How to Start OSI Layer Protocol Projects using OMNeT++

To stimulate an OSI Layer Protocol project using OMNeT++ has involves the replicating of different layers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. The OSI model is a conceptual framework used to state the functions for a communication system, separated into seven layers:

  1. Physical Layer: It deals with the communication for raw bits over a physical medium.
  2. Data Link Layer: Offers the node-to-node data transfer and error finding/correction.
  3. Network Layer: Maintain the routing, addressing, and packet forwarding for sample IP.
  4. Transport Layer: Assure the end-to-end transmission and error recovery such as TCP, UDP.
  5. Session Layer: Handles the sessions or connections among applications.
  6. Presentation Layer: Deals through data encoding, encode, and translation.
  7. Application Layer: It offers the network services directly to end-users or applications.

OMNeT++ delivers a powerful framework for replicating the various OSI layers by the use of modules. If we are concentrating on OSI layer protocols, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Steps to Start OSI Layer Protocol Projects using OMNeT++

  1. Understand the OSI Model and Protocols

Start the previous, familiarize yourself with the OSI model and the protocols at every layer, as your project might replicate the particular protocols from one or more layers.

  • Physical Layer: The physical layer has ethernet, Wi-Fi.
  • Data Link Layer: ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), Ethernet, Frame Relay for the data connection.
  • Network Layer: The network layer has involved the IP (IPv4/IPv6), ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol), Routing protocols like as OSPF.
  • Transport Layer: The transport layer contains the TCP, UDP.
  • Session Layer: The NetBIOS, RPC (Remote Procedure Call).
  • Presentation Layer: SSL/TLS like as for encryption, data formatting for sample JPEG.
  • Application Layer: The application layer is a HTTP, FTP, DNS.

Classify the OSI layers we need to execute, and decide if we need to replicate specific protocols at these layers or develop modify the protocols.

  1. Install OMNeT++ and the INET Framework

OMNeT++ is the core replication platform, and INET is a generally framework used OMNeT++ for replicating the Internet protocols, that includes already modules for OSI layers such as IP, TCP, UDP, and others.

Install OMNeT++:

  • Download and install OMNeT++ from the OMNeT++ website.
  • Monitor the installation procedures for your operating system.

Install INET Framework:

  • INET offers the predefined modules for several common networking protocols, has including the Network, Transport, and Application layers.
  • Download the INET framework from the INET GitHub repository.
  • Import and compile INET in OMNeT++ using the procedures are delivers in the repository.
  1. Create a New OMNeT++ Project

Once OMNeT++ and INET are installed, follow these steps:

  1. Open OMNeT++ IDE.
  2. Create a new OMNeT++ project:
    • Go to File > New > OMNeT++ Project.
    • Name the project such as OSI_Layer_Protocol_Simulation.
  3. Link the project to the INET framework:
    • Right-click your project in the Project Explorer and go to Properties > Project References.
    • Create a certain to check INET.
  1. Design the Network Topology (NED File)

In OMNeT++, the network topology is described the using NED (Network Description) files. We will state the network’s nodes for instance hosts, routers and their interconnections here.

Example NED File for a Simple OSI Layer Simulation:

network OSILayerNetwork {

submodules:

host1: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,100”);

}

host2: StandardHost {

@display(“p=300,100”);

}

router: Router {

@display(“p=200,200”);

}

connections allowunconnected:

host1.pppg++ <–> router.pppg++;

router.pppg++ <–> host2.pppg++;

}

In this example:

  • The host1 and host2 signify the two end hosts in the network.
  • The router is an intermediate device which transmitting the packets among hosts.
  1. Implement the OSI Layer Protocols

Next state the network topology, we will require an execution of the protocols for the different OSI layers. The INET framework has involves the modules for many OSI protocols.

For Data Link Layer (Ethernet, ARP):

  • INET has involves the modules such as Ethernet, EthernetSwitch, and ARP for managing address resolution.
  • We can set up the ARP and Ethernet in your .ini file.

