Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Cloud computing and services have proven to offer efficient information technology solutions for many businesses and applications. However, with the rapid growth of internet of things (IoT) and the demand for massive-connectivity, Cloud computing encounters several challenges such as high latency, vulnerability and capacity constraints, to name few. Fog computing is now dominating the scene as a viable and complementary solution for the challenges of the Cloud, as it enables fast and intelligent computation, routing and networking, and storage. It is the key enabler for the future IoT and 5G networks. *The objective of this proposal is to acquire state-of-the-art equipment that is essential to conduct practical implementation and analysis of the ongoing and upcoming projects related to Fog computing and heterogeneous networks. These projects are led by the applicants in the topics of Internet of underwater things, Framework for the Next Generations of IoT, Big Data and Wireless Technologies for Smart Cities, Highly Secure Protocols for Critical Communications, Network Softwarization, Smart Management for Futuristic Data Centers, and others. *The equipment allows the buidling a full-fledged ultra-dense heterogeneous Fog network. This platform consists of three segments, Fog server, Gateways, and heterogeneous network. The Fog server is a powerful processing and storage unit; it hosts and manages server nodes that can be sliced to accommodate numerous types of network functionalities. The second segment is the Gateways that can coordinate between each other and connect the Fog server to various networks and devices. The third segment is the heterogeneous network that contains diverse IoT sensors, mobile terminals, and other devices. This segment provides connectivity between networks and devices with different access protocols and applications requirements.*The equipment will be used to consolidate our young research groups who are working on realistic challenges in the fields of IoT networks, security of IoT and 5G, network virtualization solutions, Fog computing. It will be used in the development and validation stages of several projects. It will significantly enhance the practicality, reliability, and credibility of the outcomes, hence increase their market and scientific values. *The resultant solutions will be validated in realistic network scenarios and hence leading to several innovations and marketable patents. Additionally, using this equipment will empower our findings to be published in high-impact international journals and scientific events, which increases the international reputation of networking-research in Canada. *High-quality training will be offered to the researchers who intend to benefit from this equipment; they will gain expertise on the latest IoT technologies. Such unique hand on experience will empower them with competitive and highly demanded skills and feed the Canadian job-market with Highly Qualified Personal.*