Title:
A High-Throughput Data and Control Plane for Scalable Software-Defined Radio Experimentation
Abstract:
Modern wireless experimentation has driven major advances in communication systems. Rapid progress in Software-Defined Radios (SDRs), high-performance computing, and high-speed networking creates an opportunity to build unified, high-capacity experimentation environments that are reproducible and scalable. This thesis presents the design and evaluation of an integrated wireless testbed leveraging a unique data and control back-plane that unifies SDR platforms, compute resources, and a centralized management framework. A multi-tier architecture separates control and data traffic, enabling efficient handling of high-throughput SDR streams over a high-speed backbone. Experimental results demonstrate reliable, concurrent streaming from up to eight USRP X310 devices with no packet loss under tested conditions, confirming the system’s ability to sustain demanding workloads while preserving data integrity. Analysis further highlights key network configurations that enhance performance and stability.
Research Advisor:
Prof. Alex Wyglinski
ECE Department, WPI
Research Committee:
Prof. Bo Tang
ECE Department, WPI
Dr. Sergio Bermudez
Charles Stark Draper Laboratory