To simulate mesh protocols using OMNeT++ that permits to model and examine wireless mesh networks (WMNs) that are networks in which nodes can both host applications and route traffic for other nodes. Mesh protocols allow dynamic routing and self-healing capabilities, creating WMNs robust and adaptable. In the simulation approach OMNeT++, we can be mimicked mesh protocols using frameworks such as INET or INETMANET that offer executes of general mesh routing protocols like AODV, OLSR, and DSR. Below is a basic process to simulate mesh protocols using OMNeT++:
Steps to Simulate Mesh Protocols Projects in OMNeT++
- Install OMNeT++
- Download OMNeT++: Acquire the new version from the official OMNeT++ website.
- Installation: We follow the installation instruction particular to the operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Environment Setup: Make certain that environment variables are set appropriately, and we can run OMNeT++ IDE (omnetpp command) from the terminal or command prompt.
- Install the INET Framework
The INET framework expands OMNeT++ with models for wired, wireless, and mobile networks.
- Clone INET Repository:
git clone https://github.com/inet-framework/inet.git
- Import INET into OMNeT++ IDE:
- Open OMNeT++ IDE.
- Go to File > Import… > Existing Projects into Workspace.
- Choose the cloned inet directory.
- Build INET:
- Right-click on the inet project in the Project Explorer.
- Select Build Project.
- Install INETMANET (Optional for Additional Protocols)
If we require more mesh routing protocols not obtainable in INET then we deliberate installing INETMANET.
- Clone INETMANET Repository:
git clone https://github.com/inetmanet/inetmanet.git
- Import and Build same to INET.
- Understand Mesh Networking Protocols
Familiarize ourselves with general mesh routing protocols:
- AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector Routing)
- OLSR (Optimized Link State Routing Protocol)
- DSR (Dynamic Source Routing)
- BATMAN (Better Approach To Mobile Adhoc Networking)
For each protocol has its own characteristics appropriate for distinct network scenarios.
- Set Up the Network Topology
Describe the network topology utilizing the NED language. For a mesh network, nodes are normally connected throguh wireless interfaces.
Example NED File (MeshNetwork.ned):
package meshsimulation;
import inet.node.inet.AdhocHost;
import inet.physicallayer.ieee80211.packetlevel.Ieee80211ScalarRadioMedium;
network MeshNetwork
{
types:
channel Channel extends ned.DatarateChannel {
datarate = 54Mbps;
}
submodules:
radioMedium: Ieee80211ScalarRadioMedium {
@display(“p=100,100”);
}
host[10]: AdhocHost {
@display(“p=200+100*i,200+100*j”);
}
connections allowunconnected:
// No wired connections in a wireless mesh network
}
Explanation:
- AdhocHost: A predefined module denoting a wireless node appropriate for ad-hoc networks.
- Ieee80211ScalarRadioMedium: Models the wireless medium for IEEE 802.11 networks.
- host[10]: Makes an array of 10 wireless nodes.
- @display: Positions the nodes for visualization.
- Configure the Simulation Parameters
Configure the simulation parameters in the omnetpp.ini file.
Example omnetpp.ini:
[General]
network = MeshNetwork
sim-time-limit = 200s
**.host[*].wlan[0].typename = “Ieee80211NicAdhoc”
**.host[*].wlan[0].mac.address = autoassign
**.host[*].wlan[0].mac.phyOpMode = “b”
**.host[*].wlan[0].radio.transmitter.power = 2mW
# Enable AODV Routing Protocol
**.host[*].hasIpv4 = true
**.host[*].ipv4.arp.typename = “GlobalArp”
**.host[*].ipv4.routingTable.parser = xmldoc(“routing.xml”)
**.host[*].ipv4.routingTable.typename = “AodvRouting”
# Application Layer Configuration
**.host[0].numApps = 1
**.host[0].app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”
**.host[0].app[0].destAddresses = “host[9]”
**.host[0].app[0].destPort = 5000
**.host[0].app[0].messageLength = 1024B
**.host[0].app[0].sendInterval = exponential(1s)
**.host[9].numApps = 1
**.host[9].app[0].typename = “UdpSink”
**.host[9].app[0].localPort = 5000
Explanation:
- Wireless NIC Configuration: Configures the wireless interface for ad-hoc mode.
