Engineers Work to Ease Internet Data Flow as Demand for Video Grows

by Chris Emery, Princeton University

Princeton University researchers have developed the Edge Laboratory, a miniature version of the global communications network, to develop new ideas and systems that will help ensure that future networking infrastructure will meet consumer demand. The Edge Laboratory focuses on edge networks such as 4G, Wi-Fi, U-Verse, and FiOS, which connect computers and other devices to the core communications networks.

The researchers, led by Princeton professor Mung Chiang, are working with Internet service providers and other telecommunications companies to test academic theories and help companies develop new systems for pricing and data delivery. For example, Chiang is experimenting with new ways to store and deliver content that could reduce Internet bottlenecks. The Princeton researchers also developed the Time-dependent Usage-based Broadband price Engineering system, which gives consumers more information and control over when they use the Internet and how much they pay. The system enables customers to track their usage through a mobile application and avoid downloading data-intensive files during peak usage times.

Chiang’s team notes the statistic that, by 2015 Internet consumption on mobile devices alone — smartphones, tablet computers such as the iPad and devices yet to be invented — will grow by 65 times, and video will represent 70 percent of that traffic, according to the networking company Cisco.

“People take the Internet for granted, and Internet use has exploded,” Chiang said. “”Our success at building these incredible networks may suffer under its own weight if we don’t keep innovating.”  Article