Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR)
PAWR, Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research, is pivotal in facilitating experimental exploration within wireless technologies, encompassing novel wireless devices, communication methodologies, network infrastructures, system architectures, and service topologies. This program aims to reshape the wireless communication landscape and enhance its economic competitiveness for the future. The PAWR Project Office administers this ambitious public-private partnership that boasts $100 million in investments. PAWR is financially supported and backed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), with 30+ wireless companies and associations actively participaintg in advancing the mission to expedite the progression of wireless technologies.

What is ARA?
ARA is the next generation of a wireless living lab set to target farming and rural communities to aid in their mission of developing wireless technologies that are affordable, smart, and able to connect to agricultural and rural devices seamlessly. ARA is a backhaul network with long-range wireless capabilities with optical fiber and free-space optical links. Their wireless infrastructure spans the rural environment for exploiting the scope of applications within precision agriculture: robots, autonomous vehicles, cameras, sensors, and phenotyping. Their focus does not stop beyond there; ARA has deployed UE (User Equipments) on public Platforms of community living, including public transportation, water resources, and safety services.

Our Mission
This Senior Design group is to leverage ARA Wireless Technologies within the PAWR initiative to drive innovation and advancements in wireless accessibility and functionality. Our group is dedicated to creating cutting-edge lab experiments on wireless security, networks, and cybersecurity. We aim to educate students, professors, and visionaries on cultivating their knowledge and experience in wireless technology. From empowering the next generation of engineers and researchers to shaping the future of wireless communication with integrity, expertise, and creativity - when Iowa State University Innovates, the future celebrates.

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Lab 0: Setup & Guide

The lab setup and guide are essential for the success of students. As ARA is a new platform and a contributor to PAWR, it's crucial for students to familiarize themselves with its infrastructure. This setup and guide will walk students through the basics of ARA, providing quick and easy hands-on experience. This lab is necessary as it involves setting up and creating an account with ARA and the team. We strongly advise students to do this immediately, as verification requests can take up to 72 hours.

Lab 1: 4G Network Experimentation

Students explore configuring containers for 4G Network Experimentation, gaining insights into network architecture manipulation. They delve into data transmission and communication protocols, analyzing variables impacting throughput and resource reservation's significance in network infrastructures. This academic pursuit fosters a nuanced understanding of network dynamics, emphasizing strategic resource allocation for maintaining network robustness and reliability. This lab is set to take roughly an hour or two.

Lab 2: Transmitting, Receiving, and Visualizing Waveforms using UHD & GNURadio

Through the usage of New Radio User Equipment (nrUE) and a gNodeB (gNB), we will simulate the gNB as the "base station", or as we commonly know them as, a cell tower. The gNB will be responsible for communicating with the User Equipment (cell phones, etc) in it's coverage zone. In this lab, we will be looking at the wave lengths on the two devices communicating.

Lab 3: Monitoring AraMIMO Wireless Link using CLI

Students will utilize ARAs prebuild MIMI wireless link and monitor the behavior and traffic between the UE and the base station. This will use the CLI and other equipment to measure and compare the results.

Lab 4: Outdoor 5G Channel COTS UE

Student will establish an existing connection of COTS UE from an established RAN. They will conduct a throughput test on the network to analyze performance and look at the measurement results.

Lab 5: Packet Analysis

Students will sucessfully set up an emulated 4G network and simulate data traffic between the UE and EPC. Students will capture packets from a 4G Network.

Lab 6: Wireless Jamming

Aims to provide hands-on experience in setting up and conducting wireless jamming experiments in a simulated 4G Network Environment. Users will use SDRs and emulated base stations to understand the principles of wireless communication and network security.

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Feedback Form

Please submit the Feedback Form at the conclusion of completing one of the developed labs to better provide input and allow us to better gauge and assess the future of ARA developed labs.

Feedback Form