Ellis Horowitz - US grants

This is a project to build a mesh multiprocessor, in which memory busses run along the rows and columns. A dual-ported memory at each grid point in the square mesh is connected to its row bus and its column bus. There is one processor for each element of the main diagonal, which can be connected either to its row or its column. The multiprocessor is to be used in image processing, and may also have some application to the matrix computations used for simulating neural networks.

This award is for the acquisition of a network testbed for the experimental networking and distributed database research at the University of Southern California. The primary research activities are concentrated in two main areas: Network Control Protocols and Distributed Databases. The main feature that these two diverse research areas share is a need to (1) solve problems involving multiple nodes, (2) complement existing modeling, simulation, emulation, and small scale implementations with multi-node prototypes, (3) isolate the resulting network from the campus production network, and (4) employ a support staff to maintain and operate the network. The study of distributed networks is important because of the wide availability of inexpensive workstations that can be easily linked together. Not so easy is how to utilize these networks effectively. The study of network protocols is critical to this task as is the study of distributed databases. This award supports both areas.

A new trust model will be developed for grid metacomputing over multiple administrative domains. The GridSec enhances grid operations with seamless security, assured privacy, data integrity, confidentiality, and optimized resource allocations. Distributed micro firewalls and intrusion repelling libraries for protecting grid resources will be generated as a part of this project. The new security system will be designed to adjust itself dynamically with changing threat patterns and network conditions. Fine-grain resource-access control at the file, device, and storage levels will be designed to enhanced the trusted aspect of the system.
The results of this project will benefits all grid applications and offers protection of
shared grid resources. The eventual construction of a production grid platform dedicated for global emergency response and crisis management is one of the project's goals. This work integrates advanced security research with higher education. The project enhances Internet and grid security, reduces the vulnerability of our society, and protects the global economy as a whole. The broader impacts are far reaching in science, education, business, and governments.