  We develop a new framework for measuring and comparing the accuracy of any
wireless interference models used in the analysis and design of wireless
networks. Our approach is based on a new index that assesses the ability of the
interference model to correctly predict harmful interference events, i.e., link
outages. We use this new index to quantify the accuracy of various interference
models used in the literature, under various scenarios such as Rayleigh fading
wireless channels, directional antennas, and blockage (impenetrable obstacles)
in the network. Our analysis reveals that in highly directional antenna
settings with obstructions, even simple interference models (e.g., the
classical protocol model) are accurate, while with omnidirectional antennas,
more sophisticated and complex interference models (e.g., the classical
physical model) are necessary. Our new approach makes it possible to adopt the
appropriate interference model of adequate accuracy and simplicity in different
settings.
