User-centric Networks: Building New User Experiences on Software Defined Networks

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Internet service providers (ISPs) are currently re-architecting their network equipment and practices to mirror those used in large data centres. Two large technology shifts - "Software Defined Networks" and "Network Function Virtualization" - are allowing traditional Internet routing and ISP services to be performed on commodity data-centre servers and switches and to be more programmable, automated, and responsive than ever before. Internet service providers are also drawing on the tools and experience developed in their core network transformation to extend the programmability of their networks into customer equipment.This project proposes building on the increased programmability of networks to provide new user experiences and new ways of interacting with the network. Questions include: How can users interact with a network even before they are customers? How can a device identify itself to the network or to applications? How does who a user or what a device is affect how the network behaves? What kind of customisation is possible and how can an operator manage it?The research team will focus on three projects that elaborate on these questions:1) App-centric home connectivity: The team will build an app to act as both an agent for the user and the user interface of the network. It will allow the user to manage her service and set up new devices, diagnose and report problems, fix configuration of home devices, optimise WiFi coverage, and provide service continuity.2) 'Warm' services: The team will simplify ordering and accessing service from 'always-on' networks.3) Semi-private networks: The team will create simple ways to set up private networks. Making private network access as convenient as public Internet access will give citizens and businesses of all the sizes better tools to protect their privacy and to secure 'Internet of Things' devices.