2015 - Present @ IRISA/CASA
DTN, Opportunistic Networks and Opportunistic Computing
Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTN) and Opportunistic Networks are research fields pertaining to communications in challenged networks,
where end-to-end connectivity disruptions may result in impossible or delayed communications.
Team CASA focuses on challenged Mobile Adhoc NETworks (MANETs).
In a MANET, the radio range, the limited uptime of self-powered devices, and the mobility of nodes,
are factors that limit mesh networking and may hinder end-to-end connectivity between a pair of nodes.
When such disruptions occur, the MANET may actually be seen as a fragmented MANET as shown below.
In order to allow MANET nodes to communicate without reyling on a wireless network infrastructure (WLAN or wireless broadband),
the opportunistic networking approach leverages the mobility of nodes to carry messages stored locally by nodes.
Stored messages can then be forwarded to other members of the network when they opportunistically meet (i.e., get in radio range).
Opportunistic networking thus allows to connect parts of a fragmented MANET in a delayed manner as shown on the figure.
Military Opportunistic Networks
From 2020 onwards, I have started investigating the benefits of Opportunistic Computing in the military context.
Tactical communications usually rely on adhoc radio transmissions, thus forming a MANET on the battlefield.
Like in any other MANET, the connectivity depends on node mobility and range, which makes it prone to disruptions.
Since military communications cannot rely on a network infrastructure, opportunistic computing makes sense in this specific context.
Considering the criticity of the mission, I would like to study the security challenges at stake in military opportunistic networks.
