To simulate Network Automation projects using OMNeT++ that can be encompassed automating several network functions, like configuration management, policy enforcement, performance optimization, fault detection, and recovery. Network automation can be especially helpful in large-scale or dynamic networks, such as data centers or cloud environments. We can replicate significant network automation ideas like Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), or automated routing protocols in OMNeT++.
Steps to Simulate Network Automation Projects in OMNeT++
Key Areas of Network Automation in OMNeT++ Simulations:
- Automated Network Management: Automating tasks such as configuration updates, bandwidth allocation, or fault recovery.
- Policy-based Routing: Automatically applying network policies according to the traffic conditions or predefined rules.
- Self-Optimizing Networks: Utilizing automation to actively change network parameters for optimal performance.
- SDN/NFV Automation: Automating control and management planes utilizing Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and NFV.
Step 1: Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework
Make certain OMNeT++ and the INET framework are installed on the system. INET delivers the essential components to mimic basic and advanced networking that containing routing, switching, and wireless communication. We will build the automation logic on top of these aspects.
- Download OMNeT++: OMNeT++ official website
- Download INET Framework: INET Framework
Step 2: Define the Network Topology in the NED File
Describe the network topology within a .ned file. The topology can comprise routers, switches, hosts, and network controllers. In an automated network, the controller can automatically change the routing decisions or handle the network configuration relied on real-time conditions.
Below is an example of a basic network configuration in which a controller handles routing decisions dynamically:
network AutomatedNetwork
{
submodules:
host1: StandardHost {
@display(“p=100,200”);
}
host2: StandardHost {
@display(“p=500,200”);
}
router1: Router {
@display(“p=300,100”);
}
switch1: EthernetSwitch {
@display(“p=300,300”);
}
controller: NetworkController {
@display(“p=300,400”);
}
connections:
host1.ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> switch1.ethg++;
host2.ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> switch1.ethg++;
switch1.ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> router1.ethg++;
}
In this example:
- host1 and host2 are connected via an Ethernet switch (switch1) to router1.
- controller denotes the network automation controller, which actively handles the routing or bandwidth allocation decisions.
Step 3: Define the Network Controller Logic
We can be executed the logic for the network automation controller within C++. The controller can occasionally observe network conditions (such as traffic load) and modify routing tables, bandwidth allocations, or QoS parameters automatically.
Here is an instance of a simple NetworkController class:
class NetworkController : public cSimpleModule
{
protected:
cMessage *automationTimer; // Timer to trigger automated tasks
virtual void initialize() override {
automationTimer = new cMessage(“automationTimer”);
scheduleAt(simTime() + par(“updateInterval”), automationTimer);
}
virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {
if (msg == automationTimer) {
monitorNetworkConditions(); // Monitor network status
adjustRouting(); // Adjust routes dynamically
scheduleAt(simTime() + par(“updateInterval”), automationTimer);
}
}
void monitorNetworkConditions(); // Check for congestion or faults
void adjustRouting(); // Automate routing based on monitored conditions
};
In this code:
- monitorNetworkConditions() can be verified the status of links or nodes (e.g., traffic congestion, link failure).
- adjustRouting() can actively change the routing table or switch traffic flows depends on the conditions identified.
Step 4: Implement the Network Automation Logic
Monitoring Network Conditions
We can observe the network conditions by gathering statistics like traffic load, delay, or packet loss. This data will be instructed the automation controller in making decisions.
Example for monitoring traffic load on a link:
void NetworkController::monitorNetworkConditions() {
// Example: Get the traffic load on a link between router1 and switch1
double trafficLoad = switch1->getLinkLoad(“router1”);
if (trafficLoad > 0.8) {
// If traffic load is high, trigger rerouting or load balancing
EV << “High traffic load detected, adjusting routes.\n”;
adjustRouting();
}
}
Automating Routing Decisions
We can execute a simple routing automation mechanism by changing routing tables dynamically. For instance, if the controller identifies, which a link is overloaded, it can redirect traffic to another path or enforce policies according to the bandwidth limits.
Example for adjusting routing:
void NetworkController::adjustRouting() {
// Example: Redirect traffic from a congested link
Ipv4RoutingTable *routingTable = check_and_cast<Ipv4RoutingTable *>(router1->getSubmodule(“routingTable”));
Ipv4Route *route = routingTable->findBestMatchingRoute(“192.168.0.2”);
if (route) {
EV << “Redirecting traffic to an alternate path.\n”;
route->setNextHop(Ipv4Address(“192.168.1.1”)); // Set next hop to an alternate router
}
}
Step 5: Configure Network Automation Parameters in omnetpp.ini
In the omnetpp.ini file, we will set up the parameters for the network automation process, like update intervals, traffic patterns, and thresholds for performance parameters (like bandwidth utilization or delay).
[Config NetworkAutomationSimulation]
network = AutomatedNetwork
sim-time-limit = 1000s
# Set automation controller update interval
*.controller.updateInterval = 10s
# Set traffic generation on host1 and host2
*.host1.numApps = 1
*.host1.app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”
*.host1.app[0].destAddresses = “192.168.0.2”
*.host1.app[0].sendInterval = uniform(0.01s, 0.1s)
*.host1.app[0].messageLength = 512B
*.host2.numApps = 1
*.host2.app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”
*.host2.app[0].destAddresses = “192.168.0.1”
*.host2.app[0].sendInterval = uniform(0.01s, 0.1s)
*.host2.app[0].messageLength = 512B
This configuration makes two UDP traffic streams among host1 and host2, and the controller changes the routing decisions each 10 seconds rely on network conditions.
Step 6: Simulate Traffic in the Automated Network
We can mimic traffic among hosts and monitor how the automation controller reacts to network conditions, like congestion or failures. Utilize distinct traffic patterns (e.g., UDP, TCP) to replicate real-world scenarios.
Step 7: Run the Simulation
- Build and compile the project in OMNeT++.
- Run the simulation in the OMNeT++ GUI or command line.
- Observe the behaviour of the automation controller: We can envision how traffic is routed, bandwidth is allocated, or policies are enforced dynamically by the controller.
Step 8: Analyze Simulation Results
After running the simulation, OMNeT++ makes result files (.sca and .vec) that comprising information regarding traffic, routing decisions, and link utilization. We can be investigated significant parameters like:
- Packet delivery ratio: How many packets were effectively delivered.
- End-to-end delay: The time it takes for packets to navigate the network.
- Bandwidth utilization: How the automation controller enhances network resources.
- Routing changes: The frequency and effectiveness of routing adjustments created by the controller.
Step 9: Experiment with SDN (Software-Defined Networking) and NFV (Network Function Virtualization)
For more furthered network automation simulations, we can combine SDN concepts. OMNeT++ can be mimicked an SDN controller, which actively sets up the network devices (routers, switches) according to a centralized policy.
Also, we can execute NFV by making virtualized network functions (VNFs), which are deployed and scaled automatically rely on the present network demand.
Example SDN Configuration
In an SDN simulation, the controller can perform as the central brain that controls routing and network configurations over the network.
class SDNController : public cSimpleModule {
// Centralized logic for controlling switches and routers in the network
};
We expounded the core concepts with instances for Network Automation Projects that were simulated, and analysed through OMNeT++ simulation tool. Additional specifics will be contained in another manual, if needed.
phdprime.com is here to assist you with simulations for your Network Automation Projects using OMNeT++. You can look forward to simulations and innovative research ideas from our team. We also offer custom project creation tailored to your needs. Plus, you’ll receive timely guidance on Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), or automated routing protocols, complete with thorough explanations.
