Scalable Urban Network Simulation (SUNS)

Abstract

A clear and accurate understanding of communication network performance is essential, especially where all layers of the protocol stack - from physical propagation to application transport protocols - must be accounted for. While some solutions exist for RF communications over `open-terrain' areas, the urban environment is particularly challenging. To meet this challenge, a server-based, real-time solution for assessing complex communication and network effects in urban environments has been developed. By combining advanced RF ray-tracing propagation modeling and a full network simulator, the Scalable Urban Network Simulation (SUNS) software is able to provide accurate communications effects services. SUNS supports tactical modeling and simulation by predicting electro-magnetic signal coverage and path loss through application of a full 3D physical knowledge of the urban environment and terrain features. The commercial OPNET network simulator is used as the core of the system, with SUNS operations supported through a custom OPNET model that functions as a modeling and simulation server. The server, in turn, communicates with other node models within the OPNET simulation. In the approach, urban propagation data are pre-computed using high-performance computing (HPC) resources utilizing ray traced models of the urban scene.