Wireless Networks Performance Evaluation Purpose Of The Asse

Wireless networks performance evaluation Purpose of the assessment (with ULO Mapping)

The purpose of the assignment is to compare the wireless communication technologies and evaluate their performance. Students will be able to complete the following ULOs: b. Compare standards-based technologies used in various networks; c. Test and evaluate various wireless networks performance;

Paper For Above instruction

Wireless networks have become an integral part of modern communication systems, offering flexibility and mobility that traditional wired networks cannot match. As wireless technologies continue to evolve rapidly, it is essential to compare their performance metrics to understand their capabilities and limitations. This paper aims to critically evaluate various wireless communication technologies, focusing on their standards-based implementations and performance evaluation through simulation tools.

Wireless communication technologies are diverse, encompassing standards such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and emerging 5G standards. These technologies differ significantly in terms of range, data rates, power consumption, and suitability for specific applications. For instance, Wi-Fi is often used for local area network (LAN) connectivity with relatively high data rates, while Bluetooth is optimized for short-range, low-power device communication. LTE and 5G, on the other hand, provide wide-area coverage with enhanced throughput suitable for mobile broadband services.

In comparing these standards-based technologies, it is crucial to evaluate their performance through simulation methodologies that provide quantitative and qualitative insights. Network simulators such as NS-2 (Network Simulator 2) are widely used in academic and research settings for this purpose due to their flexibility and detailed modeling capabilities. NS-2 allows researchers to design complex wireless network topologies, implement various routing protocols, and analyze the resulting performance metrics effectively.

The performance evaluation of wireless networks involves examining parameters such as packet delivery ratio, packet loss, throughput, delay, energy consumption, and routing efficiency. These parameters are critical for understanding network reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, especially for battery-operated wireless devices. Conducting simulations with different routing protocols can reveal how network design choices impact overall performance.

For example, routing protocols such as DSDV (Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector), AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector), and DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) are commonly analyzed in ad hoc wireless networks. Each protocol has unique strengths and weaknesses in terms of route discovery, maintenance, and adaptability to network topology changes. Simulation studies often involve deploying nodes uniformly in a specified area, configuring traffic sources, and running the simulation for a predetermined duration. The trace files generated from such simulations provide a wealth of data for analysis.

Analyzing these trace files involves extracting metrics such as total packets sent, received, dropped, and energy consumed by nodes. Visualizing this data through graphs helps to compare protocol performance under identical network conditions. For instance, a higher packet delivery ratio indicates better reliability, while lower energy consumption signifies efficiency, especially critical in battery-powered networks. Critical analysis involves interpreting these results in the context of network design and operation limitations.

The simulation process also includes visualizing the network deployment using network animator (NAM), which provides graphical insights into the node distribution and movement during the simulation. Capturing screenshots at intervals (e.g., 50s, 150s, 250s) helps to illustrate the network dynamics and verify uniform node deployment, a key assumption in performance evaluation.

Ultimately, this comparative analysis aims to inform optimal protocol selection and network design strategies suited for specific application scenarios. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different protocols through simulation-based evaluation, researchers and engineers can enhance wireless network performance, resilience, and energy efficiency.

References

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  • Johnson, D. B., Maltz, D. A., & Broch, J. (2001). DSR: The Dynamic Source Routing Protocol for Multi-Hop Wireless Ad Hoc Networks. Ad Hoc Networking.
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  • The NS-2 Network Simulator. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.isi.edu/nsnam/ns/
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