How to Simulate Switched Mesh Topology Using OMNeT++

To simulate a Switched Mesh Topology in OMNeT++ has needs to generate a mesh network in which the nodes like computers or routers interact via the switches. In this topology, each switch linked with multiple devices and redundant path exists among the switches that delivered the fault tolerance and effective traffic routing. The switched mesh routing usually utilized in the enterprise networks and data centres to make sure the high availability and load balancing.

The given below are the detailed procedure to simulate the switched mesh topology project in OMNeT++

Steps to Simulate Switched Mesh Topology in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework:

Ensure that OMNeT++ and the INET framework are installed, as they provide modules for networking components; contain switch, routers, and links.

  • Download and install OMNeT++.
  • Download and install the INET Framework.
  1. Understand Switched Mesh Topology:

In a Switched Mesh Topology:

  • Devices (e.g., computers) are associated to switches.
  • Switches are interconnected in a mesh arrangement; deliver multiple redundant paths for data to travel.
  • Communication among devices can be transmitted via multiple paths, enabling for load balancing and fault tolerance.
  1. Define the Switched Mesh Topology in NED File:

In OMNeT++, a NED file is utilized to describe the network topology. Here’s an instance NED file for a basic switched mesh topology with switches and associated devices:

network SwitchedMeshNetwork

{

parameters:

int numSwitches = default(4);  // Number of switches in the network

int numDevicesPerSwitch = default(2);  // Number of devices connected to each switch

submodules:

// Define the switches in the mesh

switch[numSwitches]: <SwitchType> {

@display(“p=100+200*i,200”);

}

// Define devices (e.g., computers) connected to each switch

device[numSwitches][numDevicesPerSwitch]: <DeviceType> {

@display(“p=100+200*i,300+100*j”);

}

connections allowunconnected:

// Connect switches to form a mesh topology

for i=0..numSwitches-2 {

for j=i+1..numSwitches-1 {

switch[i].ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> switch[j].ethg++;

}

}

// Connect devices to their respective switch

for i=0..numSwitches-1 {

for j=0..numDevicesPerSwitch-1 {

device[i][j].ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> switch[i].ethg++;

}

}

}

In this example:

  • numSwitches requires the number of switches in the mesh topology.
  • numDevicesPerSwitch describes how many devices (computers, servers) are associated to each switch.
  • Eth100M signifies an Ethernet link with 100 Mbps bandwidth.
  • Switches are associated in a mesh pattern; make sure multiple paths among any two switches.
  1. Define Node Types in NED:

We need to utilize the INET framework’s EthernetSwitch module for switches and StandardHost for devices. Here’s an instance for describing the node types:

import inet.node.ethernet.EthernetSwitch;

import inet.node.inet.StandardHost;

module SwitchType extends EthernetSwitch

{

parameters:

@display(“i=device/switch”);  // Icon for the switch

}

module DeviceType extends StandardHost

{

parameters:

@display(“i=device/pc”);  // Icon for the connected device (e.g., computer)

}

In this setup:

  • SwitchType extends the EthernetSwitch to represent switches in the mesh topology.
  • DeviceType extends StandardHost to signify devices like computers or servers.
  1. Configure the INI File:

The omnetpp.ini file is utilized to describe simulation parameters like IP addresses, traffic patterns, and specific protocols utilized in the simulation.

Here’s an instance INI configuration for creating traffic among devices associated to different switches:

network = SwitchedMeshNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s   # Simulation time limit

# Configure IP addresses for devices in the network

*.device[*][*].networkLayer.ipv4.address = “10.0.x.y”

# Configuring TCP traffic between a device connected to Switch 0 and a device connected to Switch 3

*.device[0][0].numApps = 1

*.device[3][1].numApps = 1

# Define a TCP client on device[0][0] and a TCP server on device[3][1]

*.device[0][0].app[0].typename = “TcpBasicClientApp”

*.device[0][0].app[0].connectAddress = “10.0.3.2”  # IP address of the target device

*.device[0][0].app[0].startTime = 2s

*.device[0][0].app[0].stopTime = 98s

*.device[3][1].app[0].typename = “TcpBasicServerApp”  # TCP server on device[3][1]

