A scalable testbed for emulating wireless Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

To support research in wireless mobile networks and mobile ad-hoc network security, the U.S. army research laboratory (ARL) has developed a ldquoWireless emulation laboratoryrdquo (WEL). A key component of the WEL is a Mobile Ad-hoc network (MANET) emulation testbed on which algorithms and applications can be subjected to emulated wireless network conditions. The testbed is based on the MANE (mobile ad-hoc network emulator) software originally developed by the naval research laboratory (NRL). It has since been improved through the incorporation of advanced modeling methods and computing technologies. Important additional features include (1) the integration of the terrain integrated rough earth model (TIREM) propagation model, (2) the use of virtual machine technologies to scale the size of the network, and (3) the inclusion of custom-designed mobility patterns to create a specific dynamic topology of a MANET under test. Currently the WEL testbed can emulate a 101-node MANET and, through the use of virtualization technologies, will scale well beyond that number. This paper discusses the current capabilities of ARLpsilas WEL for conducting empirical evaluation and demonstration of MANET technologies and concludes with planned future enhancements.