Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The main objective of this proposal is to introduce a next-generation overlay network that lies between the applications and the underlying heterogenous substrate networks. This overlay understands the performance requirements specific to each application, and optimizes them by managing and allocating various types of network resources. The overlay acts as the glue that holds the different substrate networks together and presents a transparent interface to the applications. It also functions as an intelligent optimizing network managing layer which takes specifications from applications and optimally delivers services to satisfy the differing requirements. To achieve such an objective, first an accurate mathematical model of the overlay network residing on top of heterogeneous substrates (wired, wireless mobile, wireless sensor) will be developed. Then, the model identification must be obtained, in a decentralized manner. Finally, methods and algorithms for the application-aware network optimization will be developed.