To simulate networking projects using OPNET which is also known as Riverbed Modeler, has requires following these steps to configure the simulation environment and generate a project:
- Install OPNET Modeler:
- Install the OPNET Modeler which is also known as Riverbed Modeler if not already installed. Make sure that we have an academic or commercial license if necessary.
- Understand OPNET Modeler Interface:
- The interface that contain options for node models, network models, and execute the design. Understand yourself with OPNET’s main workspace that has three main domains that are Network, Node, and Process.
- Create a New Project:
- Go to File > New to initiate a new project.
- Name the project and require the location in which we need to save it.
- Choose a network scale, like campus, enterprise, or global, rely on project requirement.
- Design the Network Topology:
- Utilize the node model library to choose and choose network devices like routers, switches, workstations, and servers.
- Drag and drop devices from the palette to generate the network layout.
- Configure Network Nodes:
- Double-click on nodes to set up their properties. This can contain setting IP addresses, protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, and link features.
- We can customize node attributes, like routing protocols such as RIP, OSPF, buffer sizes, and queue types.
- Set Up Links and Connections:
- Describe the links (wired or wireless) among nodes.
- Set link features like bandwidth, delay, and error rate that are critical for performance evaluation.
- Define Traffic and Applications:
- Utilize the Application Configuration and Profile Configuration modules to describe the traffic patterns.
- Allocate application types such as FTP, HTTP, and VoIP to the nodes to mimic real-world network movement.
- Set Simulation Parameters:
- Specify the period of the replicate and the granularity of the data gathering.
- Adapt metrics such as initiate time, end time, and packet generation intervals as per your replication requirement.
- Run the Simulation:
- Click on the Run button to initiate the replication.
- Track the replication progress, and if essential, adapt metrics and rerun to attain the chosen outcomes.
- Analyses Results:
- After the replication complete, utilize OPNET’s evaluation tools to investigate the outcomes.
- OPNET delivers numerous parameters such as throughput, delay, packet loss, and utilization that can be observed via graphical reports.
Example Project Ideas
- Wireless Network Performance: Configures an 802.11 or 4G network and evaluate the throughput, delay, and packet loss in numerous load conditions.
- VoIP over WAN: Replicate a VoIP network to measure the Quality of Service (QoS) metrics such as jitter and delay.
- Traffic Engineering: Execute routing protocols such as OSPF and MPLS to learn their effects on network performance.
In the comprehensive manual, we were guided and helped you to get started by defining network topology and then simulating basic networking projects in OPNET. You can also analyse the simulation. If you need any details for further references, we can provide you.
We specialize in Riverbed Modeler and are here to assist you in designing your network topology. Feel free to reach out to us for expert guidance!
