Project. Wireless testing protocols

Principal investigator: Dr. Aaron Schroeder, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 540-231-6243, aaron@vtti.vt.edu

Project objective. To develop hardware and software tools to measure bandwidths. These tools will either transmit real data traffic across a wireless network and measure the amount of data transmitted over time, or will simulate different types of traffic and estimate the bandwidth. Types of traffic include file data, Voice over IP, and streaming video.

Project abstract. Wireless Internet devices are proving to be a viable alternative to traditional communications mediums for DOTs and other public agencies. These devices are used to transport data from low level Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) to high bandwidth streaming video. The useable bandwidth across a wireless link is one of the most important metrics for evaluating and comparing wireless systems. This performance specification will drive the quantity and types of devices that the wireless system can adequately accommodate.

A repeatable methodology is required to accurately measure the Internet Protocols that are used for transferring data. These protocols include FTP, ICMP, TCP and UDP. TCP and UDP are most often used when assessing the true available bandwidth, often times referred to as payload bandwidth, across wireless links. This project will develop hardware and software tools to carry out such measurements.

Task. Develop hardware and software tools for measuring IP performance across wireless links, involving the following protocols: TCP, UDP, ICMP, FTP.

Milestones. Completion by of project by 6/30/06

Budget. FY 06
Faculty $55,000
 Match  100,000 (equipment from Cisco Systems)
               155,000

Relation to other research. This is an independent research project.

Technology transfer. Presentations at transportation conferences.

Potential benefits. The tools and procedures developed in this project will be extremely beneficial for evaluating wireless networks. They will provide a quantitative evaluation criteria that is repeatable that can be used across many different configurations. This quantitative measurement is desirable for a DOT or other end user in order to compare one product to another. The data measured will also help a system designer understand the capabilities and limitations of the wireless communications medium.

TRB keywords. Wireless, 802.11, throughput, bandwidth