Lee McKNIGHT

Remote, rural, and peri-urban (rural-urban transition zone) communities experience unavailable, unaffordable, and inaccessible Internet connectivity. Internet connectivity for the 34% of the world’s population that is currently without Internet access is a global challenge. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite systems, many hope, can overcome the prohibitive costs of delivering broadband (BB) equivalent to FTTx technologies in rich countries to underserved regions… Mehr zeigen

Remote, rural, and peri-urban (rural-urban transition zone) communities experience unavailable, unaffordable, and inaccessible Internet connectivity. Internet connectivity for the 34% of the world’s population that is currently without Internet access is a global challenge. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite systems, many hope, can overcome the prohibitive costs of delivering broadband (BB) equivalent to FTTx technologies in rich countries to underserved regions. However, technical, and commercial challenges raise doubts that satellite-based broadband alone provides a solution. Moreover, most government universal service policies are top-down approaches extending infrastructure toward underserved edges. They rely on subsidies for telecommunications network-centric business models informed by service-provider-centric cost models and coarse demographics to characterize potential BB demand. They lack community engagement for nuanced understanding of local needs. They did not work well in developed nations, while developing countries often simply replicated these ineffective policy approaches.

This research paper makes the case for how bottom-up strategies can offer a more effective approach for getting the unconnected connected in many unserved and underserved communities around the globe. We present preliminary case studies in Costa Rica and Ghana of community-based “infrastructureless” network models for micro-deployments of Internet connectivity (i.e., Internet access ISP-in-a-backpack) are assessed. Cloud to edge cyberphysical systems for sustainable resilient connectivity should include sustainable energy, the evidence suggests. Internet Backpack-integrated ‘mini-microgrids’ of solar panels, batteries and charge adaptors have operated effectively across dozens of nations, demonstrating real-world viability. Weniger anzeigen

The authors of this book are (in alphabetical order): Carlos Baca, Luca Belli, Senka Hadzic, Erik Huerta, Lee W.McKnight, Ronaldo Neves de Moura Filho, Niels ten Oever, Raquel Rennó, and Karla Velasco.
This book is the Official 2022 Outcome of the Dynamic Coalition on Community Connectivity (DC3) of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF). DC3 is a multistakeholder group, fostering a collaborative analysis of community networks (CNs), exploring how such initiatives can improve and… Mehr zeigen

The authors of this book are (in alphabetical order): Carlos Baca, Luca Belli, Senka Hadzic, Erik Huerta, Lee W.McKnight, Ronaldo Neves de Moura Filho, Niels ten Oever, Raquel Rennó, and Karla Velasco.
This book is the Official 2022 Outcome of the Dynamic Coalition on Community Connectivity (DC3) of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF). DC3 is a multistakeholder group, fostering a collaborative analysis of community networks (CNs), exploring how such initiatives can improve and expand connectivity while empowering Internet users. As the DC3 has demonstrated over the past seven years, community networks represent an important complementary strategy that can foster not only connectivity but also sustainability and the full enjoyment of human rights. CNs are crowd-sourced collaborative networks, developed in a bottom-up fashion by groups of individuals – i.e., communities – that design, develop and manage the network infrastructure as a common resource. Hence, CNs are connectivity initiatives managed according to the governance models established by their community members, in a democratic fashion, and may be operated by groups of self-organized individuals or entities such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local businesses or public administrations.
CNs should not be considered as a competing or antagonistic model either to the state or to the market. On the contrary, they should be seen as a particularly interesting complementary solution to fill the existing connectivity gaps. Weniger anzeigen

To overcome design and integration challenges of microgrids with the legacy grid, the future power grid needs careful application of information and communication technologies. Additionally, to meet local needs and for better control, decentralized microgrids may be a realistic solution with controls that integrate communication, smart metering, and cogeneration. The real time information processing capability leads to a robust, cost-effective, and scalable solution. Next, to establish an… Mehr zeigen

