Emulate real-world WiFi networks with the Maxwell® Network Emulator

Maxwell, the Network Emulator and Protocol Impairment System, emulates real-world network conditions in WiFi networks (IEEE 802.11).

Maxwell intercepts the network flow (protocol conversation between two devices) and impairs the packets and protocols according to user-defined criteria. This allows the tester to see how the devices will perform in real-world network conditions.

Since Maxwell supports multiple, concurrent network flows, the network emulation is very realistic -- as most real-world devices handle multiple flows, not just one flow at a time. All the while Maxwell introduces impairments at the packet level and the protocol level.

In order to intercept the wireless traffic between two devices, Maxwell must be in the middle. Thus each device must be associated with a separate wireless access point. Each wireless access point must then be physically connected to Maxwell via Ethernet. Maxwell uses the wireless access points as a means to route each network flow through Maxwell.

The following packet and protocol impairments could be defined and applied to the four mobile devices in the diagram above.

In the example above, we are emulating a realistic WiFi network with multiple WiFi devices in constant communication. In this illustration, Maxwell has introduced packet delays and drops -- a common occurrence with a congested network. A good example of this is a hotel lobby with many business travelers using their laptops wirelessly to check email. In addition, Maxwell has one bit duplicated in the RTP protocol that is carrying the video stream; this could result in a problem with the receipt of the video stream.

Many more devices could be added to test the boundaries and limits of device performance in a wireless network. Maxwell could also introduce more forms of network anomalies and more protocol impairments to emulate a very wide range of conditions.

With multiple flows as well as multiple impairments at the packet, protocol, and payload level, Maxwell can recreate a very realistic, real-world wireless network emulation. This helps uncover problems prior to wireless network deployment.