y 5G, usando el Advanced Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS). ATSSS está compuesto de una serie de procedimientos, interfaces, funciones de red, para permitir el uso compartido de un acceso 3GPP con uno non-3GPP, como Wi-Fi. Sin embargo, el uso de ATSSS para juntar radiodifusión y celular no es trivial, ya que ATSSS no fue dise\~{n}ado para enlaces radio unidireccionales como ATSC 3.0. Estas limitaciones son descritas en detalle, y una propuesta para solventarlas tambi\'en está incluida. La solución se basa en Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), y se usa como ejemplo para la provisión de Convergent Services (File Repair y Video Offloading). La tesis concluye con una descripción de Release 17 5MBS, con los nuevos conceptos introducidos. 5MBS es capaz de cambiar entre unicast, multicast y broadcast; dependiendo del servicio, la ubicación geográfica de los usuarios, y las capacidades de la infraestructura móvil involucradas. Para evaluar 5MBS, se ha realizado un estudio de prestaciones, basado en comunicaciones multicast dentro del núcleo de red 5G. Este prototipo 5MBS forma parte del laboratorio VLC Campus 5G, y utiliza el software comercial Open5GCore como base del desarrollo. El modelo de sistema para la experimentación esta formado por un servidor de vídeo, que se conecta al Open5GCore y a las funciones de red mejoradas con funcionalidades 5MBS. Estas funciones de red envían el contenido mediante punto-a-multipunto a un entorno radio y terminales simulados. Los resultados obtenidos resaltan el objetivo principal de la tesis: las comunicaciones punto-a-multipunto son una solución escalable para el envío de contenido multimedia en directo.[CA] Aquesta dissertació cobreix capdavanter en LTE eMBMS Release 14, també conegut com Enhanced Television Services (ENTV). ENTV va portar un conjunt de millores, tant a nivell de ràdio com a nivell de nucli, que va transformar el eMBMS en un estàndard de televisió terrestre complet. La última versió d'aquesta tecnologia es denomina LTE-based 5G Broadcast; però no fa servir New Ràdio ni el nucli 5G. Per a proveir una solució nativa 5G de serveis punt-a-multipunt, va haver-hi investigació en entorns acadèmics i col·laboracions pública i privada. La iniciativa més notable en aquest aspecte va ser el projecte del Horizon 2020 5G-Xcast, que va transcórrer del 2017 a 2019. 5G-Xcast va produir diverses solucions a nivell d'arquitectura, des de la perspectiva de provisió de continguts, noves funcions de xarxa interoperables amb el nucli 5G, fins a modificacions a la interfície aire basada en New Radio. Les troballes del projecte estan descrits en aquesta tesi. La tesi inclou dos exemples de eMBMS aplicats a verticals diferents, una per a l'ús de eMBMS en entorns industrials, i una altra presentant eMBMS com un sistema SAP. Incloure serveis punt-a-multipunt com una manera addicional cel·lular duu alguns desafiaments, com ja va mostrar l'estandardització de eMBMS: les xarxes de radiodifusió terrestre i les xarxes cel·lulars són molt diferents entre elles. Trobar una forma d'ona viable per a totes dues infraestructures és complex. Aquesta tesi ofereix un punt de vista diferent al problema: un escenari de col·laboració entre cadenes televisives i operadors mòbils, on la infraestructura de radiodifusió i mòbil són compartides. Aquest concepte s'ha definit com Convergence of Terrestrial and Mobile Networks. Les tecnologies triades per a convergir són ATSC 3.0 i 5G, usant el Advanced Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS). ATSSS està compost d'una sèrie de procediments, interfícies, funcions de xarxa, per a permetre l'ús compartit d'un accés 3GPP amb un non-3GPP, com a Wi-Fi. No obstant això, l'ús de ATSSS per a adjuntar radiodifusió i cel·lular no és trivial, ja que ATSSS no va ser dissenyada per a per a enllaços ràdio unidireccionals com ATSC 3.0. Aquestes limitacions són descrites detalladament, i una proposta per a solucionar-les també està inclosa. La solució es basa en Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), i s'usa com a exemple per a la provisió de Convergent Services (File Repair i Vídeo Offloading). La tesi conclou amb una descripció de Release 17 5MBS, amb els nous conceptes introduïts. 5MBS és capaç de canviar entre unicast, multicast i broadcast; depenent del servei, la ubicació geogràfica dels usuaris, i les capacitats de la infraestructura mòbil involucrades. Per a avaluar 5MBS, s'ha realitzat un estudi de prestacions, basat en comunicacions multicast dins del nucli de xarxa 5G. Aquest prototip 5MBS forma part del laboratori VLC Campus 5G, i utilitza el programari comercial Open5GCore com a base del desenvolupament. El model de sistema per a l'experimentació està format per un servidor de vídeo, que es connecta al Open5GCore i a les funcions de xarxa millorades amb funcionalitats 5MBS. Aquestes funcions de xarxa envien el contingut mitjançant punt-a-multipunt a un entorn ràdio i terminals simulats. Els resultats obtinguts ressalten l'objectiu principal de la tesi: les comunicacions punt-a-multipunt són una solució escalable per a l'enviament de contingut multimèdia en directe.[EN] This dissertation covers the state-of-the-art in LTE eMBMS Release 14, also known as Enhanced Television Services (ENTV). ENTV provided a suite of radio and core enhancements that made eMBMS into a viable terrestrial broadcast standard. The latest iteration of this technology is known as LTE-based 5G Broadcast; even though it is not New Radio or 5G Core based. To bridge this gap, research efforts by academia, public and private enterprises evaluated how to provide a 5G-based solution for point-to-multipoint services. The most notable effort in this regard is the Horizon 2020 project 5G-Xcast, which ran from 2017 to 2019. 5G-Xcast provided several architectural solutions, from the content delivery perspective down to air interface specifics; providing new waveforms based on New Radio and Network Functions interoperable with a Release 15 5G Core. The findings are summarized in this thesis. Two examples of eMBMS applied to different verticals are included in the thesis, one for the use of eMBMS in industrial environments, and the other using eMBMS as a PWS technology. Providing point-to-multipoint services as another cellular service poses some problems, as the standardization process of eMBMS showed: the broadcast infrastructure is different than the cellular one. Having a waveform that is suited for both scenarios is a difficult endeavour. The thesis provides a new perspective into this problem: Having existing Terrestrial Broadcast standards and infrastructure be the point-to-multipoint solution of 5G, where mobile operators and broadcasters collaborate together. This is defined in the dissertation as Convergence of Terrestrial and Mobile Networks. The technologies chosen to be converged together were ATSC 3.0 and 5G; using the existing Release 16 framework known as Advanced Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS). ATSSS is a series of procedures, interfaces, new Network Functions, to allow the joint use of a 3GPP Access Network alongside a non-3GPP one, like Wi-Fi. However, the use of ATSSS for cellular plus broadcast brings challenges, as the ATSSS technology was not designed to be used with a unidirectional access network like ATSC 3.0. These limitations are described in detail, and an architectural proposal that overcomes the limitations is proposed. This solution is based on Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC), and how to provide Convergent Services (i.e File Repair and Video Offloading) is shown. The thesis concludes with a description of Release 17 5MBS, including the new concepts introduced. 5MBS features the capacity of switching between unicast, multicast and broadcast; depending on the service addressed, the geographical location of the users, and the capability of the RAN infrastructure targeted. In order to evaluate 5MBS, a performance study of the use of multicast inside the 5G Core has been carried out. The 5MBS prototype was developed as part of the VLC Campus 5G laboratory, using the commercial software Open5GCore which provides the libraries and Network Functions to deploy your own 5G Private Network in testing environments. The system model of the experiment is formed by a video server, connected to the Open5GCore and the 5MBS enhanced functions; which will deliver the content to an emulated RAN environment hosting virtual gNBs and devices. The results obtained reinforce the objective of the thesis, positioning point-to-multipoint as a scalable way to deliver live content.Research projects: 5G-Xcast: Broadcast and Multicast Communication Enablers for the Fifth-Generation of Wireless Systems (H2020 No 761498); 5G-TOURS: SmarT mObility, media and e-health for toURists and citizenS (H2020 No 856950); FUDGE-5G: FUlly DisinteGrated private nEtworks for 5G verticals (H2020 No 957242).Barjau Estevan, CS. (2022). Point-to-Multipoint Services on Fifth-Generation Mobile Networks [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/19140

