This award is to build a prototype data collection, processing and management system based on the specifications for NEON Embedded Cyberinfrastructure (ECI) and Cyberinfrastructure (CI) as defined in the NEON site-independent design. The specific activities are designed to reduce the risk in the final design and implementation of the NEON CI, ECI, and sensor deployment. By doing an end-to-end prototype, critical risk issues (e.g. wireless platform, sensor integration, communication functions, database interface, etc.) will be addressed. A diagnostic testbed will be established and consist of deployed environmental sensors and the NEON Wireless platform which together comprise the ECI, and the Point-of-Presence (PoP) which manages data transmissions between a NEON site and the central office. Use of a field facility will provide "real-world" challenges in implementing and managing the infrastructure and software. Together, these two components will provide a functional, end to end testbed for evaluation and refinement of NEON Cyberinfrastructure design. The ECI components will be deployed at the James Reserve, California. The CI components will be deployed at the San Diego Supercomputer Center. Broader impacts of this work will be the creation of (1) detailed specifications and benchmark metrics of NEON CI that are available to the broader CI development community that will potentially be contributing to environmental infrastructure, and (2) mechanisms for communication and coordination between NEON development teams and this broader community regarding standards and specifications.
