Information Spreading and Resilience in Large-scale Communication Networks

This PhD research aims to investigate, model and develop methods for providing a new form of resilience, namely information resilience, in large-scale networks, including dynamic networks (such as opportunistic networks) which are plagued by changes and uncertainties. The impending arrival of 5G networks require rapid and reliable response to information requests regardless of network conditions. Traditional concept of resilience focuses on infrastructure – protecting the underlying physical infrastructure (e.g., link layer protection) along with techniques such as load balancing and server replication that protect servers. The newer delay-tolerant networking (DTN) offers connectivity resilience to combat problems of intermittent connections. With the advent of information-centric networking (ICN) as the next inter-networking paradigm, we envisaged a new form of resilience, namely information resilience. By exploiting information-centricity, we take a novel view and focus directly on information whereby the primary target is on identifying and getting the right information, regardless of where it is, to the recipient, regardless of the network conditions. Since communication networks are nowadays largely used for disseminating information, we should protect the information directly rather than focusing on the infrastructure in the hope that the information will eventually be protected.

The PhD project will exploit the ICN paradigm where an information plane is formed by naming information and treating information items directly. We will build on the central information-centricity premises of ICN: (1) network no longer agnostic to the information communicated, (2) natural anycasting capability, and (3) the ability of the network to cache and possibly manipulate information within network elements. We will harness the broad applicability of network science which offers a rich set of analysis tools and concepts to study the inter-play between a network topology and the superimposed information plane whereby the information flow dynamics are constrained by the network structure while governed by networking protocols.

How to apply: Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.

Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.

Fully-funded studentship candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic potential with preferably a 1st class honours degree and/or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent Grade Point Average. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.