An emulator for emulating a wireless network comprised of a plurality of RF nodes is comprised of a programmable controller for emulating the movements of the plurality of RF nodes within an emulated space. The controller provides both information and control signals based on the emulated movements. A programmable logic core receives a plurality of signals from the plurality of RF nodes and emulates signal propagation based on the information from the controller. A plurality of signal generation and conversion cards are interposed between the programmable logic core and the RF nodes. The signal generation and conversion cards are responsive to the control signals. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.