Experimental validation of the random waypoint mobility model through a real world mobility trace for large geographical areas

Abstract

User mobility models are used in simulations of mobile communications systems to study characteristics of network performance. One of the models which is in common use is the Random Waypoint Model (RWP). The RWP is a simple mobility model based on random destinations, speeds and pause times. The RWP is often criticised as not representing how humans actually move. Paradoxically, validation against real mobility data is seen as being difficult due to the impracticalities of obtaining real mobility data.We give details of a real world user movement trace from which we obtained data about one individual's destinations, travel routes, average speed and rest times whilst moving throughout a city-wide area. We present results from this real life data and use it to validate some of the key characteristics of the RWP. In this paper we consider the RWP as a model of user mobility in networks that cater for a large geographical area - such as a city.