How to Start VANET Protocols Projects Using OMNeT++

To start VANET (Vehicular Ad hoc Network) protocols in OMNeT++, we want to configure the environment, create the network model, set VANET protocols like IEEE 802.11p, DSRC, or custom VANET routing protocols such as AODV or OLSR, execute the simulation, and examine the outcomes.

OMNeT++ environment is robust tool to replicate VANETs since it supports mobility models, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications and communication protocols. Below is a general guide to get started.

Steps to Start VANET Protocols Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework

Initially, we have to install OMNeT++ and the INET Framework that offers networking models with wireless communication models, mobility support, and protocols are utilised within VANETs.

  • We should download and install OMNeT++ on the system.
  • Copy following link to make the INET framework:

git clone https://github.com/inet-framework/inet.git

  • We adhere to the INET installation instructions in OMNeT++ environment.
  1. Install the Veins Framework (Optional but Recommended)

Veins framework is highly suggested for replicating VANETs in OMNeT++. Veins framework is an open-source framework that are built over OMNeT++ and the INET framework which is particularly intended for vehicular network simulations.

Steps to install Veins:

  • Utilise GitHub repository to download Veins framework.
  • Follow the installation guide in the Veins README to install it.

Veins prolongs OMNeT++ and INET including more mobility models, traffic simulation through SUMO, and a set of vehicular communication protocols like IEEE 802.11p and custom VANET routing protocols.

Installing Veins:

git clone https://github.com/veins/veins.git

cd veins

We need to observe the Veins installation instructions for configuration.

  1. Create a New OMNeT++ Project for VANET

When OMNeT++ and Veins are installed then we make a new OMNeT++ project functioning on VANET protocol simulation:

  • Go to the OMNeT++ IDE.
  • Make a new project by directing to File > New > OMNeT++ Project.
  • If we are utilising Veins framework then integrate the Veins to the project.
  1. Design the Network Topology (NED File)

Next, we can design the VANET topology within OMNeT++ to utilize a NED file (Network Description File). A NED file defines how the various modules like vehicles, base stations, and interaction links are connected within simulation.

Example VANET Topology:

network VanetNetwork

{

submodules:

vehicle1: Vehicle {

@display(“p=100,100”);

}

vehicle2: Vehicle {

@display(“p=200,100”);

}

road1: Road;

baseStation: BaseStation {

@display(“p=250,250”);

}

connections:

vehicle1.wireless <–> BaseStation.wireless;

vehicle2.wireless <–> BaseStation.wireless;

}

  • In this example, two vehicles (vehicle1 and vehicle2) are connected wirelessly to a base station (baseStation), and the Road module represents the mobility of the vehicles.
  • Define the Vehicle module, which could be a customized module that incorporates mobility and wireless communication capabilities.
  1. Configure the Mobility Model

Vehicle mobility is a crucial aspect in VANET. OMNeT++ environment supports mobility models like random waypoint, city-wide mobility, or SUMO (Simulation of Urban MObility) for in-depth vehicle movement.

  • We can be set up the mobility model within the NED file or in the omnetpp.ini file.
  • SUMO framework is frequently utilised in realistic urban vehicular traffic. For realistic vehicle movement, veins offer an interface combining SUMO including OMNeT++.

Example configuration for SUMO mobility in the omnetpp.ini file:

network = VanetNetwork

sim-time-limit = 1000s

**.vehicle1.mobility = “SUMOMobility”

**.vehicle2.mobility = “SUMOMobility”

**.vehicle1.mobility.sumoNetFile = “sumo-network.net.xml”

**.vehicle2.mobility.sumoNetFile = “sumo-network.net.xml”

  1. Select and Configure the Communication Protocol

VANETs depend on certain interaction protocols such as IEEE 802.11p (for wireless access), DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), or VANET-specific routing protocols like AODV (Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) or OLSR (Optimized Link State Routing).

In OMNeT++, we can be chosen a protocol and set it. If we are utilising the Veins framework then it contains built-in support for 802.11p, DSRC, and other protocols.

Example for configuring IEEE 802.11p in the omnetpp.ini file:

**.vehicle1.wireless.typename = “VANET80211p”

**.vehicle2.wireless.typename = “VANET80211p”

**.vehicle1.wireless.radioMode = “802.11p”

**.vehicle2.wireless.radioMode = “802.11p”

Also, we can mimic DSRC and 802.11p-based communication with the help of the Veins framework that models vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) interactions.

  1. Configure Routing Protocols

VANETs frequently utilise routing protocols like AODV, OLSR, or DSDV for routing messages among the vehicles.

Example for configuring AODV in the omnetpp.ini file:

**.vehicle1.routingProtocol = “AODV”

**.vehicle2.routingProtocol = “AODV”

Veins have numerous routing protocols that are often utilised for VANETs. We can be selected among these depends on the simulation and the certain issues we are trying to specify, for instance, routing in dense city traffic against highway scenarios.

  1. Run the Simulation

After creating the network topology then we setting the protocols, and configuring the mobility models, we can execute the simulation.

  • Select Run to run the simulation in OMNeT++.
  • We need to monitor the behavior of the vehicles, interaction among them, and routing operations in the course of the simulation.
  1. Monitor and Analyze Results

OMNeT++ environment offers external tools for observing and examining the VANET protocols’ performance:

  • Canvas: The OMNeT++ canvas permits us to monitor vehicle movements and interaction visually. We can envision the vehicles sending messages, exchanging routing data, and responding to network changes.
  • Result Analysis: OMNeT++ makes outcome files, which we can examining the performance parameters such as packet delivery ratio, latency, throughput, and routing behavior.

Example for configuring result output in omnetpp.ini:

output-vector-file = “vanet_results.vec”

output-scalar-file = “vanet_results.sca”

  • Also, we can utilise the OMNeT++ Result Analysis tools for visualizing the simulation’s results and analysing network performance parameters.
  1. Extend the Simulation
  • Scalability: We need to maximize the volume of vehicles and then integrate more complex mobility scenarios to focus on the routing protocols scalability.
  • Advanced Scenarios: Execute more advanced scenarios such as road intersections, traffic lights, and other real-world vehicle network aspects.
  • Safety Applications: Mimic vehicular safety applications like collision avoidance, emergency braking, or lane change support.
  1. Test and Compare Different VANET Protocols
  • When simple simulation is executing then we can be equated the diverse VANET protocols’ such as AODV vs OLSR performance in various traffic conditions (dense vs sparse traffic).
  • Examine the efficiency of routing protocols, vehicle density effect on network performance, and the efficiency of safety applications within VANETs.

If you require expert help with VANET Protocols Projects using OMNeT++, contact us at phdprojects.org for customized support. We provide comprehensive assistance to ensure your topics are completed to perfection. Our skilled team guarantees thorough research, clear organization, and effective writing. We implement VANET protocols like IEEE 802.11p, DSRC, or specific routing protocols such as AODV or OLSR according to your project requirements.