Before gaining access to the Iris testbed it is essential to familiarise yourself with the Iris software. This is done through the Iris Wiki page. The Wiki gives you full instructions on how to download and install the Iris software onto your own computer as well as instructions on how to get started in using it. Use of the Wiki page requires a user account and password. These can be obtained through emailing either tallonj@tcd.ie or finnda@tcd.ie.

An overview of the Iris architecture and some of its capabilities are available here .

At this stage users will be able to performe experiments using Iris, independent of the Iris testbed, using either the simulated "channel component" or in conjunction with the USRP (1/2/N210 etc.).

Access to the Iris testbed is given out separately from access to the Wiki. This is because access to the Iris testbed is often not necessary if users have USRP hardware of their own available.

However, if remote access to the Iris testbed (after installing and trying out the Iris software) is required, details of how to obtain access to the testbed can be found here.

Remote access

The CTVR Iris testbed is currently being reconfigured. The node locations may not reflect exactly those shown in the diagram. For downtimes make sure to check the calendar.

The testbed is designed to permit fully remote access for carrying out experiments. This page provides information required to use the testbed from a remote location.

Access to the Iris testbed is achieved through the ctvr-gateway server. User login details are required to gain access to this server. These can be applied for by emailing either tallonj@tcd.ie or finnda@tcd.ie explaining the nature of the experimentation desired to be carried out within the testbed. Due to limitations in the number of nodes available applications must be handled on a case by case basis.

Once login details have been obtained

The experimenter will need to schedule an experiment.

Remote VNC Access

The experimenter will then be able to access any of the testbed nodes via VNC in the following way. Use the login details you were issued to login to ctvr-gateway.cs.tcd.ie via SSH. Once you have a terminal for this server open, SSH again onto the node you wish to access as follows:

ssh nodeuser@ctvr-node07.cs.tcd.ie

vncserver :1 -geometry 1280x900

This will create a vncserver on display 1 of node 07 and with a 1280x900 screen resolution. Once the server is running, use a VNC client to connect. In this case, we would connect to ctvr-node07.cs.tcd.ie:1. When you are finished, kill the VNC server on the testbed node as follows:

vncserver -kill :1

The following pages will be of use in setting up an experiment:

Iris architecture overview	Iris Testbed Layout	Powering the USRPs remotely
Spectrum analyser remote access	First example experiment	Use fo the testbed webcam

Use of licensed bands

For use of wireless spectrum outside of unlicensed bands the experimenter is directed here.