Challenges in deploying steerable wireless testbeds

Abstract

Phased array antennas enable the use of real-time beam-forming and null-steering to further increase control of signal strength and interference in wireless networks. Understanding the potential of this platform for both mesh and single-hop networks is becoming more important as smart antennas begin to appear in emerging networking standards. Prior attempts to test non-standard antenna platforms have typically focused around simulations, fixed (non-steerable) directional antenna testbeds, and small scale temporary setups utilizing 1 or 2 phased array antenna nodes over the span of a few hundred meters. This paper presents the challenges encountered - and solutions developed - in building WART, a permanent, campus-wide testbed for wireless networking with beamforming antennas. © Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering 2011.