DISCOVER: A Cyberinfrastructure Testbed for Distributed Computing and Networking in Rural and Remote Environments

The Distributed Sensing and Computing Over Sparse Environments (DISCOVER) testbed is a pioneering cyberinfrastructure initiative designed to advance research in distributed computing and networking tailored to rural, remote, and sparsely populated regions. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), DISCOVER integrates a network of configurable Internet-of-Things (IoT) nodes - including stationary sensors, drones, and terrestrial rovers - across three key sites: Northern Arizona University (NAU), Clemson University, and Navajo Technical University (NTU). This collaboration offers a unique platform to explore innovative algorithms and methodologies addressing the technical challenges of under-served areas, with an emphasis on environmental and civil disaster response. The testbed enables a wide range of experiments, such as regional-scale data collection, heterogeneous networked services, distributed artificial intelligence (AI), distributed multi-robot control, and communication-aware software for resource-constrained networks. An online portal enhances accessibility, allowing researchers to request resources, upload experimental code, and retrieve data, with pre-integrated deep learning models for applications like human posture detection, object detection, and wildfire detection. This paper outlines the testbed's architecture, operational sites, supported experiment types, ongoing research efforts, and its educational and outreach impacts, highlighting its role in fostering scientific innovation.