ARA Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) 
====================================

As a large-scale wireless testbed, ARA offers a **Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD)** capability that allows users to integrate and test
their own devices on the platform. In other words, researchers can
bring custom hardware (either developed as part of their work or used
for measurements and experimental studies) and evaluate it within
ARA. These devices can be tested in real-world rural environments or
within ARA's extensive indoor sandbox environment.

Because BYOD use cases can vary significantly, integration and testing
require careful planning prior to execution. The following guidelines
outline the recommended steps for utilizing ARA’s BYOD feature:


#. Submit the `ARA BYOD Request Form
   <https://forms.gle/A53Y1uFesU1kidRX7>`_ with details of your
   devices and the experiments you want to perform in ARA. The ARA
   team will respond with a proposed meeting schedule.

#. Meet with the ARA team (online) for a detailed discussion on the
   feasibility of the requested experiments, a preliminary plan, and
   the associated logistics.

#. Prepare a schedule for the experiments, taking into consideration
   the availability of both ARA support staff and the BYOD
   team. Allocate up to 25% additional time to account for unexpected
   situations or delays.

#. Validate device functionality and software in a local or simulated
   environment prior to deployment at ARA.

#. Prepare a detailed plan covering the process of bringing the
   devices to ARA, integrating them with ARA, and executing the
   experiments. The plan should include:

   * The devices being brought (including number and types)
   * The installation locations of the devices
   * The required accessories (Ethernet, fiber, and RF cables,
     connectors, etc.)
   * The experiments to be conducted with the devices
       * The required software, packaged in Docker containers
       * Automated experimentation using Jupyter Notebooks to reduce
         manual effort
       * A clear plan for logging experimental results and
         transferring data (e.g., to a cloud platform such as Dropbox)
   * Personnel planning:
       * All team members involved in the experiments should be
         present onsite, if possible
       * If onsite participation is not possible, remote participants
         must be available online for the entire duration of the
         experiments
       * At least two to three members of the BYOD team should be
         familiar with conducting experiments within ARA
   * System and deployment requirements:
       * Ensure that all devices comply with ARA safety, power, and RF
         regulations
       * Clearly specify power requirements and network interfaces
       * Define expected resource usage (e.g., spectrum, compute,
         storage) to avoid conflicts
   * Risk and reliability planning:
       * Include a contingency or recovery plan in case of device
         failure or experiment disruption

#. Ensure that all required user accounts and access permissions for
   ARA systems are requested and approved in advance.

   * Identify who requires access and at what level (e.g.,
     administrative, user-level)
   * Do not share credentials between team members
   * Follow ARA security policies for authentication and access
     control

#. Ensure that all data collected during the experiments complies with
   applicable data privacy and ethical guidelines.

   * Avoid collecting personally identifiable information (PII) unless
     explicitly approved
   * Define how experimental data will be stored, accessed, and shared
   * Use secure methods for data transfer and storage

#. During experimentation, whether onsite or remote, the BYOD team
   must strictly follow the requirements and guidelines of the ARA
   team.

#. After completion of the experiments, ensure proper cleanup and
   restoration.

   * Remove all BYOD equipment from the ARA site unless otherwise agreed
   * Restore any modified ARA configurations to their original state
   * Ensure no residual data or processes remain on ARA systems
   * Coordinate with the ARA team for proper shutdown and disconnection

If you have any questions, please contact us at e2@arawireless.org.