Cyber, Networks and Systems (CNS)
The Cyber, Networks and Systems research theme in the Department of Computer Science exists to research all aspects of cyber, networking and communicating systems.
We research the design and build of systems across multiple domains, encompassing ethical considerations, governance frameworks, privacy regulations, and technological advancements from network infrastructure to advanced computing systems. Our expertise spans cyber security and resilience in diverse sectors, including Defence and Security, Digital Twins, Critical Network Infrastructure, the Computing Continuum, (Cloud, Edge Computing, In-Network Computing) and mobile self-organising networks (VANETs, drone swarms). Our methodologies employ iterative approaches, including build-break-rebuild and adversarial design, to ensure robust systems. We prioritise human-centric design, foster digital literacy and ensure that systems are user-friendly and effective.
The main research topics in our Cyber, Networks and Systems research theme are as follows:
- Network Management
- Internet Protocols
- Network Performance Measurement and Modelling
- Network Programmability
- In-Network Computing
- Data Centre Networking
- Vehicular Network
- Accessibility and Usability
- Network Resilience
- Edge Computing
- Distributed Computing
- Scheduling and Load Balancing
- Management of Storage Systems
- Data Structures for Storage Systems
- QoS Provisioning and Enhancement in Heterogeneous Networks
- Network Security
- Data Governance and Security
The theme has its own specialist lab facilities housed within the Haslegrave Building, which include:
- a multi-computer routing and Internet algorithm test network
- a wireless sensor network development platform
- a line-rate network traffic generator
- a software defined data centre network testbed
- a programmable edge computing testbed consisting of over 300 Raspberry Pis and programmable network switches
In addition, students and members of staff are also currently sponsored by a nationally - leading cloud operator with unlimited access to virtual data centre resources. Our research work has been mainly funded by EPSRC, MoD, BAE Systems and other funding bodies. Our industrial collaborators include BAE Systems, Jennic, Arqiva, Sure, Toyota, Sensinode and Rolls Royce et al.
The CNS theme hosts a number of externally funded research projects.
- Synergistic Network Policy Management Project for Cloud Data Centres (SYNC)
- The Federated Raspberry Pi Micro-infrastructure Testbed (Fruit)
- Development of enhanced Mobility as a Service with Predictive analytics capability enabling understanding of customer behaviours (KTP)