To simulate the dynamic routing within OPNET Modeler that requires to contain configuring a network in which routers automatically adapt its paths according to the real-time network conditions, like link failures, traffic congestion, or topology changes. Dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), and RIP (Routing Information Protocol) are generally utilized in these situations. Here’s a simple guide on how we can configure a dynamic routing simulation in OPNET:
Steps to Simulate Dynamic Routing Projects in OPNET
- Set Up the OPNET Project
- To make a new projects for dynamic routing in OPNET Modeler.
- Describe the workspace that contains simulation duration and parameters like convergence time, packet delay, and routing stability.
- Design the Network Topology
- Make a network topology along with routers, clients, and servers. Make sure that several paths exist among the nodes that permitting the dynamic routing protocol if paths modify to reroute traffic.
- Locate the client and server nodes within diverse subnets to monitor the inter-subnet routing.
- Select and Configure a Dynamic Routing Protocol
- Select a dynamic routing protocol according to the targets:
- OSPF: A link-state protocol, which chooses paths depends on link cost and rapidly converges.
- EIGRP: A Cisco protocol, for path selection that utilizes bandwidth, delay, and reliability parameters.
- RIP: A distance vector protocol, which utilizes hop count like the primary parameter that appropriate for smaller networks.
- Allow the selected routing protocol at every router:
- OSPF: Set up OSPF-specific metrics like Router ID, Area ID (for multi-area configurations), and link costs.
- EIGRP: Configure the metric weights like delay and bandwidth impacting on route selection.
- RIP: Only allow the RIP at each router, since it simply needs a network mask and depends on the hop count.
- Configure Link Costs and Metrics
- Describe link characteristics that contain bandwidth, delay, and cost, impacting the routing decisions.
- For several links to observe how dynamic routing protocols determine the shortest or best paths utilizing diverse costs.
- For EIGRP, configure metric values for delay and reliability. Set up link costs to manage the path selection for OSPF.
- Define Application Traffic
- Make data flows through the network to insert application traffic such as HTTP, FTP, VoIP among clients and servers
- Go to Application Config and Profile Config:
- Describe the realistic traffic patterns like for FTP, file transfers or page requests for HTTP.
- Link profiles to client and server nodes monitoring how the dynamic routing protocol adjusts like traffic flows.
- Introduce Background Traffic (Optional)
- If we require analyzing the capability of protocol to manage the congestion then insert background traffic at certain links or through the network.
- Background traffic like video streaming or email supports to replicate the real-world conditions and during high load, indicates how dynamic routing transmits traffic.
- Configure Simulation Parameters for Dynamic Routing Metrics
- For dynamic routing data, allow collection of parameters like route changes, convergence time, link utilization, delay, and packet loss.
- Permit logging for protocol-specific events such as OSPF LSAs, EIGRP updates, or RIP announcements to monitor dynamic routing behavior comprehensively.
- Run the Simulation
- Begin the replication then observe how the dynamic routing protocol handles the traffic through network.
- Monitor routing table updates, path changes, then observe how the network adjusts routes in react to link costs, load changes, or replicated failures.
- Analyze Results
- Utilize OPNET’s analysis tools estimating dynamic routing performance, after the simulation:
- Convergence Time: Assess how rapidly the routing protocol after a topology change or failure that determines a new path.
- Route Stability: Monitor the frequency of route changes and make sure stability in consistent network conditions.
- Latency and Packet Delay: Investigate latency by the chosen paths and then monitor delays once the network adjusts.
- Link Utilization and Load Balancing: Estimate if dynamic routing protocols equalize traffic through available paths efficiently.
- Packet Loss and Reliability: Verify packet loss and reliability, especially after failures or during congestion.
We effectively carried out a stepwise simulation process for Dynamic Routing Projects, simulated and analysed using OPNET Modeler environment. If you desire more information on this topic, we will be shared.
Our team assists researchers in their endeavors related to OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), and RIP (Routing Information Protocol). We encourage you to contact us for expert guidance and exceptional outcomes in your project.
