How to Implement Network Bootstrapping in OMNeT++

To implement the network bootstrapping in OMNeT++, we have state to the process where nodes in a network initialize and create basic communication parameters, like IP addressing, routing, and discovering peers, so they can start operating in the network. It is vital in networks such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs), mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), and distributed systems where nodes connect the network dynamically.

Given below is a step-by-step approaches on how to execute network bootstrapping in OMNeT++ using the INET framework:

Step-by-Step Implementations:

1. Set up OMNeT++ and INET Framework

• Install OMNeT++: Make sure that OMNeT++ is installed and configured on the system.
• Install INET Framework: Download and install the INET framework, which offers models for network protocols, mobility, and routing.

2. Define the Network Topology

Build a network topology with several nodes that will undergo a bootstrapping process. These nodes may contain hosts, routers, and other devices.

Example NED File (BootstrappingNetwork.ned):

package mynetwork;

import inet.node.inet.StandardHost;

import inet.node.inet.Router;

network BootstrappingNetwork

{

parameters:

int numNodes = default(3); // Number of nodes in the network

submodules:

node[numNodes]: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,100;is=square,red”);

}

router: Router {

@display(“p=300,200”);

}

connections allowunconnected:

for i = 0..numNodes-1 {

node[i].ethg++ <–> ethernetLine <–> router.ethg++;

}

}

In this example:

• node[]: Signifies the network nodes that will perform bootstrapping.
• router: Performs as a central router to handle and facilitate communication among nodes.

3. Create a Bootstrapping Protocol

We can generate a custom protocol that handles the bootstrapping process. This protocol will mimic actions like acquiring an IP address, discovering other nodes, and establishing initial routing.

Example: Bootstrapping Protocol (BootstrappingProtocol.ned)

package mynetwork;

import inet.applications.base.ApplicationBase;

simple BootstrappingProtocol extends ApplicationBase

{

gates:

input upperLayerIn;

output upperLayerOut;

input lowerLayerIn;

output lowerLayerOut;

}

BootstrappingProtocol.cc (Basic Implementation)

#include “inet/common/INETDefs.h”

#include “inet/applications/base/ApplicationBase.h”

Define_Module(BootstrappingProtocol);

void BootstrappingProtocol::initialize(int stage) {

ApplicationBase::initialize(stage);

if (stage == INITSTAGE_LOCAL) {

bootstrappingInterval = par(“bootstrappingInterval”).doubleValue();

bootstrappingTimer = new cMessage(“bootstrappingTimer”);

scheduleAt(simTime() + bootstrappingInterval, bootstrappingTimer);

}

}

void BootstrappingProtocol::handleMessageWhenUp(cMessage *msg) {

if (msg == bootstrappingTimer) {

performBootstrapping();

scheduleAt(simTime() + bootstrappingInterval, bootstrappingTimer);

} else if (msg->getArrivalGate() == lowerLayerIn) {

handleBootstrappingResponse(msg);

}

}

void BootstrappingProtocol::performBootstrapping() {

// Simulate IP address acquisition and network discovery

std::string ipAddress = acquireIPAddress();

EV << “Acquired IP Address: ” << ipAddress << “\n”;

// Discover other nodes

cMessage *discoveryMsg = new cMessage(“DiscoveryMessage”);

sendDown(discoveryMsg);  // Broadcast discovery message to discover other nodes

}

std::string BootstrappingProtocol::acquireIPAddress() {

// Simulate a simple static IP address acquisition for this example

static int ipLastOctet = 1;

ipLastOctet++;

return “192.168.1.” + std::to_string(ipLastOctet);

}

void BootstrappingProtocol::handleBootstrappingResponse(cMessage *msg) {

// Handle the response to the discovery process

EV << “Discovered node: ” << msg->getSenderModule()->getFullName() << “\n”;

delete msg;

}

void BootstrappingProtocol::finish() {

cancelAndDelete(bootstrappingTimer);

}

In this example:

• bootstrappingInterval: Manage the interval at which the node attempts bootstrapping.
• performBootstrapping(): Mimics acquiring an IP address and determining other nodes.
• acquireIPAddress(): A simple function that assigns an IP address to the node.
• handleBootstrappingResponse(): Manages responses from other nodes that were exposed while bootstrapping.

4. Configure the Simulation

Configure the simulation in the omnetpp.ini file to use the custom bootstrapping protocol.

Example Configuration in omnetpp.ini:

[General]

network = BootstrappingNetwork

**.node[*].applications[0].typename = “BootstrappingProtocol”

**.node[*].applications[0].bootstrappingInterval = 5s

5. Run the Simulation

Run the simulation and monitor how nodes perform bootstrapping. Each node should obtain an IP address, determine other nodes, and establish simple communication parameters.

6. Verify Bootstrapping Process

Check that nodes have effectively completed the bootstrapping process, after running the simulation. Verify that they have learned unique IP addresses and that they can discover and communicate with other nodes.

7. Extend the Bootstrapping Protocol

We can develop the simple bootstrapping protocol with further features like:

• Dynamic IP Address Allocation: Execute DHCP-like behaviour where a central server gives IP addresses to nodes dynamically.
• Secure Bootstrapping: Contain authentication mechanisms to make sure that only trusted nodes can connect the network.
• Adaptive Bootstrapping Intervals: Modify the bootstrapping intervals based on network conditions or energy constraints.

Example: Dynamic IP Address Allocation

std::string BootstrappingProtocol::acquireIPAddress() {

// Simulate a dynamic IP address allocation process (e.g., DHCP-like behavior)

if (gatewayAddress.empty()) {

gatewayAddress = “192.168.1.254”;  // Simulate a gateway address

}

static int ipLastOctet = 1;

ipLastOctet++;

return gatewayAddress.substr(0, gatewayAddress.find_last_of(‘.’) + 1) + std::to_string(ipLastOctet);

}

8. Document and Report Findings

After completing the simulations, document the bootstrapping strategies verified, the results gained, and any optimizations made. It will help to get knowledge how various bootstrapping approaches impact network initialization and communication.

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