Accuracy of simulation of wireless technology using MATLAB and NS-3.

Abstract

Performance predictions of wireless IEEE 802.11 specifications have been obtained using two well-known simulators - MATLAB and Network Simulator 3 (NS-3). Benchmarking was done by comparison to laboratory performance measured practically using an experimental method based on technical features claiming to contribute to higher bandwidth. The findings show that both simulators’ predictions match the specifications at zero line-of-sight between transmitter and host. Technical features were confirmed to broadly increased data rates approximately to specification. However, accuracy of the simulators was inversely correlated with propagation distance. In certain cases, the claim of higher bandwidth by the latest amendment was not borne out in practice over distances greater than 10m. In conclusion, NS-3 was more often better correlated with measured values than MATLAB. In future, better software modelling of ray tracing and beam forming, physical techniques employed in cellular simulators that better model propagation effects would be expected to improve accuracy. Keywords-WIFI, Wireless technology, MATLAB, NS-3.