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Guiding readers through the basics of these rapidly emerging networks to more advanced concepts and future expectations, Mobile Ad hoc Networks: Current Status and Future Trends identifies and examines the most pressing research issues in Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs). Containing the contributions of leading researchers, industry professionals, and academics, this forward-looking reference provides an authoritative perspective of the state of the art in MANETs. The book includes surveys of recent publications that investigate key areas of interest such as limited resources and the mobility of mobile nodes. It considers routing, multicast, energy, security, channel assignment, and ensuring quality of service. Also suitable as a text for graduate students, the book is organized into three sections: Fundamentals of MANET Modeling and Simulation—Describes how MANETs operate and perform through simulations and models Communication Protocols of MANETs—Presents cutting-edge research on key issues, including MAC layer issues and routing in high mobility Future Networks Inspired By MANETs—Tackles open research issues and emerging trends Illustrating the role MANETs are likely to play in future networks, this book supplies the foundation and insight you will need to make your own contributions to the field. It includes coverage of routing protocols, modeling and simulations tools, intelligent optimization techniques to multicriteria routing, security issues in FHAMIPv6, connecting moving smart objects to the Internet, underwater sensor networks, wireless mesh network architecture and protocols, adaptive routing provision using Bayesian inference, and adaptive flow control in transport layer using genetic algorithms

