Design of experiments for the assessment of coexistence between wireless networks

The paper investigates the reliability of simulation models for the assessment of wireless network performances under the effects of radio interference. In particular, some critical issues affecting the accuracy of modern simulation tools are addressed. The main purpose is to highlight the role of measurements in the optimization of theoretical models. Accordingly, some meaningful results from experiments are compared with the corresponding ones obtained from simulations, and simulation models have been consequently improved. Experiments and simulations have been carried out by using a suitable testbed, described in the paper, enlisting a set of IEEE 802.15.4 and 802.11b compliant devices operating in the 2.4 GHz industrial scientific and medical band.