How to Simulate IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi Projects Using OMNeT++

To simulate IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi projects within OMNeT++, which consist of making wireless network scenarios in which devices are communicate using the Wi-Fi standard (IEEE 802.11). The simulation environment OMNeT++ aggregated with the INET Framework offers complete support for replicating Wi-Fi networks that containing distinct versions of the 802.11 standard (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac). Below is a simple instruction to replicate IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi projects using OMNeT++:

Steps to Simulate IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++

Make sure we have OMNeT++ installed. We can download it from the OMNeT++ website and we follow the installation guidelines.

  1. Install INET Framework

The INET Framework delivers models for mimicking wireless protocols that containing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), creating it necessary for the project.

  • Download the INET framework from the INET Framework website.
  • Import it into OMNeT++ through File -> Import -> Existing Projects into Workspace.
  • We can build the INET project by right-clicking the project in the Project Explorer and choosing “Build Project.”
  1. Set Up Basic Wi-Fi Network Topology

A simple Wi-Fi network involve:

  • Access Point (AP): Central hub, which connects to wireless clients.
  • Wi-Fi Stations (STAs): Clients (e.g., laptops, smartphones) that connect to the AP.
  • Server or Router: To replicate internet access or data exchange.

Example Network Setup:

  1. Wi-Fi Access Point (AP): Utilize the AccessPoint node to mimic the AP.
  2. Wi-Fi Stations (STAs): We can use WirelessHost for Wi-Fi clients.
  3. Ethernet Switch or Router: To connect the AP to a wired network if required.

Example Wi-Fi Topology Configuration:

[General]

network = WiFiNetwork

sim-time-limit = 1000s

*.numClients = 5  # Number of Wi-Fi stations (clients)

*.numAccessPoints = 1  # Number of Wi-Fi Access Points (AP)

*.accessPoint[*].typename = “inet.node.inet.AccessPoint”

*.client[*].typename = “inet.node.inet.WirelessHost”

  1. Wi-Fi Configuration (IEEE 802.11 Standard)

In the INET Framework, we can set up distinct variants of the IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac) by setting parameters in the omnetpp.ini file.

Example for 802.11g Configuration:

*.client[*].wlan[0].mac.typename = “inet.linklayer.ieee80211.mac.DcfMac”  # DCF MAC layer

*.client[*].wlan[0].radio.typename = “inet.physicallayer.ieee80211.packetlevel.Ieee80211ScalarRadio”

*.client[*].wlan[0].radio.operatingClass = “clause18g”  # Use IEEE 802.11g

*.client[*].wlan[0].radio.transmitter.power = 20mW  # Transmission power

*.accessPoint[*].wlan[0].mac.typename = “inet.linklayer.ieee80211.mac.DcfMac”

*.accessPoint[*].wlan[0].radio.typename = “inet.physicallayer.ieee80211.packetlevel.Ieee80211ScalarRadio”

*.accessPoint[*].wlan[0].radio.operatingClass = “clause18g”

*.accessPoint[*].wlan[0].radio.transmitter.power = 20mW

We can alter the operating class to replicate distinct IEEE 802.11 standards:

  • clause15b for 802.11b
  • clause18g for 802.11g
  • clause20n for 802.11n
  • clause22ac for 802.11ac
  1. Configure Traffic in Wi-Fi Network

To replicate distinct kinds of data traffic over the Wi-Fi network, we can be utilized INET’s built-in applications like UDP, TCP, HTTP, and video streaming.

Example of UDP Traffic:

*.client[*].app[0].typename = “inet.applications.udpapp.UDPSocketApp”

*.client[*].app[0].destAddresses = “accessPoint[0]”

*.client[*].app[0].sendInterval = uniform(1s, 2s)  # Send packet every 1-2 seconds

*.client[*].app[0].messageLength = 1024B  # Packet size of 1024 bytes

*.accessPoint[*].app[0].typename = “inet.applications.udpapp.UDPEchoApp”  # Echo server

Example of TCP Traffic:

*.client[*].app[0].typename = “inet.applications.tcpapp.TCPBasicClientApp”

*.client[*].app[0].connectAddress = “server”

*.client[*].app[0].tOpen = 5s  # Start the TCP connection at 5 seconds

*.client[*].app[0].sendBytes = 1000000  # Send 1MB of data

*.server.typename = “inet.node.inet.StandardHost”

*.server.app[0].typename = “inet.applications.tcpapp.TCPBasicServerApp”

  1. Wi-Fi Mobility Models

Wi-Fi clients are frequently mobile, moving among distinct access points or locations. We can replicate mobility using INET’s mobility models.

