We introduce a platform that simplifies the development, performance
evaluation, and comparison (DEC) of cross-layer protocols for
multi-hop ad hoc networks (MANET). To the best of our knowledge,
this is the first platform that provides an integrated API for
controlling and assessing, on a per-packet basis, the physical layer
and MAC/LLC parameters (e.g. frequency channel, power, rate,
coding/modulation, fragmentation, number of retransmissions) for
IEEE802.11 network interfaces.

Today, performance evaluation of wireless mobile ad hoc networks
heavily relies on simulation, which is limited in reflecting real
environment scenarios due to the channel modeling approximations.
Experimental comparisons of protocols in real-world propagation
environment are difficult because of limited reproducibility of the
channel propagation, environment, and mobility scenarios. We
introduce a DEC platform that provides a network virtualization
above the physical/link layers. It runs multiple protocols in
TDMA-like timeslots guaranteeing an equitable share of the medium,
seamless switching between protocols and synchronization between the
nodes, all in a transparent fashion to developers. An extensive
experimental evaluation demonstrates the usefulness of the platform.