Fellows

Akim FaisalJames Muldoon

MS (1st. year), Computer Engineering

Year in graduate program:1st. year
Research Topic:Wireless Telecommunications:NS-3project real-time simulation
Partner School:Fort Greene Preparatory Academy
Partner Teacher:Saranii Muller-Clark
Email Akim


Research

Under the guidance of Professor Sundeep Rangan, James is developing and implementing algorithms, which produce speed-up for the Real-Time LTE Network Simulator based on the NS-3 framework. Specifically, James is extending the traditional Chandy-Misra-Bryant algorithm used to synchronize Logical Processes (LPs) in Parallel Discrete-Event Network Simulators (PDES). The MPI (message passing interface) protocol is the backbone of the design for how the ns-3 logical processes exchange messages, including time-stamped "null messages" used to update the logical clocks of each LP. Example test cases are ran in order to ensure proper ordering of events. Also through these test cases there is logging that will occur that records the timestamps, which account for jitter or delay within the channel and delays between the messaging, and completion of a logical process. The new implementation for a distributed simulator that James is developing will help in optimizing the current ns-3 simulation of remote point-to-point processing. With the consideration that this is the base case and will be scalable in the future, the speed-up seen here will be potentially far greater in point-to-multipoint systems as well.

Integration in The Class Room

James integrates his research by teaching in middle school level (6th-8th grade) technology classes by facilitating physics, math, and robotics-based activities in the technology curriculum using LEGO NXT sensors. An emphasis was placed on the programming aspects of the robotics lessons. This was to demonstrate how efficient algorithms can make a big difference in how well a robot will perform its tasks, as well as relating this to how a simulator also needs optimized algorithms to function well. Sensor use helps draw the correlation between hard coded robotics programs and the efficiency of dynamic algorithms that work for more than one situation. The focus for how the integrated research is to establish a better understanding of wave propagation, the backbone in communication technologies, and the algorithms that handle the data transceiving. James’ embedded systems and programming background has allowed him to make real and pertinent connections between the students’ class work and the physical world around them. For example, a great lesson that helped demonstrate the idea of wave propagation (transmission mode) and then data acquisition of the wave (receive mode) used the concept of biomimetics and an ultrasonic sensor. In addition to the work directly in the classroom, James is working extensively with a partner teacher, Saranni Muller, to teach and enhance a computer-robotics based curriculum using Lego NXT robotics and Java programming. In addition to classroom implementation these lessons are being submitted for publication on the TeachEngineering website.  

 


1 - AMPS Fellow; 2 - CBRI Fellow