BeHop: a testbed for dense WiFi networks

Abstract

We present BeHop, a wireless testbed for dense WiFi networks often seen in residential and enterprise settings. BeHop aims to provide insights on the operation of dense deployments, and evaluate how different WiFi management strategies affect user experience and network behavior. It has sufficient flexibility to let us try different management techniques and setups (e.g. residential or enterprise, client or infrastructure-driven operation). It is deployed at a university dorm, where it acts as the main network for a diverse set of users and devices, exposing practical insights and implications on the operation of the network. In this paper we discuss the design and implementation of BeHop, and share our early experience over a five-month period.