In this configuration:

  • Each device is allocated a unique IP address.
  • device[0][0] is configured as a TCP client that transmit traffic to device[3][1], that is configured as a TCP server.
  1. Simulate Traffic Using TCP or UDP:

We can replicate traffic among devices using either TCP or UDP protocols. Here’s an instance for generating UDP traffic:

# Configuring UDP traffic from device[0][0] to device[3][1]

*.device[0][0].app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”

*.device[0][0].app[0].destAddresses = “10.0.3.2”  # IP address of the target device

*.device[0][0].app[0].destPort = 5000

*.device[0][0].app[0].packetLength = 1024B

*.device[0][0].app[0].sendInterval = uniform(1s, 2s)

*.device[0][0].app[0].startTime = 2s

*.device[0][0].app[0].stopTime = 98s

# Configuring device[3][1] as a UDP sink to receive packets

*.device[3][1].app[0].typename = “UdpSink”

*.device[3][1].app[0].localPort = 5000

This configuration generates UDP traffic from device[0][0] to device[3][1].

  1. Run the Simulation:
  • Open OMNeT++ IDE, import the project, compile it, and execute the simulation.
  • Utilize Qtenv to envision the switched mesh topology and track on how data packets flow among devices via the interconnected switches.

During the simulation, we will monitor the data being routed via multiple switches, following different paths in the mesh topology.

  1. Introduce Link Failures for Fault Tolerance Testing:

We need to replicate link or switch failures to validate the fault tolerance of the mesh topology by disabling links in the period of the simulation. This validates the ability of the network to reroute traffic via redundant paths.

To familiarize a link failure in the period of the simulation, adjust the omnetpp.ini file:

# Disable the link between Switch 0 and Switch 1 at time 30s

**.switch[0].ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> switch[1].ethg++**.disableAt = 30s

This set up disables the link among Switch 0 and Switch 1 at 30 seconds, imposing the network to reroute traffic via other available paths.

  1. Analyse the Results:

OMNeT++ delivers detailed logs and statistical data for evaluating the performance of the simulation. Metrics to monitor include:

  • Throughput: Measure the data transmission rate among devices.
  • Latency: Assess the time it takes for data to travel via the network.
  • Packet Loss: Track dropped packets, specifically when link failures are established.
  • Fault Tolerance: Validate on how the network reroutes traffic when links or switches fail.

We need to utilize Plove or Scave to generate graphs and measure the outcomes for throughput, latency, and packet loss.

  1. Advanced Features (Optional):
  1. Routing Protocols: Implement routing protocols such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) or Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to enthusiastically handle routes in the switched mesh network.
  2. Load Balancing: Utilize multiple paths in the mesh to balance traffic via switches.
  3. VLAN Configuration: Segment the network into Virtual LANs (VLANs) to replicate more complex enterprise networks.
  4. Quality of Service (QoS): Select different kinds of traffic to replicate real-world scenarios in which some packets (e.g., video or voice) needs higher priority.

Example for Adding Spanning Tree Protocol (STP):

# Enable Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on switches

*.switch[*].ethg[*].stpEnabled = true

This allows STP on the switches that mitigates loops in the network and make sure a loop-free topology for data transmission.

Summary:

  • Topology Definition: Utilize NED to describe a switched mesh topology with interconnected switches and connected devices.
  • Node Configuration: Utilize INET’s EthernetSwitch for switches and StandardHost for devices.
  • Traffic Simulation: Emulate TCP or UDP traffic among devices and establish link failures to validate fault tolerance.
  • Run and Analyse: Execute the simulation and utilize OMNeT++ tools to track parameters such as throughput, latency, and packet loss.

Through the entire process, you can acquire the simulation and execution process regarding the switched mesh topology offered in it using OMNeT++ tool. We will plan to offer the more information regarding the switched mesh topology in another manual.

To acquire the best results from phdprime.com to continue simulation in Switched Mesh Topology Projects, we work on fault tolerance and efficient traffic routing relevant to your projects. We will provide you with extensive guidance and the best outcomes using the OMNeT++ technology. If more information is needed, we will provide it on your designated area along with the simulation’s findings.

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