Synopsis
The Networking Research Testbeds (NRT) program will create a new generation of networking technologies through the process of ideation, realization and experimentation carried out on a diverse set of research testbeds. Through this program, researchers will be able to test and refine new concepts and architectures on a number of independent testbeds that have been designed and built by networking researchers themselves. While all NRT's will emphasize cutting-edge research, each individual testbed will be designed to support activities in a defined thrust area. NRT's can therefore range in size from small campus-size testbeds to larger regional or national-scale testbeds, depending on the level of collaboration, partnership and the project mission. The underlying platform may be based on different technology components -such as wireless, fiber-optic or overlay networks - depending on the level of flexibility and control required by the associated research program. We encourage collaborative projects with highly ambitious goals and pioneering visions that step outside today's Internet-centric paradigm. Projects must contribute in a significant way to expanding the frontiers of networking through exploration of new theories and architectures, and development and testing of prototype systems.
ANIR has a companion program announcement called the Experimental Infrastructure Network (EIN) which emphasizes demonstrating advanced applications on next-generation networking infrastructure. Since EIN and NRT programs cover a wide, continuous problem space from experimental infrastructure to advanced networking research, the programs are being announced at the same time. Proposers will be expected to direct their proposal to either EIN or NRT, as the same proposal will not be reviewed by both programs. Proposers can, however, submit a proposal to each program if they are substantially different from each other and address the goals and objectives of the program announcement.