June 29, 1999
Gary Minden and Joseph Evans, co-principal investigators, will lead the project: Innovative Active Networking Services. Minden and Evans are KU faculty members in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and are principal participants in ITTC.
During the three-year contract, they will focus on the new concept of active networking. They will examine ways to develop faster, more efficient and more flexible computer networks for the defense department's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
"The University of Kansas has a well-deserved reputation as a top science and technology research facility," Sen. Roberts said. "So it is fitting that it be selected to conduct such a critical project for the U.S. military. KU's work will be a key component in the continuing evolution of the Internet and computer network system."
With the DARPA project, Minden says the research team will focus on active networking. "Active networks," he said, "follow yourinstructions, similar to the Post Office's honoring your request forcertified delivery. These new networks will enhance traditional information exchange and improve service quality. Eventually users may even invent their own network services."
The DARPA contract meshes with Minden's professional interests. From 1994 to 1996 he was on leave from KU to work with DARPA's Information Technology Office in Washington D.C. While a program manager in the area of high-performance networking systems, he conceived and started the Active Networking research program. Since the late 1960s, DARPA has funded the development of key ideas to improve networks and is responsible for a number of technology breakthroughs in this area.
Sen. Roberts is a strong advocate for investment in science and technology research. He is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and is chairman of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.