Collaborative Research: ITR: Network Coding - From Theory to Practice

网络编码从理论到实践网络资源的有效利用是当今社会信息化的一个中心目标。尽管在理解网络能够、正在和应该运行的模式方面付出了巨大的努力，但一个统一而简洁的网络理论仍然难以捉摸。在此背景下，本研究旨在开发和利用一些传统上独立的，网络相关的问题的综合视图。 在这种情况下，研究小组将调查不同的问题，从网络结构的基本问题，采用网络编码在一系列特定的网络场景，网络鲁棒性，网络信息理论方面的问题，涉及网络的实际方面的问题。这个雄心勃勃的项目是由“网络编码”的概念驱动的，最近的发现是这个建议的核心。网络编码不仅是一种新的、锐利的工具，有可能打开停滞的基础研究领域，而且由于其交叉性，它自然地建议对以前分割的领域进行统一处理。 特别是，该研究解决了网络编码在网络管理，网络信息理论，压缩和信道编码在网络和分布式调度和路由算法的背景下的相互作用。 对网络在不同任务中固有的基本性能限制的理解，不仅有可能为网络理论奠定基石，而且有可能在以前未连接的区域之间建立新的和强大的桥梁。

ABSTRACT0325496Muriel MedardMassachusetts Inst. of TechNetwork Coding --- From Theory to PracticeThe efficient use of network resources is a central objective in making information available in today's society. Despite an enormous effort in understanding the modes in which networks can, do, andshould operate, a unified and concise theory of networking has remained elusive. Before this backdrop, this research aims at developing and leveraging a combined view of a number of traditionally separate, network-related issues. In this context, the research team will investigate issues varying from fundamental questions about the structure of networks employing network coding over an array of specific network scenarios, network robustness, network information theoretic aspects to questions involving practical aspects of networks.This ambitious project is driven by the notion of "Network Coding", a recent discovery that is central to this proposal. Not only is network coding a fresh and sharp tool that has the potential to open up stagnant fundamental areas of research, but due to its cross-cutting nature it naturally suggests a unified treatment of previously segmented areas. In particular, the research addresses the interplay of network coding in the context of network management, network information theory, compression and channel codes in networks anddistributed scheduling and routing algorithms. The understanding of intrinsic fundamental performance limits of networks across different tasks, holds the potential to not only create a cornerstone in thetheory of networks but also to build new and robust bridges between previously unconnected areas.