Ns3 Real-Time Wireless Emulation

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= Overview = A high performance computing (HPC) cluster is being developed for real-time emulation of medium size cellular networks. The physical layer is modeled in computer simulation using standard industry models, while the MAC and upper layers run "as is." The networks are simulated in real-time using a ns3 network simulator modified for multithreading across multiple cores, which is implemented on generic Linux machines connected via an Infiniband switch. Real application can natively "plug into" the simulation to test actual application and transport layer protocols.

= Getting started =

The ns3 emulation can be run on one of three platforms:


 * A custom high-performance computing (HPC) cluster in our lab. This platform enables real-time emulation, but requires that you are connected over the network to the cluster. Only one person can currently run on the HPC cluster at a time. See our instructions for getting started on the cluster.


 * A linux machine, such as your laptop loaded with Ubuntu. You will generally not be able to run real-time in this mode, but will give you the fastest performance outside the HPC cluster. We do not yet have instructions for this option although they are similar to the virtual linux machine option below.

Once the platform is set up, you can install ns3 and download the code. We suggest the following instructions for configuring ns-3 with Eclipse.
 * A virtual linux machine running in Windows or MAC. This option will allow you to run without dual-booting your machine, but runs the slowest of the three options. Instructions for building your own virtual machine.. Note that this is quite time-consuming and involves installing many components.

= How To =

The ns-3 website has a howto page describing how to do many useful things. Furthers howtos for our system can be found real-time emulation how to page.

= More information =

More information can be found in Russell Ford's thesis.