Tuner help
The tuner provides a visual representation of the simulation enviroment. It provides a map of node positions and their transmission ranges and also shows which nodes are currently transmitting. The system also allows you to move nodes to different positions so you can test different network topologies!
Tuning
Initially you will be asked to 'tune' to a frequency of the simulator:
You should enter the same frequency here that you will use with the simulator (and actual audio interface).
Tokens
Once you have selected a frequency you will see a map and some controls. These controls will not be usable until you enter a valid token for this frequency. A valid token will be saved in your browser so that you don't have to enter it again your next visit. If needed you can use the 'Change Token' button to overwrite a valid token with another valid token.
Controls
At the very top right you will find a link to return to the Tuner page and a link to this help page. Note that the url of the page now includes your chosen frequency. Using this direct url you can skip the tuner page.
Below the links you will see the packet-loss controls:
The controls show the frequency you are using and allow you to change the global loss chance.
By default the simulator will not loose any data (unless there was a colission), but you can set the chance a packet is lost by using the slider.
Once you connect instances of your protocol to the simulator their locations will be displayed in a table below the controls.
Note: The loss chance is only saved when a node is connected. When the first node connects to a certain frequency the loss chance is reset to 0%.
At the bottom of the controls you will find the token (see above) and 'Node outlines' button. This last button simply toggles the drawing of a black outline around the nodes (on by default).
Nodes
When you connect your program to the simulator, the node that represents this connection will show up on the map as a dot:
The initial location of the node is randomly chosen by the simulator in a small area arround the center of the map.
You can drag the node to another location if you want. With multiple nodes this will allow you to test your protocol with different topologies.
Transmission range
When a node is transmitting this will be shown on the map with two coloured circles:
The green circle represents the area in which another node can decode the transmitted data.
The red circle represents the area in which this transmission causes interference for other nodes.
We can add another node and have one transmit some data:
In this example the green node is transmitting and the red node is within range.
The red node will be able to decode the transmission if nothing else happens.
If the red node starts transmitting during the green node's transmission the map will show the following:
In this situation both nodes will not be able to decode each others messages.
Your will have to develop a medium acces mechanims that prevents this from happening if you want to efficiently transmit data!
You can toggle the visiblity of node transmission ranges by clicking on any empty spot of the map.
Node positions
Below the loss chance controls you will find 6 buttons to set four nodes to predefined locations:
If there are more than four nodes on the map then only the first four will change their position when one of the buttons is used.
Available position layouts are (in order of appearence):
- Line: Nodes are positioned in a line. Each node is only in range of the nodes neighboring it.
- Rectangle: Nodes are positioned in a wide rectangle. Each node can reach the nodes next to it, but not the node opposit it.
- Small recangle: Nodes are positioned in a small rectangle where each node can reach each other node.
- Groups: Nodes are put into two groups that can NOT communicate with each other.
- Diamond: Nodes are positioned in a diamond shape. The top and bottom node can only reach the middle nodes, but not each other. The middle nodes can reach all nodes.
- Triangle: 3 Nodes are positioned in a triangle with one node to the top. The bottom nodes can only reach the top node through the middle node.
- Random: Nodes are randomly positioned on the map. There is no guarantee a node is in reach of any other node.
Selecting one of the 6 fixed layouts will 'set' this for the frequency indicated by a red outline. New nodes will enter on one of the four fixed positions. Note that you will need at least one node connected for this to become avaiable. After all nodes leave the simulation the layout will remain fixed, and changeable, for 2 minutes after which the server forgets. This will be indicated by the 'random' layour being highlighted again.
Please read the project manual for information on the assignment and the messages you can receive from the simulator or audio interface!