BGU and France Telecom sign agreement to optimize Internet communications

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and France Telecom (Orange Labs R&D) have agreed to collaborate on research applying "location theory" to determine the optimal placement of their Internet routers, which will enhance services like video streaming.

Location theory uses complex algorithms and reams of statistical data to reach an optimal resolution of a problem. Prof. Michael Segal, of the BGU Department of Communication Systems Engineering is one of only a few researchers worldwide who have attempted to apply this theory to communications networks. The placement of routers is critical for customer satisfaction. For example, if a router is placed too far from a customers' homes then service might not be adequate.

According to Prof. Michael Segal, "We will look at factors such as user demand, historical use in particular neighborhoods - whether there was heavier use in the morning or evening. The question is: where is the best place to position the routers to improve the performance of the network?"

France Telecom and BGU signed a general cooperation agreement last year. The location theory contract is the first specific project to emerge from that agreement.

Provided by American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev