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How to Implement Network Micro segmentation in OMNeT++

To implement the Network Micro Segmentation in OMNeT++, we have to simulate the segmentation of a network break down into smaller, secluded segments to improve security and control inside the network. It permits for more granular control over network traffic, making certain that only legalized traffic is permitted amongst particular segments or devices, decreasing the attack surface inside the network.

In the given set up, we collected the details on how to implement the micro segmentation in OMNeT++:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

  1. Set Up OMNeT++ and INET Framework
  • Make certain that OMNeT++ and the INET framework are installed and correctly configured.
  • Develop a new project in OMNeT++ and include the INET framework that offers the necessary network modules and tools.
  1. Design the Network Topology
  • Generate the network topology in an .ned file. It includes several hosts, switches, and routers. The network will be segmented into various segments (or micro-segments) using virtual LANs (VLANs) or access control lists (ACLs).

Example .ned file:

network MicroSegmentationNetwork {

submodules:

host1: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,200”);

}

host2: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,300”);

}

host3: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,400”);

}

host4: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,500”);

}

switch1: EthernetSwitch {

@display(“p=300,300”);

}

switch2: EthernetSwitch {

@display(“p=300,400”);

}

router: Router {

@display(“p=500,350”);

}

server: StandardHost {

@display(“p=700,350”);

}

connections:

host1.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> switch1.ethg++;

host2.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> switch1.ethg++;

host3.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> switch2.ethg++;

host4.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> switch2.ethg++;

switch1.ethg++ <–> Ethernet1G <–> router.pppg++;

switch2.ethg++ <–> Ethernet1G <–> router.pppg++;

router.pppg++ <–> Ethernet1G <–> server.ethg++;

}

This network has several hosts linked to two switches, which are then connected to a router and a server. The hosts connected to various switches will be segmented using VLANs or ACLs.

  1. Implement VLANs or ACLs for Segmentation
  • Use VLANs or ACLs to segment the network. VLANs can logically separate network traffic, while ACLs can implement security policies by permitting or denying particular kinds of traffic amongst segments.

3.1 VLAN Implementation

  • Allocate various VLAN IDs to the hosts and set up the switches to manage VLAN-tagged traffic.

Example of VLAN configuration:

# Assign VLAN IDs to hosts and configure switches to handle VLANs

*.host1.ethg.vlanId = 10

*.host2.ethg.vlanId = 10

*.host3.ethg.vlanId = 20

*.host4.ethg.vlanId = 20

*.switch1.eth[*].vlanTable = “10,20”

*.switch2.eth[*].vlanTable = “10,20”

This configuration allocates VLAN ID 10 to host1 and host2, and VLAN ID 20 to host3 and host4. The switches are set up to manage traffic for these VLANs, making certain that traffic inside each VLAN is secluded from the other.

3.2 Access Control Lists (ACLs) Implementation

  • Control traffic amongst segments by using ACLs. You can implement ACLs in the router to permit or deny traffic depends on IP addresses, ports, or protocols.

Example of ACL configuration:

# ACLs to control traffic between segments

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[0].srcAddress = “10.0.0.1”

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[0].destAddress = “10.0.1.1”

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[0].protocol = “tcp”

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[0].action = “deny”

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[1].srcAddress = “10.0.0.1”

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[1].destAddress = “10.0.2.1”

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[1].protocol = “udp”

*.router.pppg[*].accessControl.acl[1].action = “permit”

This instance denies TCP traffic amongst host1 (10.0.0.1) and host3 (10.0.1.1) while permitting UDP traffic amidst host1 and host4 (10.0.2.1).

  1. Implement Traffic Generation
  • Deploy traffic generation for the hosts to simulate various kinds of network traffic. This will help you examine the efficiency of the micro-segmentation.

Example of traffic generation:

*.host1.numApps = 1

*.host1.app[0].typename = “TcpBasicClientApp”

*.host1.app[0].connectAddress = “server”

*.host1.app[0].connectPort = 80

*.host1.app[0].sendInterval = 1s

*.host1.app[0].messageLength = 1000B

*.host2.numApps = 1

*.host2.app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”

*.host2.app[0].destAddress = “server”

*.host2.app[0].destPort = 1234

*.host2.app[0].sendInterval = 2s

*.host2.app[0].messageLength = 500B

*.host3.numApps = 1

*.host3.app[0].typename = “TcpBasicClientApp”

*.host3.app[0].connectAddress = “server”

*.host3.app[0].connectPort = 80

*.host3.app[0].sendInterval = 1s

*.host3.app[0].messageLength = 1000B

*.host4.numApps = 1

*.host4.app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”

*.host4.app[0].destAddress = “server”

*.host4.app[0].destPort = 1234

*.host4.app[0].sendInterval = 2s

*.host4.app[0].messageLength = 500B

This configuration organizes various kinds of traffic amongst the hosts and the server, permitting you to monitor how micro-segmentation impacts traffic flow.

  1. Run the Simulation
  • Execute the simulation in OMNeT++ to see how traffic is managed inside the micro-segmented network. Monitor the communication amongst hosts within the same segment and amidst various segments.
  • Visualize the traffic flow, examine packet forwarding decisions, and validate that segmentation is enforced properly by using OMNeT++’s built-in tools.
  1. Analyze the Results
  • After running the simulation, compute the effectiveness of the micro-segmentation. Key metrics to observe such as traffic isolation, communication limitations amongst segments, and the entire influence on network performance.
  • Evaluate whether the micro-segmentation policies successfully prevent unauthorized communication amidst segments as they accepting permitted traffic.
  1. Optimize and Extend
  • Based on the analysis, refine the segmentation policies or ACL rules to improve security and performance. This might involve fine-tuning VLAN assignments, tightening ACLs, or executing more granular controls.
  • Consider extending the simulation to include more complex scenarios like dynamic segmentation (where segments are reconfigured based on network conditions), adding more segments, or mimicking various kinds of attacks to assess the security of the segmentation.
  • You could also discover integrating micro-segmentation with other security measures, like intrusion detection systems (IDS) or automated threat replies.

We successfully utilize the OMNeT++ and INET framework for their essential features which is required to implement the network Micro Segmentation including sample codes. It is very useful for their security features and control mechanisms. We will intent to offer additional information about this process, for further references. If you want to keep the simulation going in Network Micro Segmentation, you can count on our help. Just send us the details of your project, and we’ll assist you further. Our researchers can also provide you with more project ideas in Network Micro Segmentation, so reach out to us now for the best results!