How to Start LAN Protocols Projects Using NS3

To start a LAN (Local Area Network) protocol project in NS3, we will need to replicate the protocols and technologies, which function within a LAN environment like Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), or custom LAN-related protocols. Following is a simple guide to start and simulate the LAN Protocols Projects in NS3.

Steps to Start LAN Protocols Projects in NS3

  1. Understand LAN Protocols
  • What is a LAN Protocol?
    • Protocols and mechanisms utilized for interaction in a local network.
  • Examples of LAN Protocols:
    • Ethernet (IEEE 802.3): It is used for standard LAN interaction protocol.
    • VLANs: Virtual LANs supports for network segmentation.
    • STP (Spanning Tree Protocol): This protocol helps to avoid the loop.
    • Custom protocols: For load balancing, fault tolerance, or security, we can utilize custom protocols.
  1. Set Up NS3
  • Install NS3:
    • Go to official NS3 website then we can download and install NS3 environment.
    • We adhere to the installation instruction.
  • Verify installation:

./waf –run scratch/test-example

  • Key NS3 modules for LAN projects:
    • csma-module: Simulate the wired LANs with Ethernet.
    • internet-module: This module utilised for inserting IP capabilities.
    • traffic-control: It supports to execute the traffic management in a LAN.
  1. Plan Your LAN Protocol Project
  • Define the Protocol:
    • We describe LAN protocol for Ethernet, executing VLANs, or making a custom protocol.
  • Define Objectives:
    • Performance analysis such as throughput, latency.
    • Custom protocol execution.
    • Comparison of various protocols like Ethernet vs. VLAN.
  • Topology:
    • For LAN nodes, we use star, ring, or bus topology.
  • Metrics:
    • Performance parameters such as bandwidth utilization, collision rate, packet delivery ratio, and so on.
  1. Write the Simulation Code
  • Simplified LAN simulation script and then prolong it.
  • Example Script: Basic Ethernet LAN Setup

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/csma-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/applications-module.h”

using namespace ns3;

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

uint32_t nNodes = 5; // Number of nodes in the LAN

double simulationTime = 10.0;

// Create nodes

NodeContainer nodes;

nodes.Create(nNodes);

// Set up CSMA channel

CsmaHelper csma;

csma.SetChannelAttribute(“DataRate”, StringValue(“100Mbps”));

csma.SetChannelAttribute(“Delay”, TimeValue(NanoSeconds(6560)))

// Install CSMA devices

NetDeviceContainer devices = csma.Install(nodes);

// Install Internet stack

InternetStackHelper stack;

stack.Install(nodes);

// Assign IP addresses

Ipv4AddressHelper ipv4;

ipv4.SetBase(“192.168.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

ipv4.Assign(devices);

// Set up a UDP echo server on the last node

uint16_t port = 9; // Discard port

UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(port);

ApplicationContainer serverApps = echoServer.Install(nodes.Get(nNodes – 1));

serverApps.Start(Seconds(1.0));

serverApps.Stop(Seconds(simulationTime));

// Set up a UDP echo client on the first node

UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(Ipv4Address(“192.168.1.4”), port);

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

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

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

ApplicationContainer clientApps = echoClient.Install(nodes.Get(0));

clientApps.Start(Seconds(2.0));

clientApps.Stop(Seconds(simulationTime));

// Enable pcap tracing

csma.EnablePcapAll(“lan”);

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

return 0;

}

  1. Extend for LAN Protocols
  • Ethernet Protocol:
    • Replicate Ethernet LANs to utilize the CsmaHelper module.
  • VLAN Implementation:
    • Change the above script containing VLAN tags and to replicate the segmentation.
  • Custom Protocol:
    • We prolong the NetDevice or CsmaNetDevice classes, executing custom LAN logic.
    • Implement techniques such as Send() and Receive() managing the custom packet forwarding rules.
  1. Test and Debug
  • Enable Logging:
    • Debug the simulation to utilize NS3 logging.

export NS_LOG=CsmaNetDevice=level_all

./waf –run scratch/lan-example

  • Analyze Packets:
    • We can utilise PCAP files that are made by the simulation for analysis within Wireshark.
  1. Performance Metrics
  • Metrics to measure:
    • Throughput: We estimate how much data is sent over time.
    • Collision rate: Assess Ethernet collisions within shared medium scenarios.
    • Latency: We compute the end-to-end packet delay.
    • Packet loss: Measure delivery reliability.
  • Tools:
    • For accumulating performance information, utilise FlowMonitor or custom callbacks.
  1. Advanced Features
  • Dynamic Topologies: Replicate the topology changes within the LAN such as inserting or eliminating the nodes.
  • Traffic Shaping: Execute bandwidth limits or priority queuing to utilize the TrafficControlHelper module.
  • Security Mechanisms: Insert firewalls or intrusion detection on the LAN level.
  • Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): We want to utilize STP logic to avoid loops within the LAN.
  1. Document and Visualize Results
  • Document Protocol Implementation:
    • We define the objectives, set up, and outcomes clearly.
  • Visualize Results:
    • Envision node communications to utilise NetAnim.
    • We need to plot the performance parameters to utilise tools such as Matplotlib or Gnuplot.

Within this module, we presented the entire demonstration about how to start and simulate the LAN Protocols in the simulation tool NS3. Additional in depth details about this project will offer too.

Our systematic methodology guarantees that you will receive comprehensive explanations throughout each phase of the process. Obtain exemplary topics from our researchers to achieve high academic performance. When initiating LAN Protocols Projects utilizing the NS3 tool, rely on the expertise of the phdprojects.org team to support you at every step. Benefit from our customized assistance, ensuring optimal project outcomes and timely delivery. We focus on LAN environments, including Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and other specialized LAN-related protocols, all tailored to meet your research requirements.