How to Implement Network softwarization in OMNeT++

To implement the network softwarization in OMNeT++ has encompasses to emulate the decoupling of control and data planes, virtualization of network functions, and dynamic configuration of the network. Network softwarization is represents to the process of transitioning traditional hardware-based network functions to software-based solutions that can execute on general-purpose hardware. This technique is closely related to concepts such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). The below are the procedures to implement the Network softwarization in OMNeT++:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Understand Network Softwarization Concepts

SDN (Software-Defined Networking): SDN isolates the network’s control plane (decision-making) from the data plane (traffic forwarding), that permits centralized control over the network through software controllers.
NFV (Network Function Virtualization): NFV virtualizes network functions such as firewalls, routers, and load balancers and executes them as software on general-purpose servers, rather than dedicated hardware.
Control Plane and Data Plane: The control plane is responsible for routing decisions, while the data plane manage the actual forwarding of packets.

Setup OMNeT++ Environment

Install OMNeT++: Make sure that OMNeT++ is installed and configured on system. The INET framework is necessary for replicate the network protocols and communication.
Optional SDN/NFV Modules: If available, we can use specialized frameworks or extensions that support SDN and NFV in OMNeT++. Alternatively, we can build these functionalities from scratch.

Design the Softwarized Network Topology

SDN Controller Module: Apply the SDN controller as a centralized entity that handles the control plane. This controller will interact with the data plane elements like switches, routers to enthusiastically handle network traffic.
Data Plane Elements: Model data plane elements like switches as simple or compound modules that forward packets based on the rules delivered by the SDN controller.
Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs): Execute VNFs as software modules that can be enthusiastically deployed, scaled, and handled by the controller.

Example of a basic network topology with an SDN controller:

// softwarizedNetwork.ned

network SoftwarizedNetwork {

submodules:

controller: SDNController;

switch[3]: SDNSwitch;

host[6]: Host;

connections allowunconnected:

controller.out++ –> switch[0].ctrlIn;

controller.out++ –> switch[1].ctrlIn;

controller.out++ –> switch[2].ctrlIn;

switch[0].out++ –> host[0].in;

switch[0].out++ –> host[1].in;

switch[1].out++ –> host[2].in;

switch[1].out++ –> host[3].in;

switch[2].out++ –> host[4].in;

switch[2].out++ –> host[5].in;

}

Implement the SDN Controller

Controller Logic: The SDN controller is responsible for dynamically configuring the network by installing flow rules in the data plane elements like switches. It may also manage tasks such as network monitoring, path optimization, and load balancing.

Example of an SDN controller in NED and C++:

// sdnController.ned

simple SDNController {

parameters:

double controlInterval @unit(s) = default(0.1s);

gates:

input ctrlIn[];

output ctrlOut[];

}

// sdnController.cc

void SDNController::handleMessage(cMessage *msg) {

// Example logic: Send flow rules to switches based on traffic conditions

for (int i = 0; i < gateSize(“ctrlOut”); i++) {

cMessage *flowRule = new cMessage(“FlowRule”);

send(flowRule, “ctrlOut”, i);

}

scheduleAt(simTime() + controlInterval, msg); // Re-schedule the control loop

}

Implement Data Plane Elements (SDN Switches)

Switch Logic: The SDN switches in the data plane forward packets based on the flow rules installed by the SDN controller. They should also interact with the controller if they encounter unknown packets.

Example of an SDN switch:

// sdnSwitch.ned

simple SDNSwitch {

gates:

input in[];

output out[];

input ctrlIn;

output ctrlOut;

}

// sdnSwitch.cc

void SDNSwitch::handleMessage(cMessage *msg) {

if (msg->arrivedOn(“ctrlIn”)) {

// Receive flow rules from the controller and configure the switch

// (Store flow rules in a routing table)

} else {

// Normal packet forwarding based on stored flow rules

int outGateIndex = determineOutputGate(msg);

send(msg, “out”, outGateIndex);

}

Implement Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs)

VNF Modules: VNFs can be executed as basic modules that denote the particular network functions, like a firewall, NAT, or load balancer. These functions can be enthusiastically deployed and handled by the SDN controller.

Example of a simple VNF module:

// firewallVNF.ned

simple FirewallVNF {

parameters:

string policy = default(“allow all”);

gates:

input in;

output out;

}

// firewallVNF.cc

void FirewallVNF::handleMessage(cMessage *msg) {

// Apply firewall policy to the incoming packet

if (checkPolicy(msg)) {

send(msg, “out”);

} else {

delete msg; // Drop the packet

}

Implement Orchestration and Dynamic Configuration

Orchestration: Execute an orchestration module that can handle the lifecycle of VNFs that has contains the deployment, scaling, migration, and termination.
Dynamic Configuration: Use the SDN controller to enthusiastically regulate network configurations based on traffic patterns, QoS requirements, or other criteria.

Simulation and Analysis

Scenario Setup: Generate simulation scenarios that validate the performance and scalability of the softwarized network. These might contain varying traffic loads, failure scenarios, and dynamic scaling of VNFs.
Metrics Collection: Collect parameters like latency, throughput, packet loss, and resource utilization to measure the performance of the network.

Example Scenario: Dynamic Traffic Management

The below is the sample of scenario where the SDN controller dynamically reroutes traffic based on network conditions:

// dynamicTrafficManagement.ned

network DynamicTrafficManagement {

submodules:

controller: SDNController;

switch[3]: SDNSwitch;

host[6]: Host;

connections allowunconnected:

controller.out++ –> switch[0].ctrlIn;

controller.out++ –> switch[1].ctrlIn;

controller.out++ –> switch[2].ctrlIn;

switch[0].out++ –> host[0].in;

switch[0].out++ –> host[1].in;

switch[1].out++ –> host[2].in;

switch[1].out++ –> host[3].in;

switch[2].out++ –> host[4].in;

switch[2].out++ –> host[5].in;

}

Testing and Optimization

Run Simulations: Implement multiple simulations execute with numerous configurations to validate how well the network adjusts to changes. For instance, simulate link failures or sudden spikes in traffic.
Optimize Performance: Based on the simulation outcomes, tune the SDN controller’s techniques and the configuration of VNFs to enhance the network’s performance.

We had demonstrated how to setup the environment and how to execute the Network softwarization in the OMNeT++ tool to enhance the network performance. We plan to provide additional data about how the network softwarization will perform another simulation tools.

We’ll be with you every step of the way on your project, providing you with network performance analysis results and clear explanations. Plus, we offer even more guidance. When it comes to implementing network softwarization in the OMNeT++ tool, our results are supported by the developers at omnet-manual.com, and you can count on us for tailored services.