Validation of the Random Waypoint Mobility Model Through a Real World Mobility Trace

The random waypoint model (RWP) is a simple mobility model based on random destinations, speeds and pause times. The RWP is one of many mobility models used in simulations of mobile communications networks to model human movement. The RWP is often criticised as not being representative of how humans actually move. Paradoxically, validation of the RWP against real mobility data is seen as being difficult due to the impracticalities of obtaining real mobility data. In this paper we consider the RWP as a model of user mobility in networks that cater for a large geographical areas, such as a city. We present results from a real world user movement trace and use these to validate some of the key characteristics of the RWP. The data presented was obtained from one individual's movement around the city of Melbourne, Australia, for a period of two months and included recording the individual's destinations, speed, rest times, and routes of travel.