PhD Preliminary Examination

Design and Analysis of Underwater
Acoustic Networks with Reflected Links

Lloyd Emokpae

2:00pm Monday, 13 August 2012, ITE 325b, UMBC

Underwater acoustic networks (UWANs) have applications in environmental state monitoring, oceanic profile measurements, leak detection in oil fields, distributed surveillance, and navigation. For these applications, a set of nodes are employed to collaboratively monitor an area of interest and track certain events or phenomena. In addition, it is common to find autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) acting as mobile sensor nodes that perform search-and-rescue missions, reconnaissance in combat zones and coastal patrol. These AUVs are to work cooperatively to achieve a desired goal and thus need to be able to, in an ad-hoc manner, establish and sustain communication links in order to ensure some desired level of quality of service. Therefore, each node is required to adapt to environmental changes and be able to overcome broken communication links caused by external noise affecting the communication channel and due to node mobility. In addition, since radio waves tend to get absorbed in the water, it is common for most underwater applications to rely on acoustic rather than radio channels for long range communications. However, acoustic channels pose multiple challenging issues, most notably the high transmission delay due to slow signal propagation and the limited channel bandwidth due to high frequency attenuation. Furthermore, the inhomogeneous property of the water medium affects the sound speed profile while the signal surface and bottom reflections leads to multipath effects.

In this dissertation proposal, we address these networking challenges by developing protocols that take into consideration the underwater physical layer dynamics. We begin by introducing a novel surface-based reflection scheme (SBR) which takes advantage of the multipath effects of the acoustic channel. SBR works by using reflections from the water surface, and bottom, to establish non-line-of-sight communication links. SBR makes it possible to incorporate both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight links by utilizing directional antennas, which will boost the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver while promoting non-line-of-sight usage. Furthermore, we employ a directional underwater acoustic antenna which is composed of an array of hydrophones that can be summed up at various phases and amplitudes resulting in a beam-former. Networking protocols have been developed for node discovery, localization, medium access arbitration and geographical routing to exploit the SBR communication model.

To complete the dissertation, we plan to first extend the SBR scheme to be robust to Doppler frequency shifts. In our original implementation of SBR, we assume little to no drift between communicating nodes which might be acceptable for some applications. However, when dealing with AUVs, the effects of Doppler could affect the proposed channel impulse response recovery process if it is not handled properly. Thus, we plan on fine-tuning the SBR recovery mechanism to adjust for Doppler frequency shifts in real-time. Secondly, we plan on extending the proposed medium access arbitration protocol to account for varying water surface and bottom roughness which we assumed to be flat in our preliminary simulations. Thirdly, we intend to extend the proposed routing algorithm to account for multiple metrics, e.g., network delay, error rate and energy. Finally, we plan on building an acoustic modem prototype which utilizes a multimodal directional transducer to validate the SBR scheme. We also plan on validating the SBR scheme on the proposed acoustic modem using a water tank.

Committee: Drs. Mohamed Younis (Chair), John Pinkston, Tulay Adali and Ryan Robucci

Photo courtesy baltimoretech.net

Take a look at the interactive map developed by Baltimoretech.net. The map identifies the locations of Baltimore startups, accelerators, incubators, investors, and more. It even shows which start-ups are hiring.

Photo courtesy baltimoretech.net

Take a look at the interactive map developed by Baltimoretech.net. The map identifies the locations of Baltimore startups, accelerators, incubators, investors, and more. It even shows which start-ups are hiring.

You know the saying: It’s not what you know, but who you know that matters.

Well, it’s a saying for a reason.

If you want to have an edge in today's economy, having friends in high places can only help. Baltimore is a growing hotbed of startups with a burgeoning technology community. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, or just want to mingle with a few like minds, here are five organizations, sites, or projects that you should check out to help you connect with Baltimore's technology community.

Innovate Baltimore:

Co-founders Tina Tyndal (brand strategist and marketing guru) and Benjamin Walsh (Producer, Bethesda Softworks) started Innovate Baltimore as a social community for creative technology leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and enthusiasts in Baltimore. “Our mission includes providing individuals with networking and educational opportunities which will allow them to generate new ideas, foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the technology community in the region,” explains the website.

Get involved: Innovate Baltimore has regular meet-ups. Check out Innovate Baltimore’s September Networking Social: September 21^st at The Get Down.

Baltimore Node:

Since 2009, Baltimore Node has been a member-run hackerspace that offers a collaborative environment where people can hack, craft, and make interesting things. Members have 24/7 access to the space and free use of the shared equipment and tools. Plus, the space brings together like-minded tech enthusiasts for potential collaborations. Anyone can join, as long as they can contribute $50 in monthly dues.

Get Involved: Baltimore Node meetings happen every other Thursday. They also sponsor workshops and events.

Baltimoretech.net:

Curious about the faces behind Baltimore’s start-ups? Take a look at Baltimoretech.net, which is basically a social networking tool for local entrepreneurs, developers, designers, Social Media “Ninjas”, and investors. Here you can check out the profiles and projects of over 200 people who’ve made a name for themselves in the community. The site also lists notable Baltimore startups, local events, and job opportunities. For students interested in getting involved, but who don’t know what’s out there, this is a great database of information.

