Mobile network performance evaluation using the radio frequency network channel emulation simulation tool(RFnest™)

Abstract

In this demonstration, we present new capabilities of Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) Radio Frequency Network Emulation Simulation Tool (RFnest TM ) [1] 1 . RFnest TM is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based network channel emulator that allows all of the channels of a full network of radio nodes to be emulated in real time, with all communication nodes experiencing a realistic channel impulse response. This allows RFnest TM to be used for protocol testing, replaying field tests, and model validation. RFnest TM has a modular design with three main capabilities: 1) FPGA based emulation hardware with RF front ends that allows nodes with real radios to send their RF signal over an emulated channel without any modification to the radio, 2) modeling of time-varying channel impulse responses within the emulation hardware, with channel properties based on mobility defined with a scripted or interactive Graphic User Interface (GUI) environment, and 3) integration with network emulators and monitoring functionality that allows the user to instantiate, manage, and monitor real and virtual network nodes within the scenario. In the new version of RFnest TM we now support:• Frequency programmability: The new RFnest TM allows users to change the center frequency through software from 800 Mhz to 2.7GHz.• Increased bandwidth: RFnest TM supports a bandwidth of 60 MHz.• Higher fidelity channel modeling: Through software and hardware updates RFnest TM support wireless channels with up to 20 taps and a wide range of Doppler frequencies.• MIMO: RFnest TM now supports different combination of MIMO channel between transmitters and receivers.

Cross-layer Design and SDR Implementation of DSA, Backpressure Routing and Network Coding

“…Hardware-in-the-loop network emulation tests provide the flexibility to change channel effects and repeat the same tests for different network protocols under the same channel conditions [60]- [64]. RFnest is used as the network channel emulator to digitally control network connectivity, mobility and channel conditions, and facilitate repeatable testing and evaluation under identical scenarios [65], [66]. In this testbed, USRP N210 radios transmit real signals to each other over emulated channels with dynamically controlled topology, mobility and channel impulse response properties.…”