How to Start D2D Communication Projects Using NS3

To start a Device-to-Device (D2D) communication project using NS3 that contains to configure direct interaction among the neighbouring mobile devices excepting cellular infrastructure. In cellular networks, D2D interaction is frequently utilized within situations such as proximity-based services, emergency communication, and data offloading. NS3 facilitates D2D communication via modules like LTE (for cellular-based D2D) and WiFi in ad-hoc mode. Below is a sequential methodology to configure a simple D2D communication project in NS3.

Steps to Start D2D Communication Projects in NS3

  1. Install NS3
  1. Download and Install NS3 if it is already installed:

git clone https://gitlab.com/nsnam/ns-3-dev.git ns-3

cd ns-3

./waf configure –enable-examples –enable-tests

./waf build

  1. Verify Installation by executing a basic instance like an LTE or WiFi example:

./waf –run=lte-simple

  1. Choose a Communication Module

For D2D communication, we can be selected among:

  • LTE Module: In cellular networks, it module supports D2D underlay that is more complex however nearer to real-world cellular D2D.
  • WiFi Ad-Hoc Mode (802.11a/b/g/n): Replicate direct device interaction utilizing WiFi within ad-hoc mode. It is easier and doesn’t depend on LTE eNodeBs.
  1. Set Up Basic D2D Communication with WiFi Ad-Hoc Mode

WiFi ad-hoc mode offers a simple and effective method for D2D communication, enabling devices to interact directly without relying on any cellular infrastructure.

Example: Basic D2D Communication Using WiFi Ad-Hoc Mode

This instance configures two devices communicating in WiFi ad-hoc mode.

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/wifi-module.h”

#include “ns3/mobility-module.h”

#include “ns3/applications-module.h”

using namespace ns3;

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {

CommandLine cmd;

cmd.Parse(argc, argv);

// Create two nodes for D2D communication

NodeContainer d2dNodes;

d2dNodes.Create(2);

// Set up WiFi in ad-hoc mode for D2D communication

YansWifiChannelHelper channel = YansWifiChannelHelper::Default();

YansWifiPhyHelper phy = YansWifiPhyHelper::Default();

phy.SetChannel(channel.Create());

WifiHelper wifi;

wifi.SetStandard(WIFI_PHY_STANDARD_80211n_5GHZ);

WifiMacHelper mac;

mac.SetType(“ns3::AdhocWifiMac”);

NetDeviceContainer devices = wifi.Install(phy, mac, d2dNodes);

// Install Internet stack on D2D nodes

InternetStackHelper internet;

internet.Install(d2dNodes);

// Assign IP addresses

Ipv4AddressHelper address;

address.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces = address.Assign(devices);

// Set up mobility for D2D nodes (to simulate proximity)

MobilityHelper mobility;

mobility.SetPositionAllocator(“ns3::GridPositionAllocator”,

“MinX”, DoubleValue(0.0),

“MinY”, DoubleValue(0.0),

“DeltaX”, DoubleValue(5.0),

“DeltaY”, DoubleValue(5.0),

“GridWidth”, UintegerValue(2),

“LayoutType”, StringValue(“RowFirst”));

mobility.SetMobilityModel(“ns3::ConstantPositionMobilityModel”);

mobility.Install(d2dNodes);

// Set up applications for D2D data transfer

uint16_t port = 9;

UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(port);

ApplicationContainer serverApp = echoServer.Install(d2dNodes.Get(1)); // Node 1 is the server

serverApp.Start(Seconds(1.0));

serverApp.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(interfaces.GetAddress(1), port);

echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(10));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, TimeValue(Seconds(1.0)));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));

ApplicationContainer clientApp = echoClient.Install(d2dNodes.Get(0)); // Node 0 is the client

clientApp.Start(Seconds(2.0));

clientApp.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

return 0;

}

  1. Set Up Mobility Models for Proximity

D2D interaction normally happens in nearby range, thus set up mobility models deliberating this proximity. If nodes are static then we can utilize ConstantPositionMobilityModel or RandomWalk2dMobilityModel if they are movable.

Example for mobile D2D nodes:

mobility.SetMobilityModel(“ns3::RandomWalk2dMobilityModel”,

“Bounds”, RectangleValue(Rectangle(-50, 50, -50, 50)));

mobility.Install(d2dNodes);

  1. Set Up LTE-Based D2D Communication (Optional)

If we select LTE-based D2D then set up the LTE module allowing sidelink (D2D) interaction. It needs to utilize NS3’s LteHelper and to set up Proximity Services (ProSe).

  1. Create LTE Nodes: Make eNodeBs and user equipment (UE) nodes.
  2. Enable ProSe: We set up the LTE helper to offer support for ProSe aspects.
  3. Configure Sidelink Communication: For direct D2D interaction among UEs, configure sidelink bearer.

Even though LTE-based D2D is more realistic, this is difficult and it needs to certain LTE sets up like custom EPC settings.

  1. Implement Applications to Simulate D2D Data Transmission

Replicate data exchange among D2D nodes utilizing applications such as UdpEchoApplication or OnOffApplication. This information should denote direct device interaction like file sharing or location-based services.

Example:

OnOffHelper onOff(“ns3::UdpSocketFactory”, InetSocketAddress(interfaces.GetAddress(1), port));

onOff.SetAttribute(“DataRate”, StringValue(“500Kbps”));

onOff.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));

ApplicationContainer onOffApp = onOff.Install(d2dNodes.Get(0)); // Node 0 sending data to Node 1

onOffApp.Start(Seconds(2.0));

onOffApp.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

  1. Collect and Analyze Performance Metrics

In D2D communication, we examine the crucial performance parameters contain:

  • Throughput: Estimate the data rate among D2D devices.
  • Latency: We can calculate the delay within interaction that particular essential for real-time applications.
  • Packet Delivery Ratio: Experiment how reliably packets are delivered between devices.
  • Interference: If there are several D2D pairs, estimate the interference within close proximity.

Utilize FlowMonitor to accumulate the performance data:

FlowMonitorHelper flowmon;

Ptr<FlowMonitor> monitor = flowmon.InstallAll();

monitor->SerializeToXmlFile(“d2d-flowmon.xml”, true, true);

  1. Visualize and Analyze Results
  • NetAnim: Envision the proximity of D2D devices, its movements, and interaction range utilizing NetAnim.
  • Trace Files: Examine trace files within NS3 to obtain in-depth data regarding packet transmission, reception, and latency.
  • Graphing Tools: Transfer performance parameters to graph the throughput, latency, and packet delivery ratio.
  1. Experiment with Advanced D2D Scenarios

When we have the basics configuration, attempt more complex D2D situations:

  • Multi-Hop D2D Communication: We can utilize multi-hop routing protocols such as AODV allowing interaction among devices out of the direct range.
  • High Density: Experiment how D2D executes within high-density areas like urban environments or crowded event venues.
  • Relay Node Selection: For choosing a relay node, execute the logic prolonging the D2D range or enhance the connectivity.
  • Emergency Scenarios: Replicate D2D usage within disaster situations in which infrastructure is unavailable, and devices require directly interacting.

In this manual, we comprehensively learnt the stepwise approach to execute and analyse the D2D Communication projects using NS3 environment. Moreover, we will also be provided further advanced insights on this subject.

If you need more help, feel free to email us for great ideas and simulations. We specialize in modules like LTE (for cellular-based D2D) and WiFi in ad-hoc mode for your projects. To kick off your D2D Communication Projects using the NS3 tool, we at phdprojects.org will provide you with innovative research guidance and the best research topics that match your interests.