How to Start 5G Beyond Networks Projects Using NS2

To start 5G Beyond (6G) Networks in NS2 is mainly utilised for previous wireless network generations which needs important customization. 5G Beyond (6G) launches more advanced concepts like resource management, ultra-low latency, terahertz communication, massive MIMO, and AI-driven that isn’t directly supported by NS2. But, NS2 can be customized for designing certain features of 5G Beyond networks with extensions and adaptations.

Below is a general steps to get started:

Steps to Start 5G Beyond Networks Projects in NS2

  1. Understand 5G Beyond Networks

Key Features:

  • Technologies:
    • Massive MIMO and intelligent surfaces.
    • Integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
    • AI/ML-driven resource management.
    • Terahertz (THz) communication.
    • Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC).
  • Applications:
    • It is frequently utilised in smart cities, holographic communication, autonomous vehicles, and IoT.
  • Metrics:
    • Throughput, energy efficiency, latency, and reliability.
  1. Install and Set Up NS2
  1. Download NS2: Go to NS2 official website for downloading NS2.
  2. Install: Adhere to the installation guidance based on the platform (Linux preferred).
  3. Verify: Confirm basic scripts to make sure that appropriate installation.
  1. Define Project Objectives

Specify the 5G Beyond project’s goals:

  • Terahertz Communication: High-frequency signal propagation modeling.
  • AI/ML Resource Management: It is used for dynamic resource allocation.
  • Massive MIMO: Multi-antenna beamforming and diversity mechanisms.
  • Integrated Networks: To replicate satellite and UAV interaction.
  1. Extend NS2 for 5G Beyond
  2. Propagation Models
  • Customize Propagation:
    • Fine-tune propagation models such as Propagation/TwoRayGround with high-frequency attenuation, reflection, and scattering for THz interaction.
  • Implement Channel Models:
    • Make use of Rayleigh or Rician fading models for wireless environments.
  1. Physical Layer
  • Prolong the Phy/WirelessPhy for:
    • Beamforming and MIMO simulation.
    • Higher frequency bands (THz communication).
  1. MAC Layer
  • Adjust the MAC layer (Mac/802_11) for:
    • URLLC traffic scheduling.
    • AI-driven access management.
  1. Network Layer
  • Replicate the dynamic routing protocols like UAV-assisted networks for NTN integration.
  1. Write TCL Script for 5G Beyond Simulation

Step 1: Define Simulation Parameters

set ns [new Simulator]

# Define channel and propagation model

set val(chan)   Channel/WirelessChannel

set val(prop)   Propagation/CustomTHz   ;# Custom propagation for THz

set val(netif)  Phy/WirelessPhy         ;# Custom PHY layer for 5G Beyond

set val(mac)    Mac/802_11              ;# Modified MAC for URLLC

set val(ifq)    Queue/DropTail/PriQueue ;# Interface queue

set val(ll)     LL                      ;# Link layer

set val(ant)    Antenna/OmniAntenna     ;# Antenna type

set val(x)      1000                    ;# X-dimension of topology

set val(y)      1000                    ;# Y-dimension of topology

Step 2: Create Nodes

Describe the 5G devices and base stations:

# Create user equipment (UE) nodes

set ue_0 [$ns node]

$ue_0 set X_ 100

$ue_0 set Y_ 200

set ue_1 [$ns node]

$ue_1 set X_ 400

$ue_1 set Y_ 300

# Create base station (BS)

set bs [$ns node]

$bs set X_ 500

$bs set Y_ 500

Step 3: Configure Links

Set the high-speed wireless links:

# Duplex link between UEs and BS

$ns duplex-link $ue_0 $bs 1Gb 1ms DropTail

$ns duplex-link $ue_1 $bs 1Gb 1ms DropTail

Step 4: Add Traffic

Mimic data communication and integrate traffic models:

# Attach TCP agents to UEs

set tcp_0 [new Agent/TCP]

$ns attach-agent $ue_0 $tcp_0

set tcp_sink [new Agent/TCPSink]

$ns attach-agent $bs $tcp_sink

# Connect TCP agent to sink

$ns connect $tcp_0 $tcp_sink

# Add FTP traffic over TCP

set ftp [new Application/FTP]

$ftp attach-agent $tcp_0

$ns at 1.0 “$ftp start”

Step 5: Introduce Mobility (Optional)

Replicate the mobile UEs or aerial platforms:

$ns at 2.0 “$ue_0 setdest 200 300 10.0” ;# UE moving to (200,300) at 10 m/s

  1. Run the Simulation

We need to store the script as 5g_beyond_simulation.tcl and then run the simulation:

ns 5g_beyond_simulation.tcl

  1. Analyze Results
  1. Trace File Analysis:
    • Transfer performance parameters such as throughput, delay, and packet loss.
    • Instance:

grep “tcp” tracefile.tr

  1. Visualization:
    • Envision node communication to utilise NAM (Network Animator):

nam output.nam

  1. Graphical Analysis:
    • Envision the performance indicators with the support of external tools like Xgraph, Python, or MATLAB.
  1. Extend the Simulation
  2. AI/ML Integration
  • Replicate AI-based resource management by means of scripting dynamic resource allocation according to the traffic requests.
  1. Multi-Antenna Systems
  • Design massive MIMO by way of replicating multi-antenna data streams to utilise changed propagation models.
  1. Terrestrial-Non-Terrestrial Networks (TNTN)
  • Launch UAVs or satellites by more nodes for replicating the hybrid networks.
  1. Advanced Routing Protocols
  • Execute the advanced routing protocols in dense 5G Beyond environments for dynamic routing.
  1. Example Applications
  1. THz Communication:
    • Examine the propagation loss and data rate at high incidences.
  2. URLLC Applications:
    • Experiment the latency-sensitive applications such as autonomous driving.
  3. Hybrid Networks:
    • For global coverage, mimic combined terrestrial and satellite networks.
  1. Explore Advanced Tools

If NS2 is not adequate for the project then we can utilise:

  • NS3:  It is well-matched for modern wireless and 5G simulations.
  • OMNeT++: Highly modular and flexible for furthered network modeling.
  • MATLAB/Simulink: It is typically utilised in physical layer and signal processing simulations.
  • QualNet/EXata: This is a dedicated network simulator including 5G capabilities.

In this manual, we clearly explained the concepts about how to simulate and install the environment for 5G Beyond Networks projects in ns2 tool and also we offered the simulation procedures, sample snippets and the extension for this project with the project ideas. If you want to know more details feel free to ask!