For Network Layer (IP):

  • Used the modules such as IPv4 or IPv6 for the network layer, and protocols like ICMP for error reporting and diagnostics.
  • Ensure the IPv4 routing in your .ini file.

For Transport Layer (TCP, UDP):

  • Used the layer for TCP or UDP modules from INET we replicate the transport layer functionality.
  • Execution for the application-level protocols for sample HTTP, FTP that use TCP/UDP for communication.

For Application Layer:

  • Used the TCPApp or UDPApp modules we replicate the transmission among applications running on the hosts.
  1. Configure the Network in omnetpp.ini

The omnetpp.ini file has included the settings for a replication. Designed for OSI protocols, we will set up the parameters like as IP addresses, protocol settings, and routing.

Example omnetpp.ini Configuration:

[General]

network = OSILayerNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

# Configure Hosts’ IP Addresses

*.host1.ipv4.address = “192.168.1.1”

*.host2.ipv4.address = “192.168.1.2”

# Configure the Network Layer (IPv4)

*.host1.ipv4.networkConfigurator = “<inet.IPv4NetworkConfigurator>”

*.host2.ipv4.networkConfigurator = “<inet.IPv4NetworkConfigurator>”

# Enable ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)

*.host1.arp.active = true

*.host2.arp.active = true

# Transport Layer – Use TCP for communication

*.host1.app[0].typename = “TcpApp”

*.host2.app[0].typename = “TcpApp”

This configuration:

  • Setting the IP addresses for host1 and host2.
  • Ensure the ARP for address resolution.
  • Set up a TCP application on together hosts.
  1. Implement Custom Protocols (Optional)

If we wish to replicate the modify OSI layer protocols for sample custom transport or application layer protocols, we will require to:

  1. Create a custom module for instance derived from cSimpleModule or cModule.
  2. Define the protocol behaviour for sample message handling, state transitions, packet formats.
  3. Configure your custom protocol in the NED and INI files.

Example Custom Application Layer Protocol:

class CustomApp : public cSimpleModule {

private:

cMessage *timer;

protected:

virtual void initialize() override {

timer = new cMessage(“sendData”);

scheduleAt(simTime() + 1.0, timer);  // Schedule data transmission

}

virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {

if (msg == timer) {

// Send custom data (e.g., application-level packet)

auto pkt = new cPacket(“customPacket”);

send(pkt, “out”);

scheduleAt(simTime() + 2.0, timer);  // Continue sending data

}

}

};

This code snippet builds a modify application that periodically transfer the data.

  1. Run the Simulation and Debug

When the protocols are executed and setting, process the replication in OMNeT++:

  1. Run the simulation using OMNeT++’s replication engine.
  2. Used the process for debug Tkenv for sample graphical environment we display the packet flow, network topology, and routing decisions.
  3. Ensure the logging for debugging:
    • Log information for every OSI layer we display on how well the packets are processed the every layer.

Example Logging in omnetpp.ini:

*.host1.debug = true

*.router.debug = true

*.host2.debug = true

  1. Analyze the Results

Next Process the replication:

  1. Analysis the replication outcomes in the OMNeT++ IDE.
  2. Used the process for result analysis tools to collect the statistics like as packet delivery, latency, throughput, and more.
  3. Display the network activity and protocol behaviours by graphs or animation.
  1. Extend the Project

We can extend your OSI layer project through:

  • Adding More OSI Layers: Execute and test protocols for other layers such as Session, Presentation, and more.
  • Handling Dynamic Topologies: Replicate the dynamic topologies through node mobility or network changes.
  • Custom Protocols: Build a modify the routing, error-handling, or encode protocol at various layers.

At the end of this manual, we clearly elaborated and deliver the details and shown examples of how to simulate OSI layer protocol projects in OMNet++ tool by using the above discussed techniques. If clarification is needed, it will be included in an additional project manual.

When you work with our team, you can skip the tough research and writing tasks because we will take care of them for you. If you’re starting your OSI Layer Protocol Projects with OMNeT++, we are happy to provide you with personalized help. Just email your details to us at phdprojects.org.