RaLaNS — A ray launching based propagation loss model for ns-3

Although a realistic simulation of wireless networks mainly depends on a proper model of radio wave propagation, it is common to simply assume a fixed, circular range of communication. Many protocols and algorithms have been designed based on this assumption, risking that they might not be applicable to real scenarios. We assume that researchers mainly fall back to simple propagation models because more realistic models are rare and difficult to use. Therefore, we present RaLaNS, a propagation loss model for ns-3 that is based on ray launching. The generated signal strength distribution takes into account reflection and diffraction at buildings, and thus, greatly differs from the simple models in ns-3. Therefore, RaLaNS allows for a more realistic evaluation of new algorithms. We demonstrate this by showing a case study of node placement strategies in urban areas in the second part of the paper.