Network Modulation: An algebraic approach for efficient networking

目的：该建议提供了一种代数方法-网络调制（NeMo）-以提高多跳网络的可靠性，速率，安全性和鲁棒性。本提案的目标是（i）设计NeMo协议以提高数据包传输速率和对节点故障的鲁棒性;（ii）优化NeMo以纳入能量、延迟和数据特性的网络约束;（iii）研究NeMo技术以科普无线链路的损伤（如衰落）;以及（iv）开发随机NeMo方法以提高网络安全性以对抗嗅探和恶意攻击。该方案从符号级调制的新角度解决了多跳网络中的挑战性问题。依靠信号空间技术和代数数论，NeMo在数据持久性、可靠性和安全性方面实现了更高效的网络，同时保持了灵活性和可扩展性。除了可以直接受益于NeMo技术的传感器网络中的信息交换/收集等应用外，我们的新见解还揭示了其他网络应用（例如，更广泛的影响：所提出的工作对网络社区具有理论和实践意义。在更广泛的范围内，它将通过技术进步影响未来网络的设计。该项目将通过为研究生和本科生提供研究和学习经验来吸引他们。该项目还将加强PI与工业研究人员之间的持续合作，从而促进科学发现向应用领域的过渡。

Objective: This proposal offers an algebraic approach -- network modulation (NeMo) -- to improve reliability, rate, security and robustness of multi-hop networks. The objective of this proposal is to (i) design NeMo protocols to enhance packet delivery rate and robustness to node failures; (ii) optimize NeMo to incorporate network constraints on energy, delay, and data characteristics; (iii) investigate NeMo techniques to cope with impairments of wireless links such as fading; and (iv) develop random NeMo methods to improve network security against sniffing and malicious attacks.Intellectual Merit: This proposal tackles the challenging issues in multi-hop networks from the novel perspective of symbol-level modulation. Relying on signal space techniques and algebraic number theory, NeMo enables more efficient networking in terms of data persistence, reliability, and security, and at the same time remains flexible and scalable. Aside from applications such as information exchange/collection in sensor networks that could directly benefit from the NeMo technique, our novel insights also shed light on other networking applications (e.g., media streaming and P2P content distribution).Broader Impact: The proposed work is of both theoretical and practical significance to the networking community. At a broader scale, it will impact the design of future networks through technological advances. This project will engage both graduate and undergraduate students by offering them research and learning experiences. This project will also strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the PI and the researchers at industry, thus facilitating transition of scientific discoveries to the application domains.