To simulate Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) projects utilizing OMNeT++, which is a powerful way to discover and examine MPLS-based networks, in which information is forwarded depends on labels instead of long network addresses, permitting faster packet forwarding and better QoS management. The INET Framework within OMNeT++ supports MPLS out-of-the-box, enabling to replicate label switching, traffic engineering, and more.
Below is a step-by-step instruction to simulate MPLS projects using OMNeT++:
Steps to Simulate Multiprotocol Label Switching Projects in OMNeT++
- Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework
- Download OMNeT++:
- Download and install OMNeT++ from the official OMNeT++ website.
- Install INET Framework:
- INET offers the essential modules for mimicking MPLS and other networking protocols.
- Clone the INET repository:
git clone https://github.com/inet-framework/inet.git
-
- Open OMNeT++ IDE and import the INET project through File > Import > Existing Projects into Workspace.
- Build the project by right-clicking the INET folder and choosing Build Project.
- Understand MPLS Concepts
In MPLS, routers (called Label Switching Routers, LSRs) utilize labels to forward packets. These labels are added into the packet headers and utilized rather than traditional IP routing. MPLS supports numerous advantages:
- Fast forwarding: Labels simplify packet forwarding.
- Traffic engineering: MPLS supports QoS and traffic management via label-switching paths (LSPs).
- Scalability: MPLS minimizes routing table complexity in large networks.
Components of an MPLS simulation contain:
- Label Edge Routers (LERs): At the ingress and egress points of the MPLS network.
- Label Switching Routers (LSRs): Inside the MPLS core, they forward packets depends on labels.
- Label Switching Paths (LSPs): Predefined paths for packets rely on labels.
- Define the MPLS Network Topology in NED
Make a network topology in which routers utilize MPLS to forward packets. It can be done by describing a NED file with routers, hosts, and MPLS connections.
Example NED File for MPLS (MplsNetwork.ned):
package mplsnetwork;
import inet.node.inet.Router;
import inet.node.inet.StandardHost;
import inet.networklayer.contract.Ipv4;
import inet.linklayer.ethernet.EthernetInterface;
import inet.physicallayer.ieee80211.packetlevel.Ieee80211ScalarRadioMedium;
network MplsNetwork
{
submodules:
host1: StandardHost {
@display(“p=100,100”);
}
host2: StandardHost {
@display(“p=500,100”);
}
ingressRouter: Router {
@display(“p=200,100”);
}
egressRouter: Router {
@display(“p=400,100”);
}
coreRouter: Router {
@display(“p=300,100”);
}
connections allowunconnected:
host1.ethg++ <–> EthernetInterface <–> ingressRouter.ethg++;
ingressRouter.ethg++ <–> EthernetInterface <–> coreRouter.ethg++;
coreRouter.ethg++ <–> EthernetInterface <–> egressRouter.ethg++;
egressRouter.ethg++ <–> EthernetInterface <–> host2.ethg++;
}
Explanation:
- Host: Denotes standard hosts transmitting and receiving packets.
- Router: Signifies MPLS routers (Ingress, Egress, Core).
- EthernetInterface: Offers wired connectivity among the routers and hosts.
- Configure MPLS in omnetpp.ini
The omnetpp.ini file is where we set up MPLS behaviour, routing, and traffic settings. In this file, we allow MPLS for the routers and describe the MPLS label forwarding behaviour.