To overcome design and integration challenges of microgrids with the legacy grid, the future power grid needs careful application of information and communication technologies. Additionally, to meet local needs and for better control, decentralized microgrids may be a realistic solution with controls that integrate communication, smart metering, and cogeneration. The real time information processing capability leads to a robust, cost-effective, and scalable solution. Next, to establish an efficient transaction infrastructure which will be transparent for select data and information types, while simultaneously keeping users’ information private, a blockchain-based mechanism may be an acceptable approach. In this paper, we review research efforts and protocol implementations in this area. We contend that most prior work has focused on market-making aspects without sufficient focus on control system engineering for user privacy and system security in diverse possible blockchain energy grid redesigns. Weniger anzeigen

This article assesses the results of a STEM education pilot project bringing cyber-physical infrastructure for broadband connectivity, trusted devices, and secure cloud and privacy and rights-protecting edge cognitive computing and wireless services, to underserved New York City school children at Timothy Dwight PS 33X in the South Bronx, PS 91 Albany Avenue School and PS 316 Elijah Stroud Elementary School, both in Brooklyn, New York, USA. This pilot study, initiated in 2017, demonstrated how… Mehr zeigen

This article assesses the results of a STEM education pilot project bringing cyber-physical infrastructure for broadband connectivity, trusted devices, and secure cloud and privacy and rights-protecting edge cognitive computing and wireless services, to underserved New York City school children at Timothy Dwight PS 33X in the South Bronx, PS 91 Albany Avenue School and PS 316 Elijah Stroud Elementary School, both in Brooklyn, New York, USA. This pilot study, initiated in 2017, demonstrated how the innovative Internet Backpack could bring immediate connectivity and digital and physical (cyber-physical) resource-sharing including cognitive wireless networks to many school children simultaneously, much faster than previously thought possible, or affordable. Projecting from this successful pilot, in this paper we explain how we anticipate that the results will serve to focus further action by all stakeholders on the broadband underserved wherever they may be. We suggest utilizing the Internet Backpack to develop a gap-filling last few hundred feet road map of where broadband connectivity is otherwise lacking and hence hindering school children’s education performance and opportunities to explore STEM learning topics. This model can guide future buildouts of broadband Internet and cyber-physical infrastructure to help address both the Covid-19 pandemic emergency and the ongoing, longstanding systemic societal emergencies exacerbated by limited Internet access in resource-constrained communities. Our initial pilot data shows improvement in both student scientific reasoning and science mastery when uninterrupted Internet connectivity is provided, allowing students to engage in both curricular and extracurricular science projects unimpeded by digital divides. Weniger anzeigen

Wireless grid research and innovation - what we now call cloud to edge or Internet of Things cyberphysical systems research - spearheaded by Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) with diverse partners and with support from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Engineering, and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) has led to the invention of an Internet Backpack which is capable of bringing connectivity anywhere, sustainably. The Internet… Mehr zeigen

Wireless grid research and innovation - what we now call cloud to edge or Internet of Things cyberphysical systems research - spearheaded by Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) with diverse partners and with support from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Engineering, and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) has led to the invention of an Internet Backpack which is capable of bringing connectivity anywhere, sustainably. The Internet Backpack is also a microgrid with a solar panel and battery included. This paper focuses on preliminary findings from ongoing Internet Backpack pilot deployments which were initiated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2017, in Liberia in 2018 and in Costa Rica in 2019. We find that by design, the Internet Backpack's cloud to edge cyberphysical platform is capable of flexible and affordable connectivity across more than 11 physical and software-defined/cyberphysical networks, for over 90% of the planet. Further, we find that Internet Backpacks as a service can significantly contribute to accelerating the availability of affordable Internet access for the 3.5 Billion people presently excluded from full participation in realizing their individual human development due to, among other things, lack of Internet access. The paper concludes that Internet Backpacks and other Community Network platforms will likely become more readily available for education, disaster preparedness and other humanitarian uses because of their paradigm-shifting potential for connectivity cost reductions and service enhancements for many people and regions around the world presently largely excluded from sustainable development. Weniger anzeigen

Access to the Internet is typically achieved through cell towers or a “hub and spoke” wireless local area network (WLAN) Wi-Fi service and backhaul model. These are dependent on centralized access point routing devices to commercially provided Internet Service Provider ISP internet connections and exchange points.

