Power matters: Automatic Gain Control for a Software Defined Radio IEEE 802.11a/g/p receiver

Software Defined Radios (SDRs) have become a fundamental building block for research on wireless networks. Yet, using this platform for experiments in the field is hindered by many practical difficulties, an important one being the need for Automatic Gain Control (AGC). We demonstrate a way of implementing an AGC algorithm directly in the FPGA where we are able to meet tough timing constraints. This allows using SDRs not just for lab experiments but also for measurement campaigns or deployments in the field.With extending our GNURadio-based Open Source stack for IEEE 802.11a/g/p WLAN with AGC, we provide an SDR platform that can be integrated into existing WiFi networks just as well as into future vehicular networks.