Using HTTP/3 Based Local Cloud to Improve Smart Home Performance, Security, and Extend Functionality to Underserved Regions

DATE:            Thursday, May 28, 2026

PLACE :        March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) (see below for directions)

TIME :           5:30 p.m.  Social Time & Registration

6:00 p.m.  Dinner

7:00 p.m.  Presentation  (45-60 min)

COST:            $15- $20, See information in Reservations

ABOUT THE MEETING:   This presentation explores enhancing and securing smart home devices through edge and hybrid cloud systems using HTTP/3. HTTP/3 improves on previous protocols by using UDP-based transport for lightweight and efficient data transmission while eliminating the TCP three-way handshake. Using edge computing and containerization, this research deploys a localized smart home cloud with Raspberry Pi clusters, Nextcloud, and Home Assistant. The setup improves privacy, reduces dependence on external networks, and enhances performance, especially in rural and underserved areas. Through literature review and practical implementation, this work evaluates HTTP/3 in smart home environments and proposes a resilient edge-cloud architecture to improve latency, resource use, energy efficiency, and security.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:  Jacob Koch is an Assistant Professor of Cyber Security and IT at Northern Kentucky University in the School of Computing and Analytics. He received his PhD in Information Technology from the University of Cincinnati. His research interests are primarily in cloud computing and virtualization technologies, as well as IoT, and cyber security, with papers such as “Practical Applications of Edge Computing to Accelerate Cloud Hosted Web Content” and “Securing HTTP/3 Web Architecture in the Cloud” winning best paper of the session. He has worked with both state and government officials for his research regarding history, bat populations, virtual systems, and cloud computing.

MENU SELECTIONS:   Pepperoni Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Bourbon Chicken Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Italian Sausage Pizza, Veggie Lovers Pizza, Drink

LOCATION:  March First Brewing & Distilling (Voltage Room) 7885 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (39.27955510134435, -84.34861587323701)

RESERVATIONS:  MEETING RESERVATION LINK.  Please click on the appropriate link and complete the reservation.  Cost is $15 for members advanced registration.  Non-members cost is $20 cash at the door.

Reservations close at 11:59 PM on Wednesday May 27th, 2026.

DINNER RESERVATION CANCELLATION POLICY
An email to reserve.cinti@ieee.org prior to the close of reservations is required to properly cancel your reservation.

All Reservations must be made by May 27th, 2026

WALK-INS (those without reservations): Due to catering and seating arrangements, reservations are required for this meeting

PE CREDITS:  Depending on the subject matter, attendance at IEEE Cincinnati Section Meetings now qualifies the attendee for Professional Development Hours towards renewal of Professional Engineers Licenses.  Required documentation will be available following the meeting if qualified!  The Section Meetings also provide a great opportunity to network with fellow engineers in the area.