In a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), devices are linked together as nodes participating in the joint routing and dynamic sharing of information, albeit with other trade-offs… Mehr zeigen

Access to the Internet is typically achieved through cell towers or a “hub and spoke” wireless local area network (WLAN) Wi-Fi service and backhaul model. These are dependent on centralized access point routing devices to commercially provided Internet Service Provider ISP internet connections and exchange points.

In a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), devices are linked together as nodes participating in the joint routing and dynamic sharing of information, albeit with other trade-offs such as possible security vulnerabilities and resultant lack of trust. Mobile and other ad hoc networks nonetheless may have significant advantages over “classical” network structures especially in emergency situations requiring agility, rapid adaptation, and resiliency. After describing ad hoc network and edgeware technology and defining the most important terms, this research paper presents the advantages and identifies some non-emergency applications of ad hoc network innovations. In addition, five groups of stakeholders are identified, and their different perspectives, needs and goals evaluated. Five policy recommendations are provided. Finally, this research paper proposes a real-world political approach to encouraging the development of emergency ad hoc networking capabilities using the example of the city of Los Angeles. Weniger anzeigen

The Open Specifications Model for Wireless Grids in Internet of Things v0.3 describes how to build trusted cyberphysical systems from ad hoc, self-organizing, software defined networks with cognitive radios and virtualized applications and smart machines cloud to edge. This reference work for Internet of Things users, developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers identifies the critical roles of Non-Person Entities in Workplace as a Service (WPaaS) cloud applications now entering markets… Mehr zeigen

The Open Specifications Model for Wireless Grids in Internet of Things v0.3 describes how to build trusted cyberphysical systems from ad hoc, self-organizing, software defined networks with cognitive radios and virtualized applications and smart machines cloud to edge. This reference work for Internet of Things users, developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers identifies the critical roles of Non-Person Entities in Workplace as a Service (WPaaS) cloud applications now entering markets (called gridlets if proprietary; and wiglets if not). The open specifications model is explained in architectural terms and principles. The Open Specifications Model initially was co-developed by National Science Foundation Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) university, community, and corporate partners 2009 - 2014. Version 0.4 is now in development in cooperation with WiTec, (Worldwide innovation Technology and entrepreneurship club), a student and alumni club based at Syracuse University's iSchool (School of Information Studies), advised by Professor Lee McKnight. Weniger anzeigen

The Wireless Grid Internet of Things (WiGIT) and its Wireless Grid architecture and Edgeware have been developed under the auspices of the National Science Foundation Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) grant #0227879 for WiGiT (Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed). Syracuse University (SU) and Virginia Tech (VT) created the first national WiGiT distributed experimental testbed in 2009. Working software prototypes were first demonstrated at Syracuse University in 2003, and field tested since 2005… Mehr zeigen

The Wireless Grid Internet of Things (WiGIT) and its Wireless Grid architecture and Edgeware have been developed under the auspices of the National Science Foundation Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) grant #0227879 for WiGiT (Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed). Syracuse University (SU) and Virginia Tech (VT) created the first national WiGiT distributed experimental testbed in 2009. Working software prototypes were first demonstrated at Syracuse University in 2003, and field tested since 2005. Hardware implementations have been lab tested iteratively over the years, with initial field testing in 2008/9 and a new series of field trials begun once again in 2011/2012. In August 2012 an enhanced iDAWG (intelligent Deployable Augmented Wireless Gateway) was demonstrated, with additional evaluations scheduled. Field tests of the Open Specifications Model, applications, services, and devices are ongoing in cooperation with WiGiT partner firms, schools, public agencies, healthcare institutions, distributed energy system operators, enterprises, universities, and emergency managers in cooperation with US Ignite and the Industrial Internet Consortium. Weniger anzeigen

Proceedings of the 6th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (iCERi2013), Seville, Spain, 18-20 November, 2013. (forthcoming)

This Workplace as a Service (WPaaS) use case addresses the Enterprise BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) challenge. An Enterprise Cloud Leadership Council (ECLC) TM Forum Catalyst Project is delivering end-user computing, communications, and collaboration capabilities through a set of world-class services that we call Workplace as a Service (WPaaS), in a context of everything as a service across an internet of things within the enterprise.

