Introduction to IEEE 802.11 technologies and network simulations using ns-3 (2016)

  • Description:

    This course provides technical insights into the widely used IEEE 802.11 family of protocols, commercially known with the name of Wi-Fi. Such technology is a nowadays standard for most of the local area communications, and foundational for understanding the future evolution of wireless systems. In particular, the course will provide an overview of the technology evolution of the different standards, together with the basic working principles and technical and deployment issues.

    Furthermore the course will give an introduction to how such networks can be simulated using the popular simulation tool “ns-3” (see short description below). The course will give an overview of the features and possibilities of ns-3 as well as code examples. Specifically, participants will learn how to:
    • set up network scenarios on their own,• modify/extend existing modules to change the behavior of protocols in different layers of the protocol stack,
    • debug simulation programs,
    • output specific metrics of interest, and
    • visualize the results.

    More generally, the participants will also become acquainted with common pitfalls and best practices in using simulations in order to ensure statistically sound results. This includes how to properly use random variables and how to determine simulation length, number of simulations, and how to combine results of multiple simulation runs.

    In addition to the two lecture days, a set of assignments will be given that must be completed and handed in subsequently. The purpose of the exercises is primarily to make the participant familiar with using ns-3 and becoming confident in setting up their own experiments using ns-3.

  • What is ns-3?
    ns-3 is a discrete-event network simulator, targeted primarily for research and educational use. ns-3 is free software, licensed under the GNU GPLv2 license, and is publicly available for research, development, and use. NS-3 is used for simulation of IP networks, wired and wireless (wi-fi/wimax/LTE), and contains PHY, MAC and NET layer implementations of various protocols and includes basic traffic generators. Depending on the used technologies, different statistical channel models are also available. Performance metrics such as throughput, end-to-end delay, etc. can be extracted from the simulation results.

    Prerequisites:
    Basic knowledge of networks and OSI layers and main networking functionalities corresponding to MSc in Electrical or Computer engineering.

    Previous editions:
    The course has not been held earlier. The course is being proposed because PhD students and external researchers have requested such as course. Already, an interest of participation has been expressed from 5-6 people.

    Tentative plan:
    Day 1:
    9:00-12:00: Overview of current and future 802.11 technologies: a/b/g/n, ac, ad, ah, p, Wi-Fi Direct
    13:00-16:00: Introduction to the basic mechanisms of 802.11 WLAN (CSMA, hidden node problem, RTS/CTS; DCF, CFP, ad-hoc; QoS)
    Day 2:
    9:00-12:00: Introduction to network simulations in ns-3, covering the different features and operation modes, and examples.
    13:00-16:00: How to ensure statistically sound simulation results and introduction to exercises



    Organizer: APNET - Contact Person: Jimmy J. Nielsen (jjn@es.aau.dk)

    Lecturers: Postdoc Jimmy J. Nielsen, Aalborg University (APNET) and Postdoc Dong Min Kim, Aalborg University (APNET)


    ECTS: 1.25

    Time: 21st + 22nd Marts, 2016

    Place: Fredrik Bajers vej 7

    Zip code:     9220

    City:     Aalborg Øst

    Number of seats:

    Deadline: 29 February, 2016

    Important information concerning PhD courses 
    We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 5,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately three months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.