Using a Shielded Room to Characterize UDP Performance in the Presence of Interference in IEEE 802.11 Wireless Networks

It is critical to understand the effect of wireless interference so that we can better utilize the spectrum through dynamic allocation methods. This paper presents the results of an experimental study done to characterize UDP performance in wireless networks in the presence of interference. We have carried out experiments in a Shielded Room facility using three different interference sources. A controlled interference source was used to generate continuous interference along with two known interference sources: a microwave oven and a FHSS phone. The impact of these interference sources on UDP has been quantified. The results obtained from experiments done inside the Shielded Room are compared with results from those done outside. The implications of using the Shielded Room as an experimental environment are discussed.