Testing my Modified MiniEdit Program
Author: Joseph Wilkin | Major: Computer Science | Semester: Fall 2024
My name is Joe Wilkin. I am a senior honors student majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Finance at the University of Arkansas. I am currently doing research under Dr. Kevin Jin, who works in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department. I am wrapping up my work for the Fall 2024 semester, and I plan to complete my project during the Spring 2025 semester. After graduation, I intend to join the workforce and get a job in the tech industry.
My research mainly deals with a novel programming language called Programming Protocol-Independent Packet Processors, or more known simply as P4, which is used to code the data plane of a special networking switch called a P4 switch. The data plane is the part of the switch which defines how packets are forwarded through the switch from one place to another. In the past, data planes were specified with fixed-function ASICS and could only be modified by IT vendors. P4 allows users to create their own custom data planes. My work focuses on Mininet, a popular network virtualization tool used in research, and its corresponding, open-source GUI, MiniEdit. The goal of my project is to improve the MiniEdit program to include functionality for virtual P4 switches to create a convenient and useful testbed for my lab group.
I first became involved in research through my mentor, Dr. Kevin Jin. I was in Dr. Jin’s Computer Networks class during my junior year, and I found the subject to be incredibly interesting. Looking for a way to get more hands-on experience, I spoke to Dr. Jin after class one day and was eventually granted the privilege of being able to join his lab group.
The idea of doing research can seem incredibly daunting to younger students who don’t know what it entails. I felt that way myself before joining the lab group. Having to propose and carry out an entire project on a subject which you have limited knowledge of and having to read and write long, dense research papers can seem like an overwhelming task. However, it is important to realize that your mentor and the other students in the lab are there to help you. I worked closely with Dr. Jin and a couple of the graduate students in the lab to advance my project, holding weekly meetings where we would discuss my progress as well as any problems I was running into. Dr. Jin and these graduate students also helped me draft and finalize my proposal for the Honors College Research Grant, which I am using to fund my work.
While I was able to complete most of my work during the Fall 2024 semester, I still have a lot to do to finish my project before I graduate in the spring. I am currently working on incorporating a physical P4 switch into my project, which should expand the reach of my program even further. After completing my research, I plan to work with my research mentor to draft, finalize, and defend my honors thesis.
It has been a great privilege to work with Dr. Jin and the rest of the lab group over the last few semesters. I have greatly enjoyed the work that I have completed, and I am looking forward to completing my project in the spring.