In this work, we propose utilizing the rich connectivity between IXPs and ISPs for inter-domain path stitching, supervised by centralized QoS brokers. In this context, we highlight a novel abstraction of the Internet topology, i.e., the inter-IXP multigraph composed of IXPs and paths crossing the domains of their shared member ISPs. This can potentially serve as a dense Internet-wide substrate for provisioning guaranteed end-to-end (e2e) services with high path diversity and global IPv4 address space reach. We thus map the IXP multigraph, evaluate its potential, and introduce a rich algorithmic framework for path stitching on such graph structures.

High quality online video streaming, both live and on-demand, has become an essential part of consumers' every-day lives. The popularity of video streaming has placed a heavy burden on the network infrastructure that now has to transfer an enormous amount of data very quickly to the end-user. To further exacerbate the situation, the Video-on-Demand (VoD) distribution paradigm uses a unicast independent flow for each user request. This results in multiple duplicate flows carrying the same video assets many times end-to-end. We present OpenCache: a highly configurable, efficient and transparent in-network caching service that aims to improve the VoD distribution efficiency by caching video assets as close to the end-user as possible. OpenCache leverages Software Defined Networking to benefit last mile environments by improving network utilisation and increasing the Quality of Experience for the end-user. Our evaluation on a pan-European OpenFlow testbed uses adaptive video streaming and demonstrates that with the use of OpenCache, the external link utilisation is reduced by 100%. Furthermore the streaming application receives better quality video and observes higher throughput, lower latency and shorter start up and buffering times.

Aiding the efficient collaboration and coordination of rescue teams is a difficult task especially in a mountainous region. Challenges emerge from quickly alerting and debriefing rescuers, to deploying them effectively, and also coordinating and monitoring them in the rural search domain. Knowing the exact location of the rescuers and vehicles involved in a mountain search and rescue mission is a key element for the successful progress of the mission and aids the mission coordinator, who usually stays at the headquarters, to take fast and informed decisions. In this paper we present the devised Location Awareness Rescue System that targets the aforementioned challenges, and provides location information and updates of the rescuers in a real time manner as they are deployed in the rescue domain overlaid onto interactive maps. The results from our tests show that our system is a proficient presence management solution that can provide precise location information by recovering from any periodic or total connectivity loss, and also improve and support mountain rescue teams leading to more effective and successful missions.