Matrix Revolution – open, secure and decentralized real-time communication for the TH Köln edit

Anzahl Teilnehmer*innen (min/max)	2-5
Start	tbd.
Sprache	English
ILU	n/a
Schwerpunkt	DEV

Problem Description

Matrix is an open, secure, and decentralized protocol for real-time communication. It enables a privacy-friendly consolidation of email, messenger, and video conferencing systems. In Germany, Matrix is used by the Bundeswehr and healthcare organizations. Moreover, many universities utilize matrix to provide a privacy-friendly and secure communication service as an alternative to commercial solutions.

Additionally, Matrix offers bridges allowing communication with popular instant messengers such as WhatsApp, Signal or Slack.

A Matrix server for the TH Köln has already been deployment in a test environment.

For more details on the matrix protocol, please visit the following link: https://th-koeln.github.io/mi-master-wtw/projektthemen/2023-ws-project-1/index/

Project Definition

The Matrix server is accessible at matrix.gm.th-koeln.de. In this project, we will evaluate the server's capability with the goal to expand the Matrix protocol as a standard communication services for all TH Köln members.

The following questions are to be addressed in this project:

What hardening and monitoring measures are necessary for the reliable deployment of a Matrix server?
What resources are required to deploy a Matrix server for all members of the Gummersbach campus of TH Köln?
To what extent is the implementation of Matrix as a communication protocol feasible for the entire TH Köln?
To what extent is the implementation of a custom Matrix client for TH Köln feasible?

Learning Outcomes

WHAT: Students will be able to deploy a Matrix server in a productive environment with over 5000 users.

HOW: By

setting up a Matrix server,
evaluating the quality factors including scalability, security, functionality, and usability
implementing security and monitoring means,
deriving optimization measures based on test results and monitoring activities,
implementing a Matrix client for TH Köln

WHY: To establish the Matrix protocol as a communication medium for the entire TH Köln.

Requirements

Knowledge from the following courses is recommended but not mandatory:

Web Development
Mobile Computing
Internet of Things
IT Security
Software Engineering
Introduction to Docker
Communication Networks
Identity Management

External Partner

No external partner