GWEn -- An Open-Source Wireless Physical-Layer Evaluation Platform

Abstract

Wireless physical layer assessment, such as measuring antenna radiation patterns, is complex and cost-intensive. Researchers often require a stationary setup with antennas surrounding the device under test. There remains a need for more cost-effective and open-source platforms that facilitate such research, particularly in automated testing contexts. This paper introduces the Gimbal-based platform for Wireless Evaluation (GWEn), a lightweight multi-axis positioner designed to portably evaluate wireless systems in real-world scenarios with minimal RF interference. We present an evaluation workflow that utilizes GWEn and show how it supports different types of wireless devices and communication systems, including Ultra-wideband, mmWave, and acoustic communication. GWEn is open-source, combining 3D-printed components with off-the-shelf parts, thus allowing researchers globally to replicate, utilize, and adapt the system according to their specific needs.