How to Start Wireless Topology Projects Using OMNeT++

To start a Wireless Topology project using OMNeT++, we can design a wireless nodes network that normally wireless communication models like radio transmission, reception, and interference. OMNeT++ environment offers support for wireless networks through the INET Framework that is frequently utilised to replicate the wireless protocols with IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), LTE, and custom protocols.

Below is a detailed instruction to configuring a Wireless Topology project using OMNeT++.

Steps to Start Wireless Topology Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework

Make sure that we have OMNeT++ environment and the INET Framework installed on the system. The INET offers modules to design diverse features of network protocols with wireless communication.

  • OMNeT++: We should download from OMNeT++ website.
  • INET Framework: We can download it to utilise INET Framework GitHub or install it via OMNeT++ IDE.

Install INET Framework:

  1. We can download the INET framework from GitHub.
  2. Obtain the INET Framework to follow provided guidance.
  3. Go to OMNeT++ IDE by navigating File > Import > General > Existing Projects into Workspace and then import the INET framework.
  4. When import the INET then we need to right-click on the INET project and choose Build Project.
  1. Create a New OMNeT++ Project
  1. Go to OMNeT++ IDE.
  2. Select File > New > OMNeT++ Project.
  3. Click Simple Network like template for a new project.
  4. Name it to the project as WirelessNetwork.
  5. Select Finish for making the new project.
  1. Configure Wireless Topology with NED Files

Networks are described by NED files in OMNeT++. We can describe the wireless nodes, its connections, and their interaction model such as radio propagation, interference, and so on.

Example: WirelessTopology.ned

This instance makes a basic wireless network including 5 nodes that are wirelessly interacting with the support of IEEE 802.11.

network WirelessTopology

{

parameters:

int numNodes = 5;  // Number of wireless nodes

submodules:

// Wireless nodes

node[numNodes]: WirelessNode;

connections:

// Define the communication between wireless nodes

for i=0..numNodes-1 {

for j=i+1..numNodes-1 {

node[i].wlan[0].out –> node[j].wlan[0].in;

node[j].wlan[0].out –> node[i].wlan[0].in;

}

}

}

Explanation:

  • numNodes: Volume of wireless nodes within the network.
  • node[]: Every single node is designed like a WirelessNode, which will utilise a Wi-Fi (802.11) network interface (wlan[0]).
  • Connections: Wireless nodes are associated to each other via its wireless interfaces, to utilise the wlan submodule out and in gates. The network topology permits the nodes for interacting with each other.
  1. Define the Wireless Node Module

Here, we can create a WirelessNode module, which specifies each node within the network. It will contain their wireless network interface and any necessary metrics for wireless communication.

Example: WirelessNode.ned

simple module WirelessNode

{

parameters:

@display(“i=device/laptop”);

submodules:

wlan[0]: WifiMacPhy;

gates:

input in;

output out;

}

In this module:

  • wlan[0]: The wireless interface is designed to utilise the WifiMacPhy module that captures MAC (Medium Access Control) and PHY (Physical Layer) layers for IEEE 802.11.
  • in and out gates: These gates are utilised to inherit and transmit the messages.
  1. Define the Wireless Communication Model

From the INET Framework, WifiMacPhy module is utilised for designing the wireless communication model with the PHY and MAC layers of IEEE 802.11. This module manages the broadcast and receiving messages among the nodes.

  • We cannot describe the WifiMacPhy behavior as it’s already portion of the INET framework, however we can set it up to the needs.
  1. Configure Wireless Network Parameters in omnetpp.ini

Set the simulation metrics like transmission power, mobility, channel model, and simulation time using omnetpp.ini file.

Example: omnetpp.ini

network = WirelessTopology

sim-time-limit = 100s

# Set wireless transmission power and mobility model

**.node*.wlan[0].mac.transmitPower = 20mW

**.node*.wlan[0].mac.channelNumber = 11

**.node*.wlan[0].phy.antennaGain = 0.0dBi

**.node*.wlan[0].phy.bitrate = 54Mbps

# Set the mobility model (if you want nodes to move)

**.node*.mobility.type = “RandomWaypointMobility”

**.node*.mobility.area = 1000×1000

**.node*.mobility.speed = 1m/s

  • transmitPower: It sets the wireless nodes transmission energy.
  • channelNumber: Describe the channel such as channel 11 for Wi-Fi.
  • antennaGain: The advantage of the antenna.
  • bitrate: It needs to set the bitrate for wireless interaction.
  • mobility: If nodes transfer then configure the mobility model as RandomWaypointMobility.
  1. Build the Project

When NED files and C++ files (if necessary) describe then we can construct the project:

  1. In the Project Explorer, we can right-click the project and choose Build Project.
  2. OMNeT++ will compile the project and execute it.
  1. Run the Simulation

When the project is constructed then we need to execute the simulation:

  1. Right-click on the project by navigating Run As > OMNeT++ Simulation.
  2. The simulation will begin and we monitor how wireless nodes interact with each other.
  3. OMNeT++ environment will be displayed a graphical representation of the network and the packet flow.
  1. Visualize and Analyze Results

OMNeT++ offers visualization tools for monitoring the wireless network performance in the course of the simulation. Also, we need to utilise the scavetool parameters such as packet delivery, signal strength, and throughput for advanced analysis.

  • Simulation GUI: Monitor the topology, message flow, and node movements (if mobility is enabled) to utilise OMNeT++ graphical interface.
  • scavetool: Transfer the simulation outcomes like packet reception times and examine them.
  1. Extend the Simulation

After configuring the basic wireless network then we will need to prolong the simulation by:

  • Adding Mobility: Replciate mobile nodes by means of allowing mobility models like RandomWaypointMobility or ManhattanGridMobility.
  • Implement Routing Protocols: For mobile wireless networks, execute and experiment the routing protocols such as AODV (Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector) or DSDV (Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector).
  • Wireless Interference and Fading: Test with advanced radio propagation models like Log-Distance Path Loss, Shadowing, or Rayleigh Fading for replicating real-world interference.
  • Traffic Models: Launch the traffic patterns like CBR, VBR, and FTP for observing the network behavior in diverse traffic loads.

Conclusion

To make a Wireless Topology using OMNeT++ involves:

  1. To install OMNeT++ and INET Framework.
  2. Create the network to utilise NED files in which stipulate wireless nodes and connections.
  3. Setting up wireless metrics like transmit power, channel, mobility, and PHY/MAC settings to utilise omnetpp.ini file.
  4. To compile and execute the simulation.
  5. Examining the outcomes with the support of OMNeT++’s built-in tools.

With the INET Framework and OMNeT++ which is a robust simulation environment for designing and experimenting the diverse wireless communication protocols and network configurations. We can prolong this configuration by integrating advanced aspects such as mobility, wireless interference, routing protocols, and various traffic models.

From this guide, we clearly observe the comprehensive methods to simulate and examine the Wireless Topology Projects using OMNeT++ tool. More details about this topic will be presented as required.