To simulate an Extended Star Topology using OPNET has numerous steps that contain to make a hierarchical star layout in which several star topologies are interconnected via more central nodes. This topology is generally utilized within larger networks such as campus networks or enterprise LANs in which departments or buildings contains its own star networks, which associate to a primary central hub, to offer the scalability also ease of management.
Steps to Simulate Extended Star Topology Projects in OPNET
- Set Up OPNET Environment
- Make a new project then name it something related like “Extended Star Topology Simulation” in OPNET Modeler.
- Configure the workspace containing several star network segments, each segment with a central node associate to a primary central hub.
- Design the Extended Star Structure
- Main Central Hub (Root Node):
- Append a primary central device such as core router or central switch that will be associated to several star networks. It functions like the root node.
- Intermediate Central Nodes:
- Insert a switch or router, which performs like the central point for that segment for each star network. These intermediate nodes will be associated to both its individual end nodes and the main central hub.
- End Nodes (Leaf Nodes):
- In each star network, append workstations, servers, or client devices, which will be linked to the intermediate central nodes.
- Configure Links to Form the Extended Star Structure
- Main Hub to Intermediate Nodes:
- Associate the main central hub for each intermediate node utilizing high-capacity point-to-point links. From each star segment, these links would be capable of managing aggregated traffic.
- Intermediate Nodes to End Nodes:
- Utilize point-to-point Ethernet links, associate each end node to an intermediate node in their corresponding star segment.
- Link Type and Speed:
- According to the expected data loads, we can select link types and speeds:
- Fiber Optic Links or Gigabit Ethernet for links among the main hub and intermediate nodes.
- For connections among intermediate nodes and end nodes, we can utilize Ethernet (10 Mbps or 100 Mbps).
- According to the expected data loads, we can select link types and speeds:
- Full-Duplex Configuration:
- Set up every links to permit concurrent two-way data transmission for full-duplex communication.
- Assign Applications and Configure Traffic Patterns
- Describe applications, which will be used in the network utilizing Application Configuration. Instance include:
- HTTP/HTTPS for web browsing and intranet.
- VoIP for real-time voice interaction.
- FTP for file sharing.
- Database Access for data-intensive operations.
- Configure Profile Configuration allocate specific applications to each node, to describe which nodes interact in its segment and which communicate with nodes over other star networks via the primary hub.
- Enable Data Collection for Monitoring and Analysis
- Configure data collection parameters through nodes and links, to concentrate on the main hub and intermediate nodes:
- Throughput: Estimate the data throughput at each link measuring traffic flow, especially among the main hub and intermediate nodes.
- Link Utilization: Observe utilization detecting utilized links heavily, which particularly on the main hub and links among it and the intermediate nodes.
- Latency and Delay: Monitor latency among nodes, specifically for traffic, from one segment to another through the main hub which have to move.
- Packet Loss: Evaluate packet loss identifying transmission issues, specifically if any link goes through congestion.
- Configure Node and Link Properties
- Main Hub (Root Node):
- Set up the main hub, from multiple segments managing large volumes of traffic. For instance it could be a high-capacity router or switch with additional processing power and bandwidth.
- Intermediate Nodes:
- Configure intermediate nodes handling traffic in each star segment and route traffic to the main hub.
- End Nodes:
- In the Profile Configuration, set up end nodes like client devices or workstations, to get into applications as described.
- Traffic Generation Parameters:
- Configure traffic generation patterns like periodic file transfers, continuous voice calls, or regular web requests replicating normal network activity over the segments.
- Introduce Traffic Load Testing and Scalability (Optional)
- Simulate High Traffic Loads:
- For certain applications, maximize the data rate at end nodes mimicking high usage in a segment. For example, configure several end nodes to request information in another segment from a server.
- Scalability Testing:
- Insert more end nodes to certain star segments or maximize the number of star networks are associated to the main hub experimenting how successfully the topology manages scaling.
- Run the Simulation
- In OPNET, execute the simulation, from end nodes to their local intermediate nodes to permit traffic to flow and over the main hub if required.
- Monitor network behavior that contains data flow, link utilization, and performance over the main hub and intermediate nodes.
- Analyze Results
- Measure the extended star topology performance utilizing OPNET’s analysis tools:
- Throughput Analysis: Verify throughput at each link, particularly among the main hub and intermediate nodes since they manage most of the inter-segment traffic.
- Latency and Delay: Estimate delay to move among segments for data since it need to traverse the main hub.
- Link Utilization: Observe utilization at links associating to the main hub detecting potential bottlenecks. For higher capacity, utilized links heavily may show a requirement.
- Packet Loss and Reliability: Verify for packet loss making sure reliable data transmission, particularly in high traffic loads.
- Experiment with Different Configurations
- Adjust network settings to experiment diverse situations:
- Higher Traffic Loads: Maximize the application data rates otherwise insert additional clients in segments replicating heavy usage and then observe how the main hub manages the load.
- Vary Link Speeds: Modify link speeds among the main hub and intermediate nodes monitoring how alters impact throughput and latency in bandwidth.
- Different Application Types: Allocate distinct applications over segments like VoIP in one segment, FTP in another, examining how mixed traffic impacts the performance.
Through this procedure, we will walk you through the entire concept of how to simulate and analyse the Extended Star Topology Projects using OPNET environment. We will provide any extra information of this process as per your needs. Stay connected with us to excel in your research career. For simulating extended star topology projects using OPNET, you can receive step-by-step support from the team at phdprime.com. We specialize in star networks for your projects, so reach out to us for the best guidance.
