On the map accuracy required for network simulations based on ray launching

Abstract

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. It has been shown that mobility models affect the results of the performance evaluation of wireless networks, e.g., contact and inter-contact times for opportunistic networks. However, even when using more realistic mobility models that consider street maps, the calculation of contact metrics widely relies on simplified propagation models. More realistic models such as ray launchers require 3-dimensional maps of the environment. We assume that the low availability of such maps is a major reason for falling back to more simplified models. We show that the level of detail in widely available map data from the OpenStreetMap-project is sufficient in certain scenarios such as the calculation of contact metrics. Our results open up a path to more realistic simulative performance evaluations using arbitrary cities.