Session Management for Multicast Communication
M.Comp.Sc. Thesis Topic

Multicasting is a useful technology for distributing identical content (e.g., video) to a group of subscribers.  However, it is difficult to use, because "native multicast" routing is not widely deployed by the Network Service Providers.

This project is concerned with evaluating a proposal for group management, both by formally validating the protocols to be used, and by constructing a working demonstration of a content delivery system that is managed by the proposed method.

Requirements
Good C/C++ programming skills
Understanding of networking (Comp 445 or COMP 646 completed), or equivalent
Interest in formal approaches to demonstrating correctness

Desirable background
Knowledge of installation and configuring of routers
Knowledge of (publically available) video servers and video clients for the PC

Timing
To start 2010 May 1

Financial support
Support is available for one year.  It may become available beyond one year, but this will be subject to the availability of funds.

Suggested candidate
1) An M.Ap.Comp.Sc. student who is already in the program and who wishes to transfer to the M.Comp.Sc. program
2) A new student who has already applied for admisison to the summer session, starting May 2010.  (Such a student would preferably already be in the Montreal area.)

How to apply
Please send email indicating your interest to Dr. J.W. Atwood (bill@cse.concordia.ca), enclosing a CV.  I will contact some candidates to arrange a personal interview.