We are entering a new era in computing, the era of ubiquitous computing. In this world, our classrooms, labs, offices, and homes will be filled with a diverse collection of sensor, display and computing devices. Ubiquitous and pervasive displays will revolutionize the way we use computers.
In such an environment, the conventional view of the network as providing bit-pipes between clients and servers will no longer be appropriate. Many of the devices available in the environment will have limited computational capabilities and be connected by limited-capacity networks. So, we need an intelligent network that will be implemented by a collection of servers and programmable routers that overlay the physical network substrate.
The award is to build a research infrastructure consisting of three components. At the "edge" of the system, will be a variety of display technologies and sensors. At the "core'' of the system, will be an intelligent network using commodity PCs and emerging network processors. Underlying everything will be commodity wired and wireless networks to provide connectivity among the edge devices and nodes in the intelligent network. This network will augment the CS Department's current network, which already includes both wired and wireless components.
