Hi,
I think there was a previous suggestion of a few [at least 3] routers.
I find three is the minimum needed. Two to talk to each other and one to listen to the conversation. They are cheap enough!
Emulating may make sense later, but timing problems due to emulation for real time stuff like this often create their own set of problems unrelated to what you are trying to do.
Antennas up and in the clear also seem to be important.
Just my opinions of course.
Good luck. John