A retrospective look at the UMass DOME mobile testbed

Abstract

In this paper we describe the evolution of DOME, a diverse outdoor testbed for mobile experimentation. In addition, while highlighting the challenges faced in construction of DOME, we describe a concrete set of scientific results derived from this experience in a retrospective study. First, we argue that a broad range of mobility experiments could be performed in a testbed which provides the properties of temporal, technological, and spatial diversity. We demonstrate these properties in our testbed through analysis of data collected from DOME over a period of four years. Second, we crystallize a set of design principles that others should use when constructing testbeds of their own, including those related to deploying and managing a diverse testbed, distributing experiments remotely, and fostering collaborations among testbed stakeholders. Finally, using traces collected by DOME, we provide insights into several important problems in mobile systems research.