A Real Time Emulation System for Ad hoc Networks

Compared to fixed networks such as the Internet, mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) present the routing protocol designer with many more challenges. In this paper we examine some of the tools used by designers to test their protocols. We propose that emulation of a mobile wireless network reduces the amount of time and effort in testing a routing protocol compared with either field testing or full simulation of a protocol stack. We present a system that emulates the wireless layer of a protocol stack, describe how it operates and comment on the user experience.