Get Involved: Go ahead, browse a little. Then reach out to a company or person that catches your eye. While you’re at it, why not make your own profile.

Technically Baltimore:

Get your local tech news here. A collaborative project between Technical.ly and local entrepreneur extraordinaire Mike Brenner, this news site just stepped into the tech scene. The site is dedicated to the three following areas:

• Entrepreneurship and business innovation for job growth/retention
• Smarter workforce and opportunities for digital access/education
• Civic hacking and workflow management for govt policy/reform

Get Involved: Sign up for their weekly newsletter, follow them on Twitter, and Facebook.

Ignite Baltimore:

Voted “Best Nerd’s Night Out” by the City Paper, Ignite Baltimore brings together 16 thinkers from a range of disciplines to share one idea in five minutes on stage. These mini-lectures span from technology to science to art to anything you can imagine. The purpose is to encourage conversation and collaboration across cultures and disciplines. It’s also an opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals.

Get Involved: Ignite Baltimore #11 is schedule for October 18, 2012 in MICA’s Brown Center. Or, if you’ve got something to say, why not submit a proposal?

Photo Courtesy governor.maryland.gov

Motorola Solutions is looking for an intern to work on the state's new Maryland FiRST website. Maryland FiRST, or Maryland First Responders Interoperable Radio System Team, will connect Maryland's first responders over a secure 700 MHz radio system.

The following is a job description,  taken from a UMBC News post:

It will consist of approved design documentation for public viewing, as well as, secured information for those who are allowed to login.  This site will be organized for easy-viewing of the system description, site map, and relevant documents.  This site will also include a map of the state with site names and hyperlinks in order to get more detailed information about each site.  This web developer will also need to be strong in requirements development, have great organization skills, be creative, efficient and a team player.  Ongoing maintenance of the site will be necessary, too, as documents get updated and additional design documents get added.

 

Furthermore, this position has an added opportunity to use an “SNMP Management Software” tool to develop a “Manager of Managers” for the entire alarming system of the MD FiRST Radio System.  The position offers opportunity to be creative, work with other people and develop tools that will be used for decades by the State of Maryland’s Public Safety Agencies.

Applicants must be graduating on or after June 2013, be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree, and must have classes or coursework in Computer Science Software Development or Software Engineering.

This paid internship offers $17-25/hour depending on year, experience, and skills.

Apply for the position via UMBCworks, and through the following link.

Photo Courtesy governor.maryland.gov

Motorola Solutions is looking for an intern to work on the state's new Maryland FiRST website. Maryland FiRST, or Maryland First Responders Interoperable Radio System Team, will connect Maryland's first responders over a secure 700 MHz radio system.

The following is a job description,  taken from a UMBC News post:

It will consist of approved design documentation for public viewing, as well as, secured information for those who are allowed to login.  This site will be organized for easy-viewing of the system description, site map, and relevant documents.  This site will also include a map of the state with site names and hyperlinks in order to get more detailed information about each site.  This web developer will also need to be strong in requirements development, have great organization skills, be creative, efficient and a team player.  Ongoing maintenance of the site will be necessary, too, as documents get updated and additional design documents get added.

 

Furthermore, this position has an added opportunity to use an “SNMP Management Software” tool to develop a “Manager of Managers” for the entire alarming system of the MD FiRST Radio System.  The position offers opportunity to be creative, work with other people and develop tools that will be used for decades by the State of Maryland’s Public Safety Agencies.

Applicants must be graduating on or after June 2013, be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree, and must have classes or coursework in Computer Science Software Development or Software Engineering.

This paid internship offers $17-25/hour depending on year, experience, and skills.

Apply for the position via UMBCworks, and through the following link.

Photo Courtesy bioparks.aurp.net

A year ago, Northrop Grumman partnered with bwtech@UMBC to form the Cync program with the goal of “identifying, developing, and commercializing technologies that will meet the cybersecurity needs of the DOD, DHS, DOJ and Intelligence communities,”says the website. Since then, the program has supported five technology startups—AccelerEyes, Five Directions, KoolSpan, Oculis Labs, and Rogue Networks—by providing them with office and laboratory space in UMBC’s research park, business mentorship, and access to the incubator’s resources.

According to a press release, the Cync companies are thriving, and two have earned Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Fast Track awards. Interest in the program—which seeks out companies that focus on situational awareness/visualization, sensors, processing, workflow management, and modeling simulation–is growing. Throughout the country, there are over 100 additional companies interested in participating.

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski spoke about the benefits of the program:

“This university-industry partnership is helping companies develop solutions to guard against current and future cyber threats, and it’s bringing some of the best minds in cybersecurity to our campus,” said Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC. “The companies provide educational and internship opportunities for our students while also contributing to the strength of Maryland’s economy.”

Chris Valentino, director, contract research and development, Cyber Intelligence division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems says the company has plans to extend the program on a global level.

