Προκήρυξη:
The South East European Research Centre invites applications for studying towards a PhD degree of The University of Sheffield, through the Doctoral Programme of SEERC. The deadline for applying is May 30, 2016. (http://seerc.org/new/docs/phdcalls/SEERC_phd_call_2016-2017.pdf)
The PhD programme is run jointly by the International Faculty of The University of Sheffield CITY College and the Sheffield based Faculties of the University, under a joint supervision scheme. The programme is hosted by the South East European Research Centre (SEERC), a Research Centre of the University's International Faculty based in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The University has clear minimum entry requirements. These are the following:
- A relevant first Degree (Normally with Distinction)
- A relevant Master's Degree (Normally with Distinction)
- Proof of English Language Qualifications
Topic Title: Energy Conservation and QoS in IoT Communications
Topic Description:
One of the biggest challenges today in the area of computer networking and data communications is enabling the Internet of Things (IoT). A lot of research is now concentrated on techniques that would allow interoperability of connected devices. On top of this necessary condition for the successful deployment of IoT applications is the ability of functioning in a power efficient manner. Different types of IoT devices are expected to be of small size, with limited energy autonomy. For instance, small sensing devices which are deployed in distributed locations far from some power source need to stay operational for long time without requiring recharging. Towards that direction, it is crucial to develop and apply smart techniques that allow advanced energy conservation without notable degradation of performance. Additionally, the successfulness of the IoT paradigm greatly depends on the ability of the related applications to ensure high Quality of Experience (QoE). This implies the need for adaptive networking behaviour, which allows traffic differentiation and optimization of the crucial performance metrics. Moreover, IoT devices are planned to be used for critical monitoring applications, such as in industrial environments and healthcare systems. So, it is evident that efficient and reliable techniques for prioritising information are required, providing in that way advanced Quality of Service (QoS) support. The main aim of this project is the conceptualization, development, and evaluation of protocols that provide energy conservation and QoS in IoT applications. Related cutting-edge techniques that enhance communications in the IoT architecture need to be thoroughly studied and the corresponding research gaps should be identified. The introduction of novel schemes for effective communications, focusing on the MAC, Network (routing) or higher layers of the protocol stuck, is an important parameter. The conceived protocols (or improved versions of existing ones) have to be evaluated in comparison with known approaches through simulation and/or mathematical analysis. By the end of this project, a working prototype that includes IoT devices programmed with different communication protocols should be developed and evaluated. Skills/experience on the following fields would be appreciated: - Wireless sensors - Network modelling/simulation - Communications protocols - Board-based Systems (such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi) - Software development (programming/scripting) - Unix-like systems - Statistics (for mathematical analysis)
In order to apply, PhD candidates need to download the Application Form (http://www.seerc.org/new/docs/SEERC%20Postgrad%20App%20Form.pdf) along with the Guidance Notes (http://www.seerc.org/new/docs/SEERC%20Guidance%20notes%20for%20PhD%20Form%202014.pdf) from SEERC's web site (http://www.seerc.org/new/index.php/doctoral-programme/how-to-apply.html), complete the application, and then send, by post the application folder to SEERC and by e-mail to phd_admissions@seerc.org.
Supervisor from the International Faculty:
Dr Thomas Lagkas (T.Lagkas@sheffield.ac.uk)