How to Start Delay Tolerant Networks Projects Using OMNeT++

To start a Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) project in OMNeT++ that has series of steps to replicate the networks that are modeled to efficiently function within environments using intermittent connectivity or high latency. DTNs depend on store-and-forward mechanisms, opportunistic interaction, and specific routing protocols. Below is a structured process to simulate the DTN projects using OMNeT++:

Steps to Start DTN Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++
  • Go to the OMNeT++ webpage to download the new version of it on the system.
  • We adhere to the installation guidance depends on the OS.
  • Make sure that OMNeT++ IDE is effectively installed.
  1. Install the Required Frameworks

While DTN simulations frequently have custom protocols and routing policies, OMNeT++ environment and its frameworks offer strong basis.

Recommended Frameworks:

  • INET Framework: This framework generally used for basic networking and mobility designs.
  • Ad hoc Networks (AHN) Modules: These offers to have ad hoc and opportunistic networking which is frequently utilized within DTN scenarios.
  • Custom Modules: It executes the custom routing and storage mechanisms customized to delay tolerant networks.

Steps to Install INET Framework:

  1. Visit INET’s official website to download it.
  2. In OMNeT++ workspace, we can get the framework.
  3. Choose File > Import > Existing Projects to import the INET project.
  1. Understand DTN Architecture

To integrate the DTNs crucial features like:

  • Store-and-Forward Mechanism: Before forwarding, information is saved temporarily on intermediate nodes.
  • Opportunistic Communication: Nodes interact like opportunistic, once in range.
  • Routing Protocols: Instances of routing protocols like Epidemic Routing, Spray and Wait, and PRoPHET.
  1. Define the Network Topology
  • Nodes: These nodes denote the devices to take part in the DTN.
  • Mobility Models: Replicate the vehicular or pedestrian mobility, which are real-world scenarios.
  • Intermittent Connectivity: Describe the link availability among nodes.

Example .ned File:

network DTNNetwork

{

submodules:

node[0..9]: DTNNode;  // Define 10 DTN-capable nodes

connections:

// Opportunistic links will be established dynamically

node[*].gate++ <–> node[*].gate++;

}

  1. Implement DTN-Specific Behavior
  • Buffer Management: For delayed forwarding, nodes have to save messages.
  • Routing Protocols:
    • We need to execute the protocols such as Epidemic Routing or PRoPHET within C++ classes.
    • Mimic real-world restrictions to utilize the message priorities or expiration times.

Example C++ Code for Epidemic Routing:

void DTNNode::handleMessage(cMessage *msg)

{

// Check if the node already has the message

if (!isDuplicate(msg))

{

buffer.storeMessage(msg); // Store in buffer

forwardMessage(msg);      // Forward to neighboring nodes

}

}

void DTNNode::forwardMessage(cMessage *msg)

{

for (auto& neighbor : getNeighbors())

{

send(msg->dup(), neighbor);

}

}

  1. Configure Simulation Parameters
  • In the omnetpp.ini file, we set simulation metrics like mobility, buffer sizes, and message generation rates.

Example Configuration:

network = DTNNetwork

sim-time-limit = 500s

*.node[*].mobilityType = “RandomWaypointMobility”

*.node[*].bufferSize = 50MB

*.node[*].messageGenerationRate = exponential(10s)

*.node[*].transmissionRange = 250m

  1. Simulate Mobility

Realistic mobility is essential since DTNs frequently function within dynamic environments.

Configure Mobility Models:

  • Make use of INET’s mobility modules such as RandomWaypointMobility or MassMobility to set these models.
  • Delineate movement speed, pause times, and area boundaries for mobility.

Example:

*.node[*].mobilityType = “RandomWaypointMobility”

*.node[*].mobility.speed = uniform(1, 5)   # Random speed between 1 and 5 m/s

*.node[*].mobility.bounds = “0,0,1000,1000”  # Area boundaries

  1. Run and Debug the Simulation
  • Run Simulation: We need to execute the simulation by right-clicking the .ini file and choosing Run As > OMNeT++ Simulation.
  • Debugging: To debug node behaviors and message flows with the support of breakpoints and logs.
  1. Analyze Results
  • Metrics to Evaluate: Now, we should estimate the simulation metrics such as:
    • Message delivery ratio.
    • Average delay per message.
    • Buffer occupancy and drops.
    • Network throughput and node participation.
  • Visualization Tools:
    • Built-in tools of the OMNeT++ used for .sca and .vec files.
    • Transfer data using external tools like Python or MATLAB for further analysis.
  1. Extend the Project
  • Advanced Routing:
    • For efficient delivery, we can execute the Spray and Wait or PRoPHET.
    • Then, equate the performance parameters among protocols.
  • Fault Tolerance:
    • Mimic node failures or resource limits for fault tolerance.
  • Energy Efficiency:
    • We can utilize energy-aware routing methods to consume power.
  • Realistic Scenarios:
    • To replicate the real-world scenarios like vehicular DTNs or disaster retrieval scenarios.

Example DTN Use Cases

  1. Disaster Recovery:
    • In disaster zones, mimic interaction with intermittent connectivity.
  2. Vehicular DTN:
    • Design message dissemination within vehicular delay tolerant networks.
  3. Sensor Data Collection:
    • We should replicate the data accumulation from remote sensors to a central base.

This project provides solid foundation for replicating and analysing the Delay Tolerant Networks projects and extending DTN in real-world scenarios using OMNeT++ environment with required frameworks.  Further elaboration on this topic will be offered.

We implement and simulate Delay Tolerant Network projects using OMNeT++ tailored to your specific requirements. At phdprojects.org, we focus on the configuration and execution of your project, providing assistance with store-and-forward mechanisms, opportunistic interactions, and specialized routing protocols throughout the project’s completion.