Integration of unidirectional technologies into wireless back-haul architecture

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Docter of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Back-haul infrastructures of today's wireless operators must support the triple-play services demanded by the market or regulatory bodies. To cope with increasing capacity demand, the EU FP7 project CARMEN has developed a cost-effective heterogeneous multi-radio wireless back-haul architecture, which may also leverage the native multicast capabilities of broadcast technologies such as DVB-T to off-load high-bandwidth broadcast content delivery. However, the integration of such unidirectional technologies into a packet-switched architecture requires careful considerations. The contribution of this thesis is the investigation, design and evaluation of protocols and mechanisms facilitating the integration of such unidirectional technologies into the wireless back-haul architecture so that they can be configured and utilized by the spectrum and capacity optimization modules. This integration mainly concerns the control plane and, in particular, the aspects related to resource and capability descriptions, neighborhood, link and Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label-Switched Path (LSP) monitoring, unicast and multicast LSP signalling as well as topology forming and maintenance. During the course of this study we have analyzed the problem space, proposed solutions to the resulting research questions and evaluated our approach. Our results show that the now Unidirectional Technology (UDT)-aware architecture can readily consider Unidirectional Technologies (UDTs) to distribute, for example, broadcast content

Supporting distributed computation over wide area gigabit networks

The advent of high bandwidth fibre optic links that may be used over very large distances has lead to much research and development in the field of wide area gigabit networking. One problem that needs to be addressed is how loosely coupled distributed systems may be built over these links, allowing many computers worldwide to take part in complex calculations in order to solve "Grand Challenge" problems. The research conducted as part of this PhD has looked at the practicality of implementing a communication mechanism proposed by Craig Partridge called Late-binding Remote Procedure Calls (LbRPC). LbRPC is intended to export both code and data over the network to remote machines for evaluation, as opposed to traditional RPC mechanisms that only send parameters to pre-existing remote procedures. The ability to send code as well as data means that LbRPC requests can overcome one of the biggest problems in Wide Area Distributed Computer Systems (WADCS): the fixed latency due to the speed of light. As machines get faster, the fixed multi-millisecond round trip delay equates to ever increasing numbers of CPU cycles. For a WADCS to be efficient, programs should minimise the number of network transits they incur. By allowing the application programmer to export arbitrary code to the remote machine, this may be achieved. This research has looked at the feasibility of supporting secure exportation of arbitrary code and data in heterogeneous, loosely coupled, distributed computing environments. It has investigated techniques for making placement decisions for the code in cases where there are a large number of widely dispersed remote servers that could be used. The latter has resulted in the development of a novel prototype LbRPC using multicast IP for implicit placement and a sequenced, multi-packet saturation multicast transport protocol. These prototypes show that it is possible to export code and data to multiple remote hosts, thereby removing the need to perform complex and error prone explicit process placement decisions

Security in Mobile Networks: Communication and Localization

Nowadays the mobile networks are everywhere. The world is becoming more dependent on wireless and mobile services, but the rapid growth of these technologies usually underestimates security aspects. As wireless and mobile services grow, weaknesses in network infrastructures become clearer. One of the problems is privacy. Wireless technologies can reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and make important information more readily and widely available. But, there are also risks. Without appropriate safeguards, these data can be read and modified by unauthorized users. There are many solutions, less and more effective, to protect the data from unauthorized users. But, a specific application could distinguish more data flows between authorized users. Protect the privacy of these information between subsets of users is not a trivial problem. Another problem is the reliability of the wireless service. Multi-vehicle systems composed of Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are largely used for industrial transportation in manufacturing and logistics systems. These vehicles use a mobile wireless network to exchange information in order to coordinate their tasks and movements. The reliable dissemination of these information is a crucial operation, because the AGVs may achieve an inconsistent view of the system leading to the failure of the coordination task. This has clear safety implications. Going more in deep, even if the communication are confidential and reliable, anyway the positioning information could be corrupted. Usually, vehicles get the positioning information through a secondary wireless network system such as GPS. Nevertheless, the widespread civil GPS is extremely fragile in adversarial scenarios. An insecure distance or position estimation could produce security problems such as unauthorized accesses, denial of service, thefts, integrity disruption with possible safety implications and intentional disasters. In this dissertation, we face these three problems, proposing an original solution for each one