Example of Random Mobility:

*.client[*].mobility.typename = “inet.mobility.single.RandomWaypointMobility”

*.client[*].mobility.maxSpeed = 10mps

*.client[*].mobility.minSpeed = 1mps

*.client[*].mobility.x = uniform(0m, 500m)  # Define the area of movement

*.client[*].mobility.y = uniform(0m, 500m)

We can select other mobility models such as LinearMobility, CircularMobility, and ConstantSpeedMobility relying on the scenario.

  1. Simulating Interference and Packet Loss

Wi-Fi networks can experience interference, leading to packet loss and minimized network performance. In OMNeT++, we can replicate interference by configuring several overlapping networks or introducing noise.

Example of Introducing Interference:

We can make another set of Wi-Fi clients or other radio systems, which work on the similar channel and frequency.

*.interferingClient[*].typename = “inet.node.inet.WirelessHost”

*.interferingClient[*].wlan[0].radio.channelNumber = 1  # Same channel as the main network

*.interferingClient[*].app[0].typename = “inet.applications.udpapp.UDPSocketApp”

Also, we can be modified the noise level in the physical layer.

*.client[*].wlan[0].radio.noiseFigure = 10dB  # Introduce noise in the network

  1. Measuring Network Performance (Throughput, Latency, Jitter)

To estimate the performance of the Wi-Fi network, we can calculate the significant parameters like:

  • Throughput: Amount of data effectively sent.
  • Latency: Time taken for packets to travel from the source to the destination.
  • Jitter: Difference in packet arrival times (important for real-time traffic such as voice or video).

We can allow the scalar recording and vector recording to capture these metrics.

Example Configuration for Recording Throughput:

*.client[*].wlan[0].radio.recordScalar = true  # Record statistics on Wi-Fi radio

*.accessPoint[*].wlan[0].radio.recordScalar = true

We can be utilized OMNeT++’s built-in analysis tools to envision throughput, packet loss, and delay.

  1. Simulating Advanced Wi-Fi Features

We can insert complexity to the Wi-Fi network by simulating aspects like:

  • Quality of Service (QoS): We can utilize distinct traffic classes to prioritize particular kinds of traffic (e.g., voice over video).
  • Roaming: Replicate clients moving among access points.
  • Mesh Networks: Utilize the INET to mimic Wi-Fi mesh networks, in which each node perform as a router.

Example of QoS Configuration:

We can utilize Differentiated Services (DiffServ) to prioritize traffic within the Wi-Fi network.

*.client[*].wlan[0].mac.qos = true  # Enable QoS

*.client[*].wlan[0].mac.diffServCodePoint = “AF41”  # Assign a high priority to video traffic

  1. Running and Analyzing the Simulation

When the network is set up, then we run the simulation:

  1. We can utilize Tkenv or Qtenv within OMNeT++ to visualize the Wi-Fi network, node movements, and data transmissions in real-time.
  2. After the simulation, investigate the outcomes by exploration key parameters like:
    • Throughput: Total number of data sent effectively.
    • Latency: Time delay for packet transmission.
    • Packet Loss: Amount of packets dropped for the period of transmission.

In this projects, we had successfully executed the stepwise brief process on how to simulate and measure the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi projects using the tool OMNeT++. Furthermore, we will be shared required details concerning this topic in various material.

Make sure your IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi Projects simulation on the OMNeT++ tool is completed on time , so approach our expert team We serve you the best support.  We have all the necessary resources and experienced researchers ready to assist you with your IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi Projects. Just share your project details with us, and we’ll provide you with the guidance you need. Our development team specializes in various versions of the 802.11 standard, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac.

 

Opening Time

9:00am

Lunch Time

12:30pm

Break Time

4:00pm

Closing Time

6:30pm

  • award1
  • award2