WHYNET: a hybrid testbed for large-scale, heterogeneous and adaptive wireless networks

We present an overview of the WHYNET (Wireless HYbrid NETwork) testbed, currently being developed for realistic and scalable evaluation of next-generation wireless network protocols and applications. WHYNET framework enables seamless integration of physical, simulation and emulation components in a single framework, and allows the use of any combination of those components when evaluating a target wireless network scenario. In this article, we describe the rationale behind our hybrid testbed approach, and give an overview of the architectural components of the hybrid testbed and key technical challenges addressed in its design. Further, we present several case studies to demonstrate the value of the hybrid testbed for realistic and scalable evaluation of a broad range of wireless network scenarios, focusing on cross-layer interactions, heterogeneous and large-scale wireless networks.