Modeling Environmental Effects on Directionality in Wireless Networks

As the demand for wireless networks grows, the research community continues to seek methods for improving network performance. On method for improving network throughput involves using directional antennas to increase signal gain and/or decrease interference. The physical-layer models used in current networking simulators only minimally address the interaction of directional antennas and radio propagation. This paper compares the models found in popular simulation tools with measurements taken across a variety of links in multiple environments.