How to Implement Network VNFs Orchestration in OMNeT++

To implement Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Virtual Network Function (VNF) orchestration in OMNeT++ has essential to have good knowledge of NFV concepts and how to model them within the simulation environment. Stay in touch with us if you  want to get in touch with us for best project and simulation results. The given below are the structured procedures on how to implement this approach in OMNeT++:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

1. Understand NFV and VNF Orchestration

• NFV: Network Function Virtualization has includes to decoupling network functions like firewalls, load balancers from hardware appliances that aiding them to run on virtualized environments.
• VNF Orchestration: This denotes to the process of handling and automating the deployment, configuration, and scaling of VNFs.

2. Setup OMNeT++ Environment

• Install OMNeT++: make sure that we have the latest version of OMNeT++ installed. We might also need the INET framework for networking simulation.
• Optional Frameworks: we might consider using other OMNeT++ frameworks such as SimuLTE or Veins if  NFV use case involves LTE or vehicular networks.

3. Design the Network Topology

• VNFs Representation: Model VNFs as simple modules in OMNeT++. Each VNF could signify a particular network function such as firewall, NAT, or load balancer.
• Network Topology: To model a network where these VNFs are employed. Use routers, switches, and hosts to denoted the network elements.

4. Define VNFs as Simple Modules

• VNF Module Definition: describe each VNF as a simple module that can process packets, maintain state, and communicate with other VNFs.

Example of a simple VNF module in NED:

// firewall.ned

simple Firewall {

parameters:

double processingDelay @unit(s) = default(0.005s);

string policyFile = default(“firewallPolicy.txt”);

gates:

input in;

output out;

}

}

// nat.ned

simple NAT {

parameters:

double translationDelay @unit(s) = default(0.002s);

gates:

input in;

output out;

}

}

5. Implement Orchestration Logic

• Orchestrator Module: Generate an orchestrator module responsible for organizing and handling the VNFs. This module would manage the lifecycle of VNFs (start, stop, migrate, scale).
• Dynamic VNF Management: Execute logic in the orchestrator to enthusiastically regulate the VNFs based on traffic patterns, resource availability, or predefined policies.

Example of an Orchestrator in NED:

// orchestrator.ned

simple Orchestrator {

parameters:

double orchestrationInterval @unit(s) = default(1s);

gates:

input controlIn;

output controlOut;

}

}

// orchestrator.cc

void Orchestrator::handleMessage(cMessage *msg) {

if (msg->isSelfMessage()) {

// Orchestration logic: scale up, scale down, migrate VNFs

scheduleAt(simTime() + orchestrationInterval, msg);

} else {

// Handle messages from VNFs

}

}

6. Implement Network Service Chains

• Service Chaining: VNFs are usually part of a service chain where packets must traverse multiple VNFs in a particular order. To execute this chaining in network topology.

Example of Service Chain Definition:

// serviceChain.ned

network ServiceChain {

submodules:

vnf1: Firewall;

vnf2: NAT;

vnf3: LoadBalancer;

connections allowunconnected:

vnf1.out –> vnf2.in;

vnf2.out –> vnf3.in;

vnf3.out –> outGate;

}

7. Simulation and Analysis

• Scenario Setup: Configure various scenarios to assess the performance of NFV orchestration. We need to emulate several network conditions, traffic loads, and VNF failures.
• Metrics Collection: Collect data on VNF resource utilization, network latency, packet loss, and orchestration efficiency.

8. Testing and Optimization

• Simulation Runs: Execute multiple simulations to validate how orchestration logic performs under numerous conditions.
• Performance Tuning: enhance the orchestration technique to enhance the metrics such as latency, resource utilization, and scaling efficiency.

9. Example Scenario

The below are the sample scenario where an orchestrator dynamically scales a firewall VNF based on incoming traffic load:

// dynamicOrchestration.ned

network DynamicOrchestration {

submodules:

orchestrator: Orchestrator;

firewall1: Firewall;

firewall2: Firewall; // Scaled VNF

connections allowunconnected:

inGate –> firewall1.in;

firewall1.out –> firewall2.in;

firewall2.out –> outGate;

}

We had clearly learnt and familiarize the concepts to execute the network VNF orchestration in OMNeT++ simulation tool. We will provide the more information on how the network VNFs orchestration will perform in other simulation scenario