Computer Resources and Labs

Most of the computers used for teaching are PC's running Windows 2000 or Redhat Linux. Some of the computers are Sun Microsystems workstations and servers that are running Sun's version of UNIX (Solaris 8). Each machine is connected to an ethernet network and supports the TCP/IP protocol.

The ethernet network is made of gigabit ethernet switches in a star topology, utilizing modern layer 2 and 3 technologies such as 802.1Q Vlan Tagging and Quality of Service. Each leg of the star topology connects to an Extreme Networks router, which routes the SEAS network to Penn's campus. Penn's campus, in turn, connects to another router which connects to the Internet and Internet II.

Students get to work with the vast array of utilities provided with UNIX and Linux workstations, as well as additional software packages and languages including:

• C++
• Java
• HTML
• Comnet
• Simgraphics II Editor
• Perl
• Most GNU utilities
• The MIT/X Consortium release of the X window system
• Labview
• LaTeX
• Matlab and Simulink
• Mathematica
• Apache web server
• MS Visual Studio

Students benefit from the Program's multiple affiliations--with the departments of Computer and Information Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering and with the Wharton School of Business--by gaining access to the wide variety of laboratories run by these departments and schools. Laboratories include a Distributed Systems Laboratory, a General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception Lab, a Multimedia and Network Laboratory, a Signal Processing Research Laboratory, and a Video Processing and Telecommunications Laboratory.

Distributed Systems Laboratory (DSL)
The DSL broadly focuses on the merging of computation and communications. This includes networking, computers, distributed control, distributed systems, computer operating systems, gigabit networks, networked multimedia systems, and user interfaces. In order to test and refine analytical results, as well as to help direct attention to appropriate areas of theoretical work, the DSL generally investigates issues with experimental prototypes.

General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception Lab (GRASP)
This premier research lab focuses on robotics and control, vision and active sensory perception, and design and automation. A central goal is to apply rigorous physical and mathematical principles towards the innovative solution of practical engineering problems. The GRASP lab serves as a focal point for bringing together many diverse academic disciplines, including physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. The use of sophisticated analytical tools is complemented by the extensive use of experimental verification. Some of the major thrusts in the GRASP lab include 3D reconstruction of environments for use in immersive environments such as minimally invasive telesurgery; elastic matching of different medical imaging modalities, such as MRI, for enhanced medical analysis; vision and sonar-based control of robotic systems; the use of computer-aided techniques in rapid prototyping and reverse engineering; the control of airborne and underwater locomotion systems; the design and fabrication of compliant micro-electromechanical systems; the control and coordination of multiple autonomous robots and the development of customized, one-of-a-kind medical assistive devices.

Multimedia and Network Laboratory
The multimedia and networking lab has a number of ongoing projects, that typically involve a mixture of analysis and experiments. The experiments are often carried out using a testbed consisting of multiple routers, hubs, and switches from different sources.

Signal Processing Research Laboratory
The signal processing research laboratory is well equipped for high-speed computation, simulation, and hardware development. The laboratory supports work in signal and image processing, imaging arrays, and communication systems. Available high-speed networked workstations run a variety of software for algorithm development and simulation. The laboratory supports experimental work in digital signal processing, image processing, and multi-element active imaging arrays.

Telecommunication Network Laboratory (TNL)
The Multimedia and Networking Lab is a pluri-disciplinary lab that cuts across layers, from the link layer to the application layer, with a focus on investigating problems and technologies associated with modern telecommunications systems. The Lab involves several faculties and collaborators at both Penn and other institutions, including other universities and industrial research labs. Many doctoral students are carrying out their research within the lab, and a number of Masters and undergraduate students also participate in several projects. The Lab's facilities are state-of-the-art and are continuously updated as new projects with new demands are initiated.

Video Processing and Telecommunications Laboratory
The video processing work focuses on the MPEG series of video compression standards and also the low bit rate H.263 standard. Research topics include: network traffic characteristics, layered coding, joint channel and source coding, transport protocols, quality control (error control, recovery and concealment), and audio/video synching and multiplexing. Telecommunication efforts concentrate on BISDN and wireless packet (ATM) networks. Topics include: routing, resource allocation, the analysis of wireless LAN channel allocation in cellular systems, media access control in wireless networks, and wireline-to-wireless internetworking.