How to Simulate Cluster Topology Projects Using OMNeT++

To simulate a Cluster Topology using OMNeT++, which comprises of making a network in which nodes are grouped into clusters, and each cluster normally has a central node or cluster head, which communicates with the other nodes in the cluster and with other clusters. This kind of topology is general in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), ad-hoc networks, and mesh networks. Clustering is frequently utilized to enhance the scalability, handle data aggregation, and minimize energy consumption.

Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to simulate a Cluster Topology in OMNeT++ using the INET framework:

Steps to Simulate a Cluster Topology in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework:

Make certain OMNeT++ and the INET framework are installed, as they offer the essential tools and modules for network simulations.

  • We can download and install OMNeT++.
  • Download and install the INET Framework.
  1. Define the Cluster Topology in NED File:

In a cluster topology, nodes are grouped into clusters with a cluster head. We can make numerous clusters, in which each cluster head communicates with its member nodes and possibly with other cluster heads.

Here’s an instance NED file, which describes a simple cluster topology:

network ClusterTopologyNetwork

{

parameters:

int numClusters = default(3);  // Number of clusters

int clusterSize = default(4);  // Number of nodes per cluster

submodules:

// Define clusters of nodes, each with a cluster head

clusterHead[numClusters]: <ClusterHeadType> {

@display(“p=100+300*i,100”);  // Position cluster heads

}

clusterNode[numClusters][clusterSize-1]: <ClusterNodeType> {

@display(“p=100+300*i,150+50*j”);  // Position nodes in each cluster

}

connections allowunconnected:

// Connect each cluster head to its corresponding cluster nodes

for i=0..numClusters-1 {

for j=0..clusterSize-2 {

clusterHead[i].ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> clusterNode[i][j].ethg++;

}

}

// Optionally connect the cluster heads to each other for inter-cluster communication

for i=0..numClusters-2 {

clusterHead[i].ethg++ <–> Eth1G <–> clusterHead[i+1].ethg++;

}

}

In this example:

  • numClusters describes the amount of clusters.
  • clusterSize defines the number of nodes in each cluster.
  • clusterHead[numClusters] describes the cluster heads, one per cluster.
  • clusterNode[numClusters][clusterSize-1] denotes the member nodes in each cluster.
  • Eth100M is utilized to connect cluster heads to their member nodes with 100 Mbps Ethernet links.
  • Eth1G can be used to associate cluster heads with faster links for inter-cluster communication.
  1. Define Node Types in NED:

We can be utilized INET’s StandardHost for describing the cluster head and cluster nodes, or we can make a custom node types relying on the requirements.

Here’s an instance of defining node types for the Cluster Head and Cluster Node:

import inet.node.inet.StandardHost;

module ClusterHeadType extends StandardHost

{

parameters:

@display(“i=device/router”);  // Use router icon for cluster heads

}

module ClusterNodeType extends StandardHost

{

parameters:

@display(“i=device/laptop”);  // Use laptop icon for cluster nodes

}

This configure distinguishes among the cluster heads (e.g., routers) and cluster nodes (e.g., laptops or sensors).

  1. Configure the INI File:

In the omnetpp.ini file, we can describe simulation parameters, like the amount of clusters, traffic patterns, and simulation duration.

Here’s an instance configuration for generating traffic within clusters and among the cluster heads:

[General]

network = ClusterTopologyNetwork

sim-time-limit = 50s   # Simulation time

# Configure IP addresses for cluster heads and nodes

*.clusterHead[*].networkLayer.ipv4.address = “10.0.x.1”

*.clusterNode[*][*].networkLayer.ipv4.address = “10.0.x.y”

# Configuring TCP traffic between cluster nodes and the cluster head within a cluster

*.clusterNode[0][0].numApps = 1

*.clusterHead[0].numApps = 1

# Define a TCP client on a cluster node and a TCP server on its cluster head

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].typename = “TcpBasicClientApp”

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].connectAddress = “10.0.0.1”  # Cluster head’s IP

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].startTime = 2s

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].stopTime = 48s

*.clusterHead[0].app[0].typename = “TcpBasicServerApp”  # TCP server on the cluster head

