How to Start AODