How to Implement HTTP and HTTPS in OMNeT++

To implement the HTTP and HTTPS in OMNeT++ needs a network which should models the devices that are communicating with the help of HTTP/HTTPS protocols by simulating the network. The INET Framework in OMNeT++ offers support for these protocols. Follow the given procedure of how to implement HTTP and HTTPS in the OMNeT++:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework

Make certain that you have OMNeT++ and the INET Framework installed on your system.

Create a New OMNeT++ Project

Open OMNeT++ IDE: Start the OMNeT++ IDE.
Create a New Project: Go to File -> New -> OMNeT++ Project. Name the project (for instance: HTTPSimulation).

Import INET into Your Project

Import INET: Right-click on the project in the Project Explorer, choose the Properties. Go to Project References and verify the INET project.
Copy INET Examples: For reference, we have to copy example configurations from the INET framework to the project.

Define the Network Topology

Describe the network topology which has hosts and servers using HTTP/HTTPS by generating new NED file.

Example: HTTP/HTTPS Network Topology (HTTPNetwork.ned)

package http;

import inet.node.inet.StandardHost;

import inet.node.inet.Router;

network HTTPNetwork

{

parameters:

@display(“bgb=600,400”);

submodules:

client: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,200”);

}

server: StandardHost {

@display(“p=500,200”);

}

router: Router {

@display(“p=300,200”);

}

connections:

client.pppg++ <–> Eth10M <–> router.pppg++;

server.pppg++ <–> Eth10M <–> router.pppg++;

}

In this example:

client is a standard host that will act as the HTTP/HTTPS client.
server is a standard host that will act as the HTTP/HTTPS server.
router is a router facilitating communication between the client and the server.
The Eth10M channel models a 10 Mbps Ethernet link.

Configure the Simulation

Create an OMNeT++ initialization file to configure the simulation parameter.

Example: Configuration File (omnetpp.ini)

network = http.HTTPNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

# Visualization

*.visualizer.canvasVisualizer.displayBackground = true

*.visualizer.canvasVisualizer.displayGrid = true

# Host Configuration

*.client.numApps = 1

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

*.client.app[0].localPort = -1

*.client.app[0].connectAddress = “server”

*.client.app[0].connectPort = 80

*.client.app[0].sendBytes = 1000

*.client.app[0].tOpen = 1s

*.client.app[0].tSend = 2s

*.client.app[0].tClose = 10s

*.server.numApps = 1

*.server.app[0].typename = “TcpBasicServerApp”

*.server.app[0].localPort = 80

# TCP Configuration

*.client.hasTcp = true

*.server.hasTcp = true

# IP Address Configuration

*.client.ipv4.config = xmldoc(“client.xml”)

*.server.ipv4.config = xmldoc(“server.xml”)

*.router.ipv4.config = xmldoc(“router.xml”)

Create IP Address Configuration Files

Every host and router should have IP address configuration by making the XML files.

Example: IP Configuration File for client (client.xml)

</interface>

<route>

</route>

</routing>

</config>

Example: IP Configuration File for server (server.xml)

</interface>

<route>

</route>

</routing>

</config>

Example: IP Configuration File for router (router.xml)

</interface>

</config>

Implement HTTPS

On the server, we have to enable the TLS/SSL to implement HTTPS. This usually involves setting up a secure version of the TCP application.

Example: HTTPS Configuration File (omnetpp.ini)

network = http.HTTPNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

# Visualization

*.visualizer.canvasVisualizer.displayBackground = true

*.visualizer.canvasVisualizer.displayGrid = true

# Host Configuration

*.client.numApps = 1

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

*.client.app[0].localPort = -1

*.client.app[0].connectAddress = “server”

*.client.app[0].connectPort = 443

*.client.app[0].sendBytes = 1000

*.client.app[0].tOpen = 1s

*.client.app[0].tSend = 2s

*.client.app[0].tClose = 10s

*.server.numApps = 1

*.server.app[0].typename = “TcpBasicServerApp”

*.server.app[0].localPort = 443

# Enable TLS/SSL

*.server.tlsSupport = true

# TCP Configuration

*.client.hasTcp = true

*.server.hasTcp = true

# IP Address Configuration

*.client.ipv4.config = xmldoc(“client.xml”)

*.server.ipv4.config = xmldoc(“server.xml”)

*.router.ipv4.config = xmldoc(“router.xml”)

Run the Simulation

Build the Project: Right-click on project and choose Build Project.
Run the Simulation: Click on the green play button in the OMNeT++ IDE to start the simulation.

At the end, this approach shows how to set up and simulate an HTTP/HTTPS network using OMNeT++ and INET framework and their implementation process. We will give the addition details of HTTP or other topics for your further references. We’ve got you covered with the implementation of HTTP and HTTPS in your OMNeT++ projects. Just shoot us a message, and we’ll help you out! We’re here to ensure you get the best simulation and project performance. Need assistance with HTTP/HTTPS protocols? Let’s simulate the network for your project together!