How to Implement Network Architecture in OMNeT++

To implement the Network Architecture in OMNeT++, we have to state the structure of the network containing its nodes, connections, protocols and communication patterns. It requires a clear understanding of the network topology you want to simulate, the roles of different network elements, and the certain protocols or actions you wish to model. Follow the procedure to implement it in OMNeT++:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

1. Set Up OMNeT++ and INET Framework

• Make certain that OMNeT++ and the INET framework are installed and configured properly.
• Generate a new project in OMNeT++ and attach INET framework that offers a wide range of network models and protocols.

2. Design the Network Topology

• Start by configuring the network topology that encompasses determining the kinds of nodes (example: routers, switches, hosts) and how they will be connected.

Example .ned file defining a simple network topology:

network SimpleNetwork {

submodules:

router1: Router {

@display(“p=100,100”);

}

router2: Router {

@display(“p=300,100”);

}

host1: StandardHost {

@display(“p=50,200”);

}

host2: StandardHost {

@display(“p=350,200”);

}

host3: StandardHost {

@display(“p=200,200”);

}

connections:

router1.pppg++ <–> Ethernet10G <–> router2.pppg++;

host1.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> router1.pppg++;

host2.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> router2.pppg++;

host3.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> router1.pppg++;

host3.ethg++ <–> Ethernet100M <–> router2.pppg++;

}

This instance generates a simple network with two routers linked by a high-speed Ethernet link, and three hosts connected to the routers.

3. Define Node Configurations

• Customize the configuration of each node. This contains specifying the applications running on each host, routing protocols, and other network settings.

Example configuration in the .ini file:

[Config SimpleNetwork]

network = SimpleNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

*.router1.configurator.typename = “Ipv4NetworkConfigurator”

*.router2.configurator.typename = “Ipv4NetworkConfigurator”

*.host1.numApps = 1

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

*.host1.app[0].destAddress = “host2”

*.host1.app[0].destPort = 1234

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

*.host1.app[0].sendInterval = exponential(1s)

*.host2.numApps = 1

*.host2.app[0].typename = “UdpSink”

*.host3.numApps = 1

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

*.host3.app[0].connectAddress = “host2”

*.host3.app[0].connectPort = 1234

This configuration specifies that host1 runs a UDP application sending data to host2, while host3 runs a TCP client application connecting to host2.

4. Implement Routing Protocols

• If the network requires routing, set up the routers to use proper routing protocols. INET supports a diversity of routing protocols like RIP, OSPF, and BGP.

Example configuration to use OSPF:

*.router1.ipv4.routingTable.typename = “OspfRouting”

*.router2.ipv4.routingTable.typename = “OspfRouting”

This set up will enable OSPF routing on both routers, permitting them to dynamically learn routes.

5. Configure Network Protocols

• Configure additional network protocols as needed like DNS, DHCP, or specific transport-layer protocols.

Example of enabling IPv6 on all nodes:

**.ipv6.enabled = true

**.ipv6.routingTable.typename = “Ipv6FlatNetworkConfigurator”

This example enables IPv6 through the entire network.

6. Run the Simulation

• Implement the simulation in OMNeT++ to monitor the actions of the network. Observe the traffic flow, routing decisions, and performance metrics.
• Visualize network traffic, assess packet flows, and debug issues by using built-in OMNeT++ tools.

7. Analyze Results

• After running the simulation, assess the aggregated data. You can assess different performance metrics like throughput, latency, packet loss, and routing efficiency.
• OMNeT++ creates output files (.sca and .vec) that you can analyze using the OMNeT++ IDE or export for further processing in tools like MATLAB or Excel.

8. Optimization and Refinement

• Based on the analysis, refine the network architecture. This might involve fine-tuning routing protocols, changing network topology, or tweaking application actions.
• Run several simulations with various configurations to explore how differences influence network performance.

9. Extend the Network Architecture

• Extend the network architecture to include more difficult scenarios. This could involve attaching mobile nodes, executing wireless networks, incorporating various network layers, or simulating real-world scenarios like IoT networks or data center architectures.

Example: Adding a wireless network:

network WirelessNetwork {

submodules:

host1: WirelessHost {

@display(“p=100,200”);

}

host2: WirelessHost {

@display(“p=300,200”);

}

accessPoint: AccessPoint {

@display(“p=200,100”);

}

connections allowunconnected:

host1.wlan[0] <–> accessPoint.wlan[0];

host2.wlan[0] <–> accessPoint.wlan[0];

}

This sample adds a simple wireless network with two hosts linked to an access point.

We had utterly focused on the implementation steps including network topology set up, configure the nodes and executing routing protocols which will be helpful while deploying the Network Architecture in OMNeT++ and INET framework. We also provide information on how to extend their architecture with samples. We are here to assist you in implementing network architecture in the OMNeT++ tool for your projects. For the best guidance, reach out to omnet-manual.com.