How to Start 5G Network Projects Using NS2

To start a 5G network project in NS2 (Network Simulator 2) which needs design and customization since NS2 environment was created for traditional network simulations and it doesn’t directly support for advanced 5G-specific aspects. But, we can customize the NS2 for 5G network simulations with extensions, patches, and custom modifications.

We follow these steps to get started:

Steps to Start 5G Network Projects in NS2

  1. Understand Your 5G Simulation Goals
  • Describe the 5G certain aspect for replicating Massive MIMO, mmWave communication, 5G core networks, network slicing, and so on.
  • Study the crucial performance metrics and needs for selected topic.
  • We acquire more knowledge about existing literature and benchmarks for 5G simulations.
  1. Install NS2
  • Download NS2: Make sure that NS2 installed on the machine. We should download it to utilise NS2 official website.
  • Setup Environment: Set NS2 environment on a Linux (e.g., Ubuntu) for better compatibility and its performance.
  • Verify installation by running sample simulation scripts.
  1. Integrate 5G-Specific Features

While NS2 does not directly support 5G then we can integrate or alter the modules:

  • Add mmWave or 5G Channel Models:
    • Try to find patches or modules which are developed by NS2 that offer high-frequency channel modeling.
    • Execute the propagation models for mmWave frequencies such as Rayleigh, Rician fading.
  • Integrate MIMO Support:
    • Integrate the Massive MIMO functionality via matrix-based channel modeling.
    • Replicate beamforming methods, which is utilised in 5G.
  • Customize MAC Layer:
    • Fine-tune the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer for 5G-specific scheduling mechanisms such as OFDMA or NR.
    • Launch planning for URLLC, eMBB, or mMTC traffic.
  • Core Network Features:
    • Integrate support for network slicing, SDN (Software-Defined Networking), or NFV (Network Function Virtualization).
    • We need to replicate 5G core network mechanisms.
  1. Configure Simulation Parameters
  • Configure the nodes, links, and traffic metrics for simulating a 5G environment.
  • Example metrics:
    • Frequency Bands: We need to utilise higher frequencies (e.g., 28 GHz for mmWave).
    • Bandwidth: Apply broad bandwidths (e.g., 100 MHz).
    • Cell Radius: Replicate smaller cells like femtocells or picocells.
    • User Density: Design dense urban environments.
  1. Develop Custom TCL Scripts
  • Inscribe simulation scripts within TCL (Tool Command Language) of NS2 to:
    • Describe the node sets up.
    • Configure traffic patterns and applications.
    • Integrate custom modules for 5G channel or MAC.
  • Make use of external tools like Python or MATLAB for post-simulation analysis as required.
  1. Test and Debug
  • Incrementally execute the simulations to experiment individual modules such as propagation model, traffic model.
  • Sort out any problems with the support of NS2 debugging tools and records.
  1. Validate Results
  • We can envision the simulation outcomes including theoretical or real-world benchmarks to authenticate the model exactness.
  • Examine the crucial performance parameters such as throughput, latency, energy efficiency, and spectral efficiency.
  1. Visualize Results
  • Envision the simulation outcomes to utilise NS2 tools like NAM or MATLAB for visualization.
  • Make graphs and charts for better knowledge.
  1. Documentation and Optimization
  • It offers detailed insights including process, assumptions, and outcomes.
  • Enhance the simulation for larger scenarios or higher performance if required.

Finally, we know how the 5G Network simulates and analyses within NS2 environment through the given procedure. More advanced details regarding this subject will be added later.