To simulate Hierarchical Routing within OPNET Modeler that permits to model and examine the networks, which utilize a multi-layered or hierarchical method to routing, it is normally designed for scalability, enhanced resource use, and improved network performance. For hierarchical routing, OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a general protocol within a multi-area configuration in which diverse areas are utilized to split the network and minimze the overhead of routing data. Here, we offer a brief simulation steps to configuring a Hierarchical Routing simulation in OPNET:
Steps to Simulate Hierarchical Routing Projects in OPNET
- Set Up the OPNET Project
- To make a new project for the Hierarchical Routing simulation in OPNET Modeler.
- Describe the project workspace that contains simulation duration and network layout needs.
- Design a Hierarchical Network Topology
- Make a network along with several subnets or areas. In hierarchical routing, diverse regions are frequently arranged in distinct routing domains like areas in OSPF.
- Insert routers, switches, and endpoints such as clients and servers in every area. Locate an Area Border Router (ABR) on the boundary among areas associating them.
- Set up a backbone area like Area 0 in OSPF, which associates every other area within the hierarchy. Every single area would be associated to the backbone area via minimum one ABR.
- Enable Hierarchical Routing Protocol (e.g., Multi-Area OSPF)
- In properties of each router, allow OSPF then for hierarchical routing set up it with numerous areas:
- Allocate each router to an OSPF area such as Area 0 for the backbone and other numbers for internal areas.
- Set up Area Border Routers (ABRs), which associate the non-backbone areas to the backbone.
- For each OSPF area:
- Configure certain OSPF metrics like Router IDs and area IDs.
- Set up link costs in and among the areas impacting path selection for links.
- Make sure that they are set up distributing summary data among areas for ABRs, to minimize the number of routing data which each internal router have to process.
- Configure Link Costs and Network Metrics
- Configure link costs at every connection that particular on links are associated to the ABRs, since these will impact the shortest path computations in the hierarchical routing structure.
- Set up bandwidth, delay, and error rates at the links mimicking realistic network conditions.
- Add Application Traffic (Optional)
- Insert clients and servers to every area and then describe the application traffic like HTTP, FTP, or video streaming, making data flow through areas.
- In Application Config and Profile Config:
- Configure traffic patterns, which contain inter-area interaction, experimenting how hierarchical routing manages cross-area data transmission.
- Attach the profiles to certain nodes replicating the real-world traffic loads, which navigate many areas.
- Set Up Network Parameters and Background Traffic
- Describe the link characteristics for diverse kinds of links like intra-area links, inter-area links, and backbone links.
- To replicate a more realistic environment, from other applications such as email, HTTP, VoIP to insert background traffic, which make traffic in or among areas.
- Configure Simulation Parameters
- Allow logging and collection of parameters for crucial routing-related information like convergence time, routing table updates, link utilization, and area-based route summaries.
- Permit OSPF-specific logging that specifically for Link State Advertisements (LSAs), monitoring hierarchical data exchange among areas.
- Run the Simulation
- Execute the replication then observe the hierarchical behaviour of OSPF since routers launch and update routes in and among areas.
- Monitor the ABR’s role in connecting and encapsulating routes among areas minimizing overall network traffic.
- Analyze Results
- Compute the hierarchical routing performance utilizing OPNET’s analysis tools:
- Convergence Time: Assess the duration in diverse areas for routers attaining a stable routing state after a topology change.
- Routing Table Size: Verify the routing table’s size in areas that particularly at ABRs, confirming that hierarchical routing minimizes the routing overhead.
- Inter-Area and Intra-Area Traffic: Examine the traffic patterns making sure that the hierarchical routing handles effectively both local (intra-area) and non-local (inter-area) traffic.
- Latency and Hop Count: For routes, observe latency and hop counts, which traverse various areas, since hierarchical routing would enhance these metrics.
- Link Utilization and Load Distribution: Monitor how the traffic is delivered in each area and through the backbone making sure load balancing.
We had expounded the comprehensive stepwise method for Hierarchical Routing Projects using OPNET that were simulated and analysed its outcomes. We are ready to expand it further depends on your requirements. If you are looking to simulate hierarchical routing projects using OPNET, we offer customized research services to meet your needs. Our experts ensure that your work is completed accurately and on time. We specialize in OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), a widely used protocol, and can assist you with the simulation and configuration of your project, providing thorough explanations throughout the process.
