Distributed Systems

Abstract

Pervasive and mobile computing are becoming important as computers get smaller and are included in more and more appliances. They are found in mobile phones, music players, TVs, Radios, washing machines but they are becoming prevalent in areas other than consumer electronics. This assignment aims to help you understand what pervasive or ubiquitous computing is, and to allow you discover the problems that are and will be encountered integrating these devices into distributed systems in the future.

1. Pervasive and Mobile Computing

1.1. Task

You are required to give an overview of the current state of Pervasive Computing. Another term for this is ubiquitous computing [1]. The research area has developed as computer processors have become smaller allowing them to be included into more and more devices. As these devices have become more prevalent there is a need for them to work together, thus we have a new type of distributed system. They are often mobile, wireless and battery powered and very often do not have a specialist to look after them. To get you started here are some examples of areas to cover:

• Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things is an emerging topic of technical, social, and economic significance. Consumer products, durable goods, cars and trucks, industrial and utility components, sensors, and other everyday objects are being combined with Internet connectivity and powerful data analytic capabilities that promise to transform the way we work, live, and play.
• Sensor Networks: These are typically small low power devices that sense some property and communicate with each other using wireless communication.

Examine these areas first and then chose one topic for your report. Widen your search to discover what else is happening in the world of pervasive computing.

You must include a conclusion section in your report in which you asses the current state of research and try to predict how the future may develop.

Your work MUST be referenced from more than just a few web sites. There must be a full citation to any referenced. Use the library web site to find links to electronic journals. I will not accept more than about 20% web based references so be warned. Web references are not as good as references from refereed journals or conference proceedings as there is no external validation of the presented work.

1.2. Deliverables

The work will be submitted in electronic format preferably a PDF, see sample paper for format the document. The work will be submitted via the BlackBoard system. Your report should be no more than 3000 words (excluding bibliography or appendices) but may contain as many diagrams, tables or anything else that will help.

Each student is required to give a 10 minute power-point presentation on their finding to students in the class. 

References

[1] M.Weiser, "The computer for the 21st century," Scientific American, vol. 265, no. 3, pp. 94-104, 1991.