I think I understand how our bandwidth is limited to 4Mbits/sec. through the radio configuration, but we are wondering if there is way to simulate network congestion. We didn’t know if we could lower our bandwidth limits somehow during practice, or if that would even simulate network issues.
If we are relying on using the cameras during the sandstorm, we are trying to alleviate as many problems as possible.
I think you are better off measuring bandwidth usage rather than artificially creating it by flooding the radio network. If you actually wanted to simulate network congestion then you can use a packet generator configured for the predicted load but I wouldn’t advise that.
Instead just use a bandwidth monitor and keep it under 4Mbps.
Here is a link on how to do that either in windows or with wireshark: https://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s/currentCS/m/troubleshooting/l/144992-measuring-bandwidth-usage
During practice, record the bandwidth usage of the robot communications. The 4 Mbit/s limit is enforced by the Field, but I think that we are also guaranteed that we can send the full 4 Mbit/s if we want to. Don’t quote me on that, it’s still a good idea not to push the limit, but we are streaming video from the robot, and controlling it with less than a Mbit/s of bandwidth.
Check the “BW Limit” box when you configure your radio.
Staying under the bandwidth limit does not protect you from the effects of congestion.
There is a reason thegame manual says this:
While FIRST makes every effort to provide a wireless environment that allows teams
access to a full 4 Mbits/second data rate (with about 100 Kbit used for ROBOT control
and status), at some events wireless conditions may not accommodate this.