LFCS Seminar: Tuesday 18 June - Nate Foster

Title: Proof-Carrying Network Code: An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Abstract: Software-defined networking (SDN) is often explained in technical terms such as decentralized vs. logically-centralized control planes and fixed-function vs. programmable data planes. Yet, beneath these technical descriptions lies a profound shift in power dynamics within networks: from equipment vendors to network owners, and from standards bodies to software developers. The logical next step in this progression is to empower users and applications to tailor the networks to their needs. This evolution presents both tantalizing opportunities and significant challenges. In this talk, I will highlight the opportunities and propose a novel approach for addressing the challenges using tools from formal methods. Specifically, I will explore how proof-carrying code and proof-carrying authorization can be used to realize the vision of fully-programmable networks without compromising on security and correctness.

Biography: Nate Foster is a Professor of Computer Science at Cornell University and a Visiting Researcher at Jane Street. The goal of his research is to develop languages and tools that make it easy for programmers to build secure and reliable systems. His current work focuses on the design and implementation of languages and tools for network programming. In the past he has also worked on bidirectional languages (also known as “lensesâ€), database query languages, data provenance, type systems, mechanized proof, and formal semantics. He received a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania, an MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science from Cambridge University, and a BA in Computer Science from Williams College. His awards include a Sloan Research Fellowship, an NSF CAREER Award, the SIGPLAN Robin Milner Award, the SIGCOMM Rising Star Award, and Most Influential Paper Awards at ICFP and POPL.