In this configuration:

  • Cluster nodes in cluster 0 communicate with their cluster head.
  • Node[0][0] (first node in the first cluster) performs as a TCP client, transmitting data to the cluster head that performs as a TCP server.
  • Each node and cluster head obtains an IP address, in which x denotes the cluster number and y signifies the node number.
  1. Traffic Generation Using UDP or TCP:

We can replicate traffic using either TCP or UDP among the nodes and cluster heads or among cluster heads. The following is an instance configuration for replicating UDP traffic:

# Configuring UDP traffic from clusterNode[0][0] to its cluster head

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].destAddresses = “10.0.0.1”  # IP address of cluster head

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].destPort = 5000

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].packetLength = 1024B

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].sendInterval = uniform(1s, 2s)

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].startTime = 2s

*.clusterNode[0][0].app[0].stopTime = 48s

# Configure the cluster head as a UDP sink to receive packets

*.clusterHead[0].app[0].typename = “UdpSink”

*.clusterHead[0].app[0].localPort = 5000

This makes UDP traffic from a cluster node to the cluster head in its cluster.

  1. Run the Simulation:
  • We can open OMNeT++ IDE, compile the project, and then we run the simulation.
  • Utilize Qtenv to envision the cluster topology and monitor how packets are sent within clusters and among the cluster heads.

During the simulation, you will see traffic flowing between the cluster nodes and their respective cluster heads, and possibly between cluster heads if you’ve enabled inter-cluster communication.

  1. Analyze the Results:

OMNeT++ offers detailed logs and statistical informations, which can examine to estimate the network performance. Metrics like:

  • Throughput: Calculate data flow among the cluster nodes and their heads.
  • Latency: Track delays in communication among clusters and cluster heads.
  • Packet Loss: Detect any dropped packets in or among clusters.

We can utilize Scave or Plove to plot outcomes and generate visualizations of performance parameters such as throughput and latency.

  1. Advanced Features (Optional):

We can prolong the simulation by inserting advanced aspects such as:

  1. Routing Protocols: Execute routing protocols such as AODV or OLSR to dynamically handle packet routing among the clusters.
  2. Energy Models: If we are replicating a wireless sensor network (WSN), use energy models to observe the power consumption of cluster nodes and heads.
  3. Mobility Models: Insert mobility models if we are mimicking a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) with moving nodes or clusters.
  4. Inter-Cluster Communication: Enable cluster heads to communicate with one another using a backbone network.

Example of Applying a Routing Protocol (e.g., AODV):

# Enable AODV routing protocol for cluster heads and nodes

*.clusterHead[*].ipv4.routingProtocol = “Aodv”

*.clusterNode[*][*].ipv4.routingProtocol = “Aodv”

*.clusterHead[*].aodv.activeRouteTimeout = 5s

*.clusterNode[*][*].aodv.activeRouteTimeout = 5s

This configure permits the AODV (Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector) routing protocol for both cluster heads and cluster nodes, permitting them to find and route packets actively.

Summary:

  1. Define Topology: Utilize NED to make a clusters of nodes with a central cluster head.
  2. Node Configuration: Use INET’s StandardHost or custom node types to signify cluster heads and nodes.
  3. Traffic Simulation: Replicate communication using TCP or UDP among the cluster nodes and their respective cluster heads.
  4. Run and Analyze: We can run the simulation in OMNeT++ and utilize built-in tools to estimate throughput, latency, and packet loss.

In this demonstration included the simplified steps utilizing related instances for Cluster Topology projects, which were replicated and analysed via OMNeT++. We also presented above advanced aspects and summary for this topology. You want more informations, to be added in another manual.

We are pleased to offer comprehensive guidance on Cluster Topology Projects utilizing OMNeT++. Our aim is to provide you with detailed insights that yield optimal results. Should you require additional information on this subject, including simulation outcomes, we are here to assist. Our experienced developers are ready to support you in the realms of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), ad-hoc networks, and mesh networks. You can rely on phdprime.com as your trusted partner for exceptional simulation and network evaluation results.

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