NeTS-NR: Using Signal Propagation Emulation to Understand and Improve Wireless Networks

摘要无线网络已经成为人们日常生活的一部分，但由于无法进行可重复的、现实的实验，对无线协议进行评估和改进的研究受到了阻碍。有线网络中使用的技术不足以分析无线网络，因为无线物理层影响所有协议层的操作；此外，无线链路是可变的，容易出错，并受到外部不受控制的源的影响。该项目正在开发一种能够准确模拟物理空间中无线信号传播的系统。该项目还开发了真实的信号传播模型，并进行了实验，以了解WiFi、蓝牙和软件定义无线电等多种技术如何受到物理层的影响。通过结合仿真和现实世界实验的许多优点，仿真器可以产生巨大的研究影响。由于仿真器可以通过网络共享，因此可以集成到现有的测试平台中。它还可以使远程小组比较实际的结果。此外，模拟器可以通过在现实的，“安全”的孤立环境中支持动手无线课程项目来帮助教育。基于仿真器的实验将大大提高对信号传播如何影响介质访问控制层性能的理解，并使改进协议的开发成为可能。这个项目也将产生一套现实的信号传播模型。最后，本项目将量化在各种实际模拟物理环境中竞争的无线协议的相对优势和劣势。项目成果将通过出版物、允许远程研究人员使用模拟器以及通过课程项目等教育活动来传播。

NeTS-NR: Using Signal Propagation Emulation to Understand and ImproveWireless NetworksPeter Steenkiste, CMUAward 0434824AbstractWireless networking has become a part of everyday life, but research aimed at evaluating and improving wireless protocols is hindered by the inability to perform repeatable and realistic experiments. Techniques used in wired networks are inadequate for analyzing wireless networks since the wireless physical layer affects operation at all protocol layers; moreover, wireless links are variable, error-prone, and affected by external uncontrolled sources.This project is developing a system that accurately emulates wireless signal propagation in a physical space. The project is also developing realistic signal propagation models, and conducting experiments to see how diverse technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and software defined radios are affected by the physical layer.By combining many benefits of simulation and real world experimentation, the emulator can have a dramatic research impact. Since the emulator can be shared over the network, it can be integrated into existing testbeds. It can also enable remote groups to compare realistic results. Moreover, the emulator can aid education by supporting hands-on wireless course projects in a realistic, "safe" isolated environment. Emulator-based experiments will significantly improve understanding of how signal propagation affects medium access control layer performance, and enable the development of improved protocols. This project will also result in a set of realistic models of signal propagation. Finally, this project will quantify the relative strengths and weaknesses of competing wireless protocols in diverse, realistically emulated physical environments. Project results will be disseminated through publications, through allowing remote researchers emulator access, and through educational activities such as course projects.