DSG Group
Distributed Systems and Data Science Group
The research of the Distributed Systems and Data Science Group (DSG) addresses pressing issues that span the broad disciplines of computer systems and data science. By improving the abstractions, mechanisms, and techniques used to build distributed and concurrent applications, the DSG aims to help these applications become more robust, secure, and ultimately better-performing. We are motivated by a goal to empower groups and individuals alike with distributed computing services, programming models, and systems that make IT more accessible – in a large, diverse, and constantly changing technological landscape, the DSG aims to help ease the confusion of managing the complex and intimidating interactions of the software, computing, and communication elements that are necessary in today’s digital infrastructure. Our group’s active research areas are:
Embedded Machine Learning and Edge Computing
Edge computing’ is a new paradigm in which the resources of a small data center are placed at the ‘edge’ of the Internet, near mobile devices, sensors, and end users. These peripheral loci have been referred to by the latest literature in the field as “micro- clouds,” “fog,” and “cloudlets.” The DSG is interested in analyzing the emerging roles of edge computing and Artificial Intelligence in the greater phenomenon of cyber-human evolution, while identifying possible challenges that edge computing systems may be faced with as the technology progresses. Specifically, the DSG seeks to answer questions regarding:
- Adaptive Federated Learning at the Edge
- Embedded Machine Learning for Resource-constrained IoT Devices
- Resource allocation in Edge & Fog Computing
Projects:
Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
In a world where groundbreaking innovations in computer and data science change our lives every day, the DSG is focused on one particular realm with important implications on our wallets: financial technology, or ‘fintech.’ Revolutionizing the way we use and exchange value, fintech encompasses such novel developments as distributed ledgers, smart contracts for trusts, digital currencies, the blockchain, and token payments. The DSG’s research inquires into questions of:
- Blockchain Interoperability, Governance, Scalability and Performance
- Payment Systems using Blockchain Technology
- DLT/blockchain Applications in Areas such as IoT, Logistics and Health
Projects:
QoS in Wireless Mesh Networks
In a Wireless Mesh Network, dozens – or even hundreds – of wireless mesh nodes are spread out across a large area, ‘talking’ to each other to share the network connection in this expanded range. The DSG is looking into:
- Micro-cloud QoS in wireless mesh networks
- Service deployment and placement in wireless mesh networks
- Performance evaluation of wireless networks
Projects: