460 research outputs found

    A framework for the dynamic management of Peer-to-Peer overlays

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    Peer-to-Peer (P2P) applications have been associated with inefficient operation, interference with other network services and large operational costs for network providers. This thesis presents a framework which can help ISPs address these issues by means of intelligent management of peer behaviour. The proposed approach involves limited control of P2P overlays without interfering with the fundamental characteristics of peer autonomy and decentralised operation. At the core of the management framework lays the Active Virtual Peer (AVP). Essentially intelligent peers operated by the network providers, the AVPs interact with the overlay from within, minimising redundant or inefficient traffic, enhancing overlay stability and facilitating the efficient and balanced use of available peer and network resources. They offer an “insider‟s” view of the overlay and permit the management of P2P functions in a compatible and non-intrusive manner. AVPs can support multiple P2P protocols and coordinate to perform functions collectively. To account for the multi-faceted nature of P2P applications and allow the incorporation of modern techniques and protocols as they appear, the framework is based on a modular architecture. Core modules for overlay control and transit traffic minimisation are presented. Towards the latter, a number of suitable P2P content caching strategies are proposed. Using a purpose-built P2P network simulator and small-scale experiments, it is demonstrated that the introduction of AVPs inside the network can significantly reduce inter-AS traffic, minimise costly multi-hop flows, increase overlay stability and load-balancing and offer improved peer transfer performance

    Space transportation systems, launch systems, and propulsion for the Space Exploration Initiative: Results from Project Outreach

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    A number of transportation and propulsion options for Mars exploration missions are analyzed. As part of Project Outreach, RAND received and evaluated 350 submissions in the launch vehicle, space transportation, and propulsion areas. After screening submissions, aggregating those that proposed identical or nearly identical concepts, and eliminating from further consideration those that violated known physical princples, we had reduced the total number of viable submissions to 213. In order to avoid comparing such disparate things as launch vehicles and electric propulsion systems, six broad technical areas were selected to categorize the submissions: space transportation systems; earth-to-orbit (ETO) launch systems; chemical propulsion; nuclear propulsion; low-thrust propulsion; and other. To provide an appropriate background for analyzing the submissions, an extensive survey was made of the various technologies relevant to the six broad areas listed above. We discuss these technologies with the intent of providing the reader with an indication of the current state of the art, as well as the advances that might be expected within the next 10 to 20 years

    Cybersecurity Paradigm Shift: The Risks of Net Neutrality Repeal to Energy Reliability, Public Safety, and Climate Change Solutions

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    This Article contends that the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) January 2018 repeal of net neutrality rules created a “zero-day” cybersecurity vulnerability for the energy sector and other criti¬¬¬cal infrastructure. “A zero-day cybersecurity vulnerability is a previously unknown flaw in a computer program that exposes the program to external manipulation.” The flaw may also reside in compromised hardware that creates a “back door” into the internet-connected device. This Article argues that cybersecurity has been primarily viewed from a “hacker paradigm” that obscures systemic threats an Internet Service Provider (ISP) can create to energy reliability and cybersecurity through paid priority and other ISP practices
 This Article contends that federal regulators, responsible entities under the FPA, and state energy sector regulators must act to identify and mitigate risks triggered by the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality rules. The energy sector’s state and federal legal duties do not allow it to rely on the market and unenforceable ISP promises to protect reliability, cybersecurity, and public safety. An open and neutral internet—the goal of net neutrality—is necessary to protect energy reliability crucial to America’s economy, public safety, national security, and deployment of climate change solutions. Following this introduction, section two of this Article discusses the ISP’s gatekeeper position on the internet and introduces the “hacker paradigm” and “cat video paradigm” that pervade internet and cybersecurity regulation. Section three provides an overview of federal energy sector reliability standards, highlighting the states’ role in energy reliability for the distribution segment of the energy grid. Section four discusses models for energy sector and critical infrastructure cybersecurity governance. Section five provides an overview of mandatory federal cybersecurity standards for the energy sector’s BPS. Section six explores the “hacker-focused” paradigm of many cybersecurity standards including the NERC standards FERC enforces for the energy sector. Section seven examines the Energy-Internet nexus, emphasizing the internet’s increasing integration into the energy sector. Section eight discusses simulations that test the electric grid for communications-induced faults and cascading failures. Section nine analyzes the consequences of FERC’s net neutrality repeal on energy sector reliability, cybersecurity, renewable energy deployment, and public safety. Finally, section ten recommends that FERC and state public utility commissions conduct grid simulations to test the effect of ISP-induced communications delays on grid reliability and renewable integration. It recommends that state energy regulators initiate proceedings to examine cybersecurity requirements for distribution-level energy resources. Those proceedings should request data from energy sector jurisdictional entities about ISP contracts and conduct, and then consider whether to limit contracts with such entities to ISPs that observe net neutrality. FERC should examine net neutrality repeal as a cybersecurity, reliability and resiliency risk in its Grid Resiliency and Reliability docket. Federal and state law require energy sector participants and regulators to ensure ISPs do not degrade Energy-Internet traffic or violate market manipulation rules and thereby compromise reliability, public safety, just and reasonable rates, the environment, and realization of climate change solutions

    Cybersecurity Paradigm Shift, The RIsk of Net Neutrality Repeal to Energy Reliability, PUblic Safety, and Climate Change Solutions

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    This Article contends that the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) January 2018 repeal of net neutrality rules creates cybersecurity vulnerabilities for the energy sector and other critical infrastructure. Unbridled from enforceable net neutrality rules, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) create systemic supply chain risks as the Internet has become embedded into the energy sector’s distributed ecosystem. This Article argues that cybersecurity has been primarily viewed from a “hacker paradigm” that obscures systemic threats such as those posed by an ISP since firewalls and traditional cybersecurity techniques do not protect against ISP conduct. The Article contends that the FCC’s failure to consider the consequences of net neutrality repeal on public safety and critical infrastructure facilities and services constitutes arbitrary and capricious decision-making under the Administrative Procedures Act. The Article recommends that the D.C. Circuit vacate the FCC’s net neutrality repeal order and remand it to the FCC for analysis of cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and public safety issues. To protect energy reliability, safety, resiliency, renewable integration, just and reasonable rates, and the environment, this article recommends that regulators and energy grid laboratories test the effect of ISP-induced communications delays on electric reliability, safety, and distributed energy generation. This article urges regulators, energy operators, and academics to address ISP and FCC-induced energy-sector cybersecurity risks

    Intermodal shipping : an examination of the security framework with emphasis on container security

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    Telecommunication Economics

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    This book constitutes a collaborative and selected documentation of the scientific outcome of the European COST Action IS0605 Econ@Tel "A Telecommunications Economics COST Network" which run from October 2007 to October 2011. Involving experts from around 20 European countries, the goal of Econ@Tel was to develop a strategic research and training network among key people and organizations in order to enhance Europe's competence in the field of telecommunications economics. Reflecting the organization of the COST Action IS0605 Econ@Tel in working groups the following four major research areas are addressed: - evolution and regulation of communication ecosystems; - social and policy implications of communication technologies; - economics and governance of future networks; - future networks management architectures and mechanisms
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