Below are the steps for using the Mobile Node to run dynamic experiments. They may differ based on which operating system your are using.

⚠️ The first time you run an experiment from the mobile node, it’s best if you have a quick call with the Foamspace team beforehand for us to help you through the configuration, depending on your technical abilities.

Windows

Download Timesink Programs (First Time Only)

1. You need to download three exe files and install them on your computer. Download them to your c:/Users/<yourusername> folder. These files run timesink, the core program that controls the mobile node from your laptop, telling it when to send transmissions synchronized with your Zone Anchors.

   ⚠️ Note: the Foamspace team will share these files with you.

   • timesinkctl.exe
   • timesink.exe
   • ltspctl.exe

2. Connect laptop to LTE hotspot (can be from your smartphone’s hotspot).

3. Connect mobile node to laptop via USB-C cord (or USB, but USB-C is preferred).

4. Go to Device Manager on your computer.

5. Scroll down to Ports (COM & LPT)

6. Look for newly connected device called USB Serial Device to see which port (COM) the mobile node is connected to (for example “COM10”). Take note of which COM port is being used, as it will be important in steps below.

Install mTLS Certification (First Time Only)

1. Download mTLS file received from Foamspace team. Unzip and save to the same folder you shared the timesink programs to (c:/Users/<yourusername>). The file will be called mtls-yourname

Physically Connect Mobile Node to Laptop (Always)