This use case proposes a flexible secure cloud… Mehr zeigen

This Workplace as a Service (WPaaS) use case addresses the Enterprise BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) challenge. An Enterprise Cloud Leadership Council (ECLC) TM Forum Catalyst Project is delivering end-user computing, communications, and collaboration capabilities through a set of world-class services that we call Workplace as a Service (WPaaS), in a context of everything as a service across an internet of things within the enterprise.

This use case proposes a flexible secure cloud service delivery framework for edge applications based on Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) for financial services and other firms which operate in a 20 trillion software and IT services market.

This new computing model allows people use their web browsers to access a wide range of ‘cloud services’ available on-demand over the Internet without installing packaged software applications on end-users’ computers. In the future, the intelligent cloud service gives users a seamless, consistent experience across all of the different devices the users own, and all of the various on-demand services they care about.

Smarter devices and more intelligent networks help deliver this new category of services, and software is the important element that powers these new services and shapes the quality of the user experience. But Software as a Service is not the comprehensive solution; the future state is everything will be delivered to users as a service, from the work life to entertainment to various communities. Individuals and businesses will have full control to customize their computing environments by dynamic cloud-based offerings and to shape the experiences they want to have. BYOD is a business policy of employees bringing personally owned mobile devices to their work place and using those devices to access privileged company resources such as email, file servers and database as well as their personal applications and data.
Weniger anzeigen

Proceedings of the 6th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (iCERi2013), Seville, Spain, 18-20 November, 2013. (forthcoming)

Wireless grids found an effective and motivating technology for fragile and other populations.

(In Press)

(In Press)

Findings from Syracuse University beta test deployment of WeJay, a social radio wireless grid edgeware gridlet.

This paper assesses the broadband policy implications of the results of a STEM education research project bringing edge computing and cyber-physical infrastructure for broadband connectivity, trusted devices, and secure cloud and privacy and rights-protecting cognitive computing and wireless services, to underserved New York City school children at Timothy Dwight PS 33X in the South Bronx, New York City.

The objective of the digital inclusion study was to determine if new innovations… Mehr zeigen

This paper assesses the broadband policy implications of the results of a STEM education research project bringing edge computing and cyber-physical infrastructure for broadband connectivity, trusted devices, and secure cloud and privacy and rights-protecting cognitive computing and wireless services, to underserved New York City school children at Timothy Dwight PS 33X in the South Bronx, New York City.

The objective of the digital inclusion study was to determine if new innovations that include edge bandwidth management capabilities, specifically the Internet Backpack, would improve quality of services and learning experiences for students in underserved communities.

The research question was whether this novel cyber-physical infrastructure would have a significant effect on science content mastery, by improving digital inclusion.

Our data shows statistically significant improvement in science mastery when uninterrupted Internet connectivity is provided, allowing students to engage in both curricular and extracurricular science projects unimpeded by digital divides.

This finding of improved academic performance from improved digital inclusion has several substantial policy implications.

First, it is not sufficient to provide intermittent connectivity if students are to be expected to perform in online learning environments, as so many have experienced throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Second, measures local school districts have taken, such as providing a Hotspot or lending laptops or tablets, while significant, may not be sufficient without enhanced edge computing capabilities, such as those made possible by the Internet Backpack.

Keywords: Internet Access, Digital Divide, Science Content Mastery, Internet Backpack, Edge Computing

JEL Classification: D1, D8, D9, H2, H4, H5, H7, I24, I25, I28, O3 Weniger anzeigen