Self-Funded PhD Research Project
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Department of Engineering
Project Reference Number: SEBE_SELF_TB1
Project Title: Novel switching technique for computer networking
Self-funded research applications are invited for the following PhD project at Glasgow Caledonian University. Please note that as this project is not funded by a university studentship, the successful candidate will be required to source external funding for the research degree fees and living expenses while studying at the university.
Research Discipline areas
Computer networking
Distributed Systems
Research Theme(s)
Sustainable Environments –Efficient Systems
Research Supervisor Contact
Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researcher for further details on the proposed research project area.
Dr. Tuleen Boutaleb – School of Engineering and Built Environment/Institute of Sustainable Engineering and Technology
Research Project Summary
GCU researchers have concluded that the increasing capacity of optical-fibre circuits along with the availability of algorithms that enable a circuit to be efficiently utilised could lead to the development of a new switching method for the Internet, i.e., rather than using these circuits as simple conduits between routers that instead the circuit itself would function as a “distributed switch”.
The aim of the project would be to verify the above statement by executing the following steps:
1. Identify traffic patterns where service could be provided via a distributed switch, and, also, to estimate the percentage of Internet traffic that could be served by distributed switches.
2. Prepare a simulation, using OPNET or equivalent, of a distributed-switch network serving a specific group, e.g., the Scottish universities.
3. Evaluate the performance of the simulated distributed switch with typical Internet traffic such as file transfer, messaging and of most important, video-streaming.
Theoretically, distributed switching would provide substantial economic benefits while supporting both congestion-free packet services and fixed-bandwidth services. A distributed switch requires only that each user be connected via a single NIC (network interface card); no central control. The new NICs will be equivalent in cost to existing NICs, the same bandwidth is utilised (to be investigated), therefore the economic benefit of using a distributed switch should be approximately equal to the capital and operating costs of the displaced routers.
Proposing the shared use of optical-fibre circuits follows general practice: billions of cell phones and WiFi devices share a common medium.
Mode(s) of Study
This project is available as a:
· PhD: 3 years full-time
· PhD: 4.5 years part-time
Institute/Research Groups (if applicable)
Networks and Communications research group.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Eligibility
Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.
How to Apply
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor contact for the project before applying.
Applicants should complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/ ) stating the project title and reference number and attaching a research proposal.
The form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and any other relevant documentation to: . Applicants shortlisted for a PhD will be contacted for an interview.
Application Deadlines
The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application deadlines for 2015-16 are as follows:
· May 2016 Start - 1 March 2016
· October 2016 Start - 30 June 2016
· February 2017 Start - 1 December 2016
Research Degree Fees
Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/feesfunding/
Version3.0Apr15