- MAC Addresses: Allocates MAC addresses automatically.
- Transmitter Power: Modifies the transmission power (affects range).
- AODV Routing Protocol: Identifies the use of AODV for routing.
- Applications: Sets up a UdpBasicApp on host[0] to transmit data to host[9] that runs a UdpSink.
- Implement Mobility (Optional)
If we require nodes to be mobile:
- Insert mobility modules to the hosts.
- Describe movement patterns.
Example Mobility Configuration:
**.host[*].mobility.typename = “RandomWaypointMobility”
**.host[*].mobility.initialX = uniform(0m, 1000m)
**.host[*].mobility.initialY = uniform(0m, 1000m)
**.host[*].mobility.speed = uniform(5mps, 15mps)
**.host[*].mobility.updateInterval = 0.1s
- Run the Simulation
- Build the Project:
- Right-click on the project in the OMNeT++ IDE.
- Select Build Project.
- Run the Simulation:
- Right-click on omnetpp.ini.
- Select Run As > OMNeT++ Simulation.
- The Qtenv graphical interface will introduce, indicating the network topology.
- Begin the simulation using the play button.
- Analyze the Results
- Visual Observation: Observe packet transmissions and node interactions within the Qtenv.
- Statistical Analysis:
- After the simulation, OMNeT++ makes scalar and vector files that including performance parameters.
- Utilize the Analysis Tool in OMNeT++ IDE to plot graphs (e.g., throughput, packet loss, delay).
- Logging:
- Verify the Console for log messages.
- Maximizes verbosity if required by changing the logLevel parameter.
- Customize and Extend
- Adjust Parameters: Change node counts, mobility patterns, and protocol settings to match the project requires.
- Implement Different Protocols:
- To utilize OLSR or DSR, substitute AodvRouting with OlsrRouting or DsrRouting in the omnetpp.ini.
- Make certain that the selected protocol is obtainable in the version of INET or INETMANET.
- Create Complex Scenarios:
- Launch obstacles by using path loss models.
- Replicate interference and collisions.
- Model energy consumption for battery-powered devices.
Additional Notes:
- Protocol-Specific Parameters: Each routing protocol has particular parameters we can modify. For instance, AODV has metrics such as activeRouteTimeout, helloInterval, and so on.
Example AODV Parameters:
**.host[*].ipv4.routingTable.activeRouteTimeout = 3s
**.host[*].ipv4.routingTable.helloInterval = 1s
- Using INETMANET: If a protocol is not obtainable in INET then we deliberate using INETMANET that specializes in mobile ad-hoc networks and contains more protocols.
- Physical Layer Models: For more realistic simulations, utilise advanced physical layer models, which deliberates factors such as path loss, shadowing, and multipath fading.
Example Physical Layer Configuration:
**.radioMedium.pathLossType = “RayleighFading”
**.radioMedium.shadowing.standardDeviation = 4dB
- Channel Models: We can describe distinct channel models to replicate environmental effects.
- Scalability Considerations: Mimicking large networks can be resource-intensive. Enhance by minimizing logging levels and visualization details.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Compilation Errors: Make certain all necessary modules are imported and built correctly.
- Protocol Availability: Check that the routing protocol we wish to utilize is contained in the version of INET or INETMANET.
- Node Connectivity: If nodes are not communicating then verify the transmission power, receiver sensitivity, and distance among nodes.
- Mobility Issues: Make certain that mobility models are appropriately set up and that the area size accommodates node movement.
Example Project Structure:
- Project Folder
- MeshNetwork.ned (Network topology)
- omnetpp.ini (Simulation configuration)
- routing.xml (Optional, for static routing configurations)
- src/ (C++ source files if we are extending modules)
- images/ (For any custom visualizations)
This projects contains numerous concepts, simulation procedure with troubleshooting tips and sample project structure for Mesh Protocols projects, which was simulated and analysed its results in OMNeT++ tool. We will also be offered further informations related to this topic in various manual.
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