Example omnetpp.ini Configuration:
[General]
network = MplsNetwork
sim-time-limit = 100s
# Enable MPLS on routers
*.ingressRouter.hasMpls = true
*.ingressRouter.mpls.numLabels = 16
*.coreRouter.hasMpls = true
*.coreRouter.mpls.numLabels = 16
*.egressRouter.hasMpls = true
*.egressRouter.mpls.numLabels = 16
# MPLS label forwarding table for each router
*.ingressRouter.mpls.labelOperations = xmldoc(“mpls_forwarding.xml”)
*.coreRouter.mpls.labelOperations = xmldoc(“mpls_forwarding.xml”)
*.egressRouter.mpls.labelOperations = xmldoc(“mpls_forwarding.xml”)
# Configure IP addresses and routing tables
*.host1.ipv4.routingTable.typename = “Ipv4RoutingTable”
*.host1.ipv4.address = “10.0.0.1”
*.host1.ipv4.netmask = “255.255.255.0”
*.host2.ipv4.routingTable.typename = “Ipv4RoutingTable”
*.host2.ipv4.address = “10.0.0.2”
*.host2.ipv4.netmask = “255.255.255.0”
# UDP Application for sending traffic
*.host1.numApps = 1
*.host1.app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”
*.host1.app[0].destAddresses = “10.0.0.2”
*.host1.app[0].destPort = 5000
*.host1.app[0].messageLength = 1024B
*.host1.app[0].sendInterval = exponential(1s)
*.host2.numApps = 1
*.host2.app[0].typename = “UdpSink”
*.host2.app[0].localPort = 5000
Explanation:
- MPLS Enabled: We permit MPLS for the Ingress, Core, and Egress routers.
- Label Forwarding Table: We load the MPLS forwarding table from an external XML file (mpls_forwarding.xml).
- IP and Routing: Sets up IP addresses and routing for the hosts.
- Traffic: A basic UDP application makes traffic from Host1 to Host2.
- Define MPLS Label Operations in mpls_forwarding.xml
The MPLS forwarding table is described in an XML file, which identifies how each router manages incoming labels and forwards packets.
Example MPLS Forwarding Table (mpls_forwarding.xml):
<mplsForwardingTable>
<labelOperation>
<inputLabel>0</inputLabel>
<outputLabel>100</outputLabel>
<nextHop>coreRouter</nextHop>
</labelOperation>
<labelOperation>
<inputLabel>100</inputLabel>
<outputLabel>200</outputLabel>
<nextHop>egressRouter</nextHop>
</labelOperation>
<labelOperation>
<inputLabel>200</inputLabel>
<outputLabel>300</outputLabel>
<nextHop>host2</nextHop>
</labelOperation>
</mplsForwardingTable>
Explanation:
- Label Operation: Describes how each router forwards packets according to the incoming labels. For instance:
- Ingress Router: Incoming packets (label 0) are sent with label 100 to the Core Router.
- Core Router: Incoming packets (label 100) are forwarded with label 200 to the Egress Router.
- Egress Router: Incoming packets (label 200) are forwarded with label 300 to Host2.
- Run the Simulation
- Build the Project:
- Right-click on the project in OMNeT++ and select Build Project to compile the simulation.
- Run the Simulation:
- Right-click on omnetpp.ini and choose Run As > OMNeT++ Simulation.
- The Qtenv graphical interface will begin, in which we can visualize packet flow via the MPLS network.
- Analyze the Results
After running the simulation, we can examine several performance parameters like:
- Packet Forwarding: Observe how MPLS labels are applied and switched across the routers.
- Throughput: Calculate how much data is being sent among Host1 and Host2.
- Latency: Assess the time it takes for packets to traverse the MPLS network.
- Packet Loss: Make certain that packets are delivered correctly without loss.
OMNeT++ Tools:
- Utilize OMNeT++’s vector and scalar output files to estimate network performance parameters.
- OMNeT++ enables to plot outcomes that containing packet transmission times, delays, and throughput.
- Extend the Simulation
- Traffic Engineering with MPLS: Execute Quality of Service (QoS) by setting up distinct classes of service for the traffic and changing MPLS label paths consequently.
- Network Failures: Launch link or node failures and replicate Fast Reroute (FRR) methods to monitor how MPLS manages failures.
- Larger MPLS Networks: Extend the network to contain more routers and hosts, and replicate a larger MPLS core.
- MPLS-TE (Traffic Engineering): Mimic MPLS-TE that is utilized to manage the routing of network traffic depends on resource availability (bandwidth, latency).
We had understood the core concepts and replication technique on how to set up and simulate the Multiprotocol Label Switching projects with the support of OMNeT++. If you want anymore informations on this topic, we will make available.
Check out phdprime.com for help with your Multiprotocol Label Switching projects using OMNeT++. We’re here to provide awesome simulations and fresh research ideas. If you need something specific, we can whip up custom projects just for you. we’ll guide you through replicating label switching, traffic engineering, and other concepts. You can count on us to deliver everything on time, with clear explanations.
