Algorithm Design for IEEE 802.11 Protocol Testing Using Software-Defined Radios and OpenWiFi (ProtoWiFi)

This project addresses the critical need for telecommunications specialists and researchers, particularly in Ecuador, to have access to open-source software tools for in-depth investigation of the IEEE 802.11 standard. The core problem is the reliance on proprietary simulation software for exploring modulation schemes, multiplexing techniques, and protocol algorithms. The proposed solution is the development of an open-source tool that integrates Software Defined Radio (SDR) hardware and FPGA modules. This platform will enable the detailed study and analysis of wireless frames at the MAC and physical layers, facilitating the experimentation and validation of improved algorithms for encoding, transmission, and reception. Utilizing a mixed methodological approach, programming will be implemented for sending and receiving 802.11 frames, allowing specialists to parameterize key radio channel variables (channel width, transmission rate, SNR, BER) and observe system responses in real-time, thereby overcoming the limitations of non-free simulation tools.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To design an open-source tool for testing the IEEE 802.11 physical layer, utilizing open-source software and Software Defined Radio (SDR) hardware, intended for use by telecommunications specialists.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Telecommunications networks and their applications