Prototype system for detecting and processing of IEEE 802.11G signals

Abstract

On the modern battlefield, successful and fast communications is a critical issue. So the need for transmitting information in larger amounts through a military high-speed network increases. Thus the military is seeking viable and effective solutions that may fulfill these requirements in an operational environment. This thesis develops a prototype system based on appropriate low-cost software and hardware solutions. This system is able to detect, analyze and process wireless 802.11g signals. The evaluation of the newly designed system proved that it is effective up to distances of about 400 m with a low packet error rate and could be a useful tool for detecting wireless 802.11g networks. After evaluating the system, it was used for capturing wireless signals so that we would determine the effective transmission range and the data throughput of an 802.11g network. We determined that such a wireless network could be used in military operations because it offers high data rates up to 200 m, while it maintains a connection of the wireless clients for distances up to 400 m. In addition, the performance data collected can be used as guidelines for estimating the expected performance in an operational situation and can provide useful information for successful planning.