To simulate an Overlay Topology using OPNET that encompasses to configure a logical network layer lying on existing physical network infrastructure. Overlay networks are frequently utilized within applications such as peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, content distribution networks (CDNs), and virtual private networks (VPNs). Let’s see how to simulate an overlay topology through given steps in OPNET:
Steps to Simulate Overlay Topology Projects in OPNET
Step 1: Set Up the OPNET Environment
- Open OPNET Modeler: Create a new project in OPNET Modeler.
- Create a New Network: Make a network model by choosing the New Network option then name it, and according to the configuration needs, we can select the Wired or Hybrid scenario (wired and wireless).
Step 2: Configure the Physical Network Topology
- Build the Physical Layer:
- From the object palette, choose physical nodes like routers, switches, servers, and workstations.
- Organize these devices to make the underlying infrastructure. Physical layer should look like a normal physical topology like ring, mesh, or star.
- Connect Physical Devices:
- Link the routers, switches, and other devices to utilize wired links in the desired physical topology. Configure parameters include bandwidth, data rate, and delay designing realistic conditions for each physical link.
Step 3: Configure the Overlay Network
- Add Overlay Nodes:
- From the object palette, choose more nodes or virtual nodes denoting the overlay layer. Overlay nodes probably normal network devices with additional functionality for overlay routing or nodes, which signify certain overlay functions such as P2P peers or CDN nodes.
- Create Virtual Links:
- Make virtual (logical) links among overlay nodes in the overlay layer. These links do not natively communicate to the physical links however route via them. For these links, describe the paths by indicating the routing parameters and application-level paths.
- Assign Overlay IDs and Routing Protocols:
- Assign each overlay node an identifier and then allocate a certain routing protocol utilized for the overlay like application-level routing protocols such as DHT for P2P networks or specialized protocols for VPNs and CDNs.
Step 4: Define Applications and Traffic Profiles for the Overlay Network
- Configure Overlay Applications:
- Describe applications normal for overlay networks like file sharing, content delivery, video streaming, or VoIP in the Application Config editor.
- Assign Traffic Profiles to Overlay Nodes:
- Allocate traffic profiles to the overlay nodes utilizing the Profile Config editor. These traffic profiles replicate how applications utilize the overlay network interacting. For example, from CDN overlay nodes to client nodes, set up file transfers over P2P overlay nodes or content distribution.
Step 5: Configure and Run the Simulation
- Simulation Settings:
- Set up the simulation duration, choose any necessary mobility settings if overlay nodes are movable, and configure the data collection granularity in the Simulation tab.
- Select Performance Metrics:
- Accumulate overlay-specific parameters such as overlay path delay, overlay throughput, packet delivery ratio, latency across virtual links, and overlay bandwidth utilization.
- Run the Simulation:
- Execute the simulation then monitor how data flows via the overlay network, logically mapped across the physical infrastructure. Depends on the virtual topology and overlay protocols, every single overlay node interact with others.
Step 6: Analyze Results
- Review Overlay Network Metrics:
- Analyse overlay network performance utilizing OPNET’s analysis tools. Crucial parameters such as latency across overlay paths, data transfer rates on virtual links, and overlay network reliability.
- Optimize Overlay Configuration:
- Modify metrics such as overlay routing protocols, node placement, or virtual link configurations experimenting diverse overlay performance situations according to the outcomes.
In this setup we had given comprehensive simulation steps on how to setup the simulation and how to replicate the Overlay Topology projects using OPNET tool. We will offer insights into the simulation of this topology in diverse performance scenarios.
Share your research needs with us for fast simulation results. If you’re working on overlay topology projects using the OPNET tool, you might encounter challenges that only our experts can solve effectively. We offer support for applications like peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, content distribution networks (CDNs), and virtual private networks (VPNs). Our top expert team will provide timely guidance and suggest innovative topics. Just send us your research requirements.
