With an ever increasing volume of critical information and servcies depending on reliable communications networks, the security of these networks has taken on paramount importance.  The CRC is exploring and developing technology to maintain this security, addressing challenges like network failures, malicious attacks, and the effcient management of complex network architectures.  With an extensive understanding of factors such as host connectivity, network topology and equipment configuration, this research has introduced new tools for monitoring and analyzing traffic flow, as well as detecting and resolving different kinds of threats.  What is more, as wireless communicaitons converge with the Internet, the CRC's interests have extended to mobile ad hoc and sensor networks.  This work is examining techniques for optimizing the layout, configuration, functionality and performance for such systems, with a wide range of civilian, industrial and military applications.

In addition, the use of fiber optic transmission lines has dramatically increased the volume and speed of data that can be handled by communications networks.  More and more organizations are acquiring the hardware for such networks, only to encounter significant operating costs to activate and maintain these systems.  CRC researchers are working with new broadband applications to overcome these challenges, ensuring the feasibility and performance of such networks.

Technologies

Self-Healing Autonomous Sensor Network

User-Controlled LightPaths (UCLP)

Intrusion Detection