System-Level Emulation of 5G Sidelink MANETs

Mobile and Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs and VANETs) represent critical types of ad-hoc networks with diverse applications. Establishing a resilient wireless network for mobile devices in areas lacking traditional infrastructure, such as 5G base stations, presents significant potential for research fields like tactical military networks or commercial vehicular networks. In this study, leveraging the capabilities of the Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) and the Extendable Mobile Ad-hoc Network Emulator (EMANE), we present the development and evaluation of an emulated 5G sidelink (SL) network model. By customizing EMANE’s IEEE 802.11 model to adjust modulation and coding schemes based on signal quality and Packet Completion Rate (PCR) curves derived from link-level simulations, we have created a representative model of the 5G SL physical layer. Furthermore, our comparative analysis of routing protocols, specifically Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) and Open Shortest Path First with MANET Designated Router (OSPF-MDR), underscores the critical role of protocol selection in diverse network environments. While OSPF-MDR exhibits advantages in stable networks, OLSR demonstrates greater efficiency in mode dynamic mobile scenarios. These insights not only contribute to optimizing vehicular network efficiency but also inform future advancements across various research domains.