To learn more about the Cync program, visit the program's website.
 

That was one expensive bug.

Knight Capital Group installed a new version of its algorithmic trading software which started aggressively buying up shares of 140 companies on the New York Stock Exchange not long after the markets opened on Wednesday.

"Wizzard Software, for example, shot above $14 after closing the night before at $3.50. Abercrombie & Fitch jumped 9 percent within minutes, hitting $36.75 after closing the night before at $33.80. Harley-Davidson suddenly fell 12 percent, to $37.84 from $43.23."

The sudden swings in stock prices and surging trading volume disrupted the stock markets before Knight noticed the problem and shut down its software after just 45 minutes.

After the dust settled, Knight's automatic trader had lost $400 million — almost $10M a minute. To make matters worse, it's own stock's value has collapsed, losing three-quarters of its value, putting the company at risk as it seeks financing or a new owner.

Knight's bad day is a symptom of a larger problem in our financial systems and, perhaps, in a complex society in which automated systems play key roles.

"For investors, it was the latest breakdown in the increasingly complicated electronic systems that run stock trading. Those systems have been showing signs of strain as more traders and big investment firms use powerful computers to carry out trades in mere fractions of a second. These trading issues have become so problematic and frequent that many experts believe they have shaken investors' faith in markets, especially after the deep losses they suffered during the financial crisis and the recession that followed. As a result, many small investors have been fleeing the stock market."

This week's fiasco is the the third stock trading debacle in the last five months. Such problems present us with new challenges in understanding how we can build automated software systems that can perform important and consequential actions safely.  This will require advances in software engineering, artificial ingelligence, and distributed systems as well as ensuring that computing practitioners understand and employ best practices in building software systems.

Welcome class of 2016! We're so glad you chose to study Computer Science or Computer Engineering at UMBC! Now that you're here, we thought you might like a little tour of our department so that you can make the most of the next four years. We don't promise they'll be easy, but we do promise they'll be challening, rewarding, and fun.

Figuring out what courses you need to take is an important first step. All UMBC students, whether they're majoring in Mathematics or French or Media and Communications Studies, have to take General Education Program (GEP) requirements. These are the courses that make you a well-rounded college student. They introduce you to subjects you may have never noticed, like… Asian Studies.

Then there are the courses you take for your major. These are different for the Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs, so click on your major to see what classes you should take, and to learn more about different tracks in fields like Game Development and Information Assurance.

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering

If you're having trouble figuring out which courses to take and  when, don't despair. That's what your advisor is for. At some point during the semester, head over to room 204 in the Information Technology/ Engineering Building (ITE) and sign up for an advisor.

If you ever find yourself saying those two words, then head over to the Computer Science Help Center for some free tutoring. Located in ITE 201E, it's staffed by your fellow Computer Science students and is open Monday through Friday.

For other problems, head over to the CSEE department office, located in ITE 325. Our supportive staff is here to help Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You've got interests, right? Well at UMBC, there's a club for that. Whether you one day aspire to create the next video game sensation, are confident in your infallible chess game, or would like to help encourage more women to study a technology field, you can find a club that will speak to your interests. Joining a club is a great way to boost your resume, learn new things, and connect with faculty and students. Plus, it’s fun. Check out a list of all of UMBC’s student organizations.

UMBC's special because we offer undergraduates a chance–and, sometimes money–to work on their own research projects. Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) of up to $1,500 are available for promising research projects and Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) gives undergrads a chance to present their findings to an eager audience. Start thinking about research now. The first step is to attend lab meetings and find out what research opportunities are out there. Take a look at our department's research labs, and see what current students are researching.

Follow us on Facebook. Join our myUMBC group. That way you’ll be the first to know about departmental news. We’ll tell you about job and internship opportunities and events you won’t want to miss. Like they say, knowledge is power.

If you want some idea of what a well-rounded Computer Science or Computer Engineering major looks like, take a look at our students below. In their own words, they talk about internships they've had, clubs they are part of, and what they like most about UMBC. Click on the photo below to meet the students.

We’ve known it all along, but now it’s official: we’re cool.

At least, Forbes thinks so.

The magazine rated the country’s 65 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Metropolitan Divisions and came up with a list of the top 20 coolest cities in America. Among the expected winners like New York, NY (#10), San Francisco, CA (#9), and Washington D.C. (#2), was Baltimore at a solid #14.

Cities were rated in seven areas: Arts & Culture Index (entertainment value), Recreation Index (which factors in green space, college sports teams, and recreational opportunities), Diversity Index, Number of Local Eats, Median Age, Unemployment, and 2011 Net Migration.

Here are the stats for Charm City:

M.S.A.: Baltimore-Towson, MD
Arts & Culture Index: 96 (out of 100)
Recreation Index: 98 (out of 100)
Diversity Index: 57 (out of 100)
Number of Local Eats: 4,451
Median Age: 38
Unemployment: 7.1%
2011 Net Migration: 4,610 people

Check out the rest of this list here. You might be surprised at the #1 coolest city in America.

What do you think is the coolest thing about Baltimore?