INI: The Information Networking Institute

This talk will give an overview of the spectrum of network mobility research from uncontrolled (ZebraNet) to fully controllable swarming systems (SensorFly). The talk will first give a brief intro on uncontrolled mobility by introducing our ZebraNet system. ZebraNet is a sparse mobile network designed for zebra tracking in areas with scarce infrastructure. Through two successful deployments in Kenya, the network was able to maintain coverage through uncontrolled movements of the zebras.

The talk will continue to explore controlled mobility through SensorFly. The SensorFly system is a novel, low-cost, miniature controlled-mobile aerial sensor network weighing only 30 grams each. These features permits the network to be autonomous in deployment, maintenance and adapting to the environment, overcoming the reliance of traditionally fixed networks on human intervention, large infrastructure or inefficient random methods. Main focus of the talk will be on collaborative sensing and localizing of these groups.