How to Start Ad Hoc Networks Projects Using NS2

To start an Ad Hoc Networks project in NS2 (Network Simulator 2), we can follow these structured steps:

Steps to Start Ad Hoc Networks Projects in NS2

  1. Understand NS2 Basics
  • What is NS2? NS2 is a separate event simulator which is utilised for performance evaluation and network protocols. It offers supports for wired and wireless simulations.
  • Ad Hoc Networks in NS2: NS2 delivers modules to replicate the Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) and routing protocols such as AODV, DSR, DSDV, TORA, and so on.
  • Prerequisites:
    • Basic knowledge of Linux.
    • Understanding of Tcl scripting which is utilised to set up NS2 simulations.
    • Knowledge of network simulation concepts.
  1. Install NS2
  • For Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install ns2

  • Download Source (if needed): Go to official NS2 site or install to utilise tarball:
    NS2 Official Website
  • Verify Installation: Execute a confirmation:

ns

If it displays % then the installation was effectively functioned.

  1. Learn the NS2 Workflow

Following is a crucial modules of NS2:

  • Tcl Script: It is utilised for describing network topology, protocols, and simulation metrics.
  • OTcl and C++ Integration: NS2 utilises the C++ for backend operations and OTcl for frontend scripting.
  • Trace Files: It is utilised in simulations result for analysis.
  1. Set Up an Ad Hoc Network in NS2
  • Make use of inherent support for wireless and mobility models:
    • Node Creation (Mobile Nodes): Set the nodes to utilise set val(nn) (number of nodes) and allocate the mobility metrics.
    • Routing Protocols: We need to utilise Agent/AODV, Agent/DSR, or other MANET protocols.
    • Traffic Generation: Configure traffic sources such as CBR, FTP, TCP, and UDP.
  1. Example Tcl Script

Below is an instance Tcl script for a simple MANET simulation:

# Define Simulator

set ns [new Simulator]

# Define Network Parameters

set val(chan)           Channel/WirelessChannel    ;# Channel type

set val(prop)           Propagation/TwoRayGround   ;# Radio-propagation model

set val(netif)          Phy/WirelessPhy            ;# Network interface type

set val(mac)            Mac/802_11                 ;# MAC type

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

set val(ll)             LL                         ;# Link layer type

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

set val(x)              500                        ;# X dimension of topology

set val(y)              500                        ;# Y dimension of topology

set val(seed)           1.0                        ;# Random seed

set val(stop)           100.0                      ;# Simulation time

# Create Nodes

set num_nodes 10

for {set i 0} {$i < $num_nodes} {incr i} {

set node($i) [$ns node]

$node($i) random-motion 0

}

# Configure Mobility

$ns at 10.0 “$node(1) setdest 100.0 200.0 10.0”

# Attach Agents and Traffic

set tcp [new Agent/TCP]

$ns attach-agent $node(0) $tcp

set sink [new Agent/TCPSink]

$ns attach-agent $node(1) $sink

$ns connect $tcp $sink

# Run Simulation

$ns run

  1. Analyze the Output
  • Trace File: Examine the simulation outcomes using generated trace file as out.tr.
  • NAM File: Envision the simulation to apply Network Animator (NAM).

nam <simulation.nam>

  1. Enhance Your Simulation
  • Execute more protocols such as AODV, TORA.
  • Launch diverse traffic patterns like CBR, FTP, and so on.
  • Examine the performance indicators like packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, and throughput.
  1. Experiment with Ad Hoc Protocols
  • Replicate and equate the various routing protocols’ (AODV vs. DSR) performance.
  • Fine-tune simulation metrics such as node mobility, packet size, or traffic rate.
  1. Evaluate and Document
  • Analyse the trace files to utilise external tools such as AWK or Python for performance metrics.
  • We need to make graphs with the support of Gnuplot or MATLAB.
  1. Explore Advanced Topics
  • Security in MANETs.
  • QoS in Ad Hoc Networks.
  • Energy-efficient routing.

With these steps, you can simulate and analyze the behavior of Ad Hoc Networks projects in NS2, allowing you to evaluate the performance and discover more innovative topics. If you want any assistance for certain simulations or protocols, we will guide you through another manual.