Efficient State Retention in Transiently-Powered Large-Scale Internet of Things (IoT) Networks

Traditionally, Internet of Things (IoT) devices have been powered by batteries with finite energy storage. To circumvent the limitations of this finite energy supply, IoT devices are harvesting energy, giving rise to transiently-powered IoT devices. Transiently-powered (or intermittent) IoT networks are networks of resource-constrained devices that are capable of providing correct and timely operation, i.e. operation which meets the required functionality, despite devices experiencing loss of power and crashing. The ensuing crash due to loss of power results in the state of the devices being lost. To persist state, current transient systems save their state on non-volatile memory (NVM) such as flash memory, to enable the transient network to survive the crashes gracefully. The state recording process is called checkpointing. When a crashed device has enough energy, it restarts and reloads the latest saved checkpoint. Due to resource limitations, different rules are devised for checkpointing, e.g., only saving variables that have been changed since the last checkpoint, or periodic checkpointing among others.<br /> <br /> Towards this drive to make checkpointing more efficient, recent works have shown that there are programs for which checkpointing adversely affects their performance. Further, for programs that require checkpointing, it appears that there are variables that are more critical than others for correct and timely operation of the network, suggesting that only those critical variables that have been changed since the last checkpoint that need saving. However, little work has been done to identify those critical variables. Additionally, there are relationships across various network layers, making it difficult to decide when and what to checkpoint. <br /> <br /> This project will develop the theoretical underpinnings to solve two problems: (i) what variables to checkpoint and (ii) when to checkpoint. The project will involve large scale simulations and running actual testbed experiments to test and validate the theory that will be developed. The candidate needs to have strong programming skills in C/C++, Java and Python. The candidate should also be comfortable with mathematical modelling.<br />

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2027/28</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Computer Science Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Efficient State Retention in Transiently-Powered Large-Scale Internet of Things (IoT) Networks</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/14238/professor-arshad-jhumka">Professor Arshad Jhumka</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this research degree programme should have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) and a Masters' degree in an appropriate discipline. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p>You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">For further information about this project, please contact Professor Arshad Jhumka by emailing <a href="mailto:h.a.jhumka@leeds.ac.uk">h.a.jhumka@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by emailing <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>