From Wireless and Sensor Networks to Convergence: Theory, Protocols, and Architecture

We begin with the question: How much traffic can wireless networks carry, and how should information be transported across them? We present a network information theory to address this question.

Then we turn to the protocol needs of ad hoc wireless networks. We present three such protocols for problems arising especially in wireless networks – power control (COMPOW), media access (SEEDEX), and routing (STARA). We highlight not only the algorithms, but also the role of architecture in software implementation of protocols.

Next we turn to the emerging area of sensor networks, and address the issue of data fusion. We present some results on how computation and communication should be organized over the network in order to determine functions of the sensor measurements at a fusion center.

Finally, we address the issue of where we are headed in the next phase of the information technology revolution. We begin with the historical context, and then to the possible oncoming convergence of control with communication and computation. We highlight the importance of architecture and abstractions. We present some middleware efforts underway at the Information Technology lab at the University of Illinois.

(Joint work with G. Baliga, A. Giridhar, S. Graham, K. Huang, V. Kawadia, S.
Narayanaswamy, R. Rozovsky, P. Gupta, V. Borkar).