How to Simulate Mixed Topology Projects Using OPNET

To simulate a Mixed Topology using OPNET has needs to aggregate diverse kinds of network topologies like star, ring, bus, mesh, and tree, into a unique network design. Mixed topology is frequently utilized within complex network environments like enterprise networks or data centers in which diverse areas of the network contain unique needs. Now, we adhere to given steps for configuring and replicating a mixed topology in OPNET:

Steps to Simulate Mixed Topology Projects in OPNET

Step 1: Set Up the OPNET Environment

1. Open OPNET Modeler: Make a new project in OPNET Modeler.
2. Create a New Network: Select a New Network then name it to the project, and choose the Wired, Wireless, or Hybrid situation type depends on the network requirements. A hybrid scenario is frequently used for mixed topologies because it permits both wired and wireless elements.

Step 2: Plan and Design the Mixed Topology

1. Determine the Topologies to Combine:
   • Select the certain topologies like star, ring, bus, mesh, and tree. For instance, for user workstations, we may contain a star topology linked to a central switch, a mesh topology for the core network, and for redundancy or certain Subnetworks, we may include a ring or bus topology.
2. Map Out the Layout:
   • Intend the network’s layout to understand where each topology will be utilized. For larger networks, this stage is very necessary in which diverse topologies are allocated to certain network segments or areas.

Step 3: Place Nodes for Each Topology

1. Select Devices: Select devices suitable for each topology segment like routers, switches, workstations, servers, and wireless nodes in the object palette, as applicable.
2. Arrange Devices According to Each Sub-Topology:
   • Star Topology: Locate a central switch or router within the center, to link peripheral devices such as workstations, servers.
   • Ring Topology: Within a circular pattern, we organize nodes and associate each one to their neighbouring nodes making a closed loop.
   • Bus Topology: Associate nodes over a virtual bus line to link each device to the similar shared backbone link.
   • Mesh Topology: Link each node to numerous other nodes making redundancy and several interaction paths.
   • Tree Topology: Allocate nodes within hierarchical levels including a root node associated to many sub-levels.

Step 4: Configure Links and Node Parameters

1. Set Up Physical Links for Each Segment:
   • Set up each link including realistic metrics like data rate, latency, and error rate for wired segments.
   • For wireless segments, configure transmission power, data rate, frequency, and range making sure that reliable interaction in wireless sections.
2. Define Device Attributes:
   • Based on their role, we can set up each node in the network. For instance, configure central switches along with higher data capacity for star topologies and routing protocols for mesh segments.
3. Configure Protocols:
   • Allocate diverse routing protocols if required for diverse topology types. For instance:
     • For mesh or ring segments, we need to utilize OSPF or RIP.
     • Use AODV or DSR if obtainable for ad hoc wireless sections,.

Step 5: Define Applications and Traffic Profiles

1. Configure Applications:
   • Configure applications replicating the network traffic like web browsing, file transfers, video streaming, and VoIP in the Application Config editor.
2. Assign Traffic Profiles for Each Segment:
   • Allocate these applications to nodes depends on the normal usage of each segment utilizing the Profile Config editor. For instance:
     • Designate web traffic and email to the star topology in which workstations link to the central switch.
     • In the mesh or tree topology, give file transfers and database transactions to nodes.

Step 6: Configure and Run the Simulation

1. Simulation Settings:
   • Configure the simulation duration, and set up any more metrics like data collection granularity or mobility settings for wireless nodes if related in the Simulation tab.
2. Select Performance Metrics:
   • Select performance metrics related to the mixed topologies like throughput, latency, link utilization, packet delivery ratio, and routing overhead. These metrics will be offered insight into how every single topology executes in the larger network.
3. Run the Simulation:
   • We execute the simulation then monitor data flows over diverse segments. Mixed topologies are difficult thus monitor for how data flows among diverse topologies in addition to any bottlenecks or points of congestion.

Step 7: Analyze Results

1. Review Collected Data:
   • Calculate crucial parameters such as throughput, delay, and packet delivery utilizing OPNET’s analysis tools. Concentrate on each segment measuring the performance individually and like a portion of entire network.
2. Identify and Optimize Bottlenecks:
   • Examine if any segments such as bus or star undergo congestion or high latency. We want to modify data rates, link capacities, or routing configurations to equate the network load over segments.

We comprehensively guided you on how to execute and simulate the Mixed Topology through OPNET environment. We will also be shared more innovative details on this topic as per your requirements. You can get help with different types of network topologies such as star, ring, bus, mesh, and tree. Our expert team is ready to give you timely advice and introduce you to new topics. Just let us know what you need for your research!