WTTool: A Network Topology Generation and Visualization Platform

Perhaps the most popular method of studying cellular networks is the use of network simulation. Conducting simulation, as opposed to studying real functioning networks, offers a much higher degree of accessibility at the cost of being slightly less accurate. In order to bridge this accuracy gap, we look for ways to conveniently make simulations more realistic. One such method is the use of real geographical data when considering the placement of nodes in the network. In this work, we present our publicly available, web-based platform Wireless Topology Tool (WTTool). Researchers can use WTTool to plan and design network topologies based on geographical data. Further, WTTool allows researchers to share geographical datasets with the community, encouraging the reproduction of results. Additionally, our platform provides a means to visualize geography-based simulation results in the form of a heatmap. In this paper, we discuss how the WTTool works, the different functionalities it offers, and how a researcher can use it. Finally, we provide 2 use cases to illustrate the full workflow of a researcher using the WTTool platform.