BITS Networked Systems Laboratory

The BITS laboratory was established in 2009 to facilitate research in Networked Systems. Our work currently focuses on two main areas (a) networks of cooperating strangers, and (b) cell-phone based transit network navigation. Most of our work is intensely applied, and one of our explicit goals is to be significant contributors to existing open-source projects in our areas of study. Read on for more information about our ongoing projects.

This wiki is an active research tool, so expect constant change, and little polish as you visit these pages.

TransitGenie: a context-aware, real-time transit navigator

TransitGenie is a context-aware, real-time transit navigator that fits in the palm of your hand. Using smartphone platforms such as the iPhone, and a sophisticated real-time routing backend, TransitGenie integrates published transit schedules with real-time official and crowd-sourced transit tracking data to compute the best route for you, at this moment.

With TransitGenie, we are taking the first steps toward pervasive, omniscient and somewhat prescient transit navigation system. Used by people all over the civilized world, hooked into every available data feed. Read more about TransitGenie on this site.

Xenonets: Networks of Cooperating Strangers

A fresh look at networks, spanning all layers of the stack, with a focus on cooperation rather than autonomy. Our strategy: identify and capitalize upon opportunities where, when former competitors cooperate, everyone wins. A Xenonet is a network that invites strangers into some or all aspects of its operation.

Examples of contemporary Xenonets are open WiFi access points, many peer-to-peer networks, and, depending on your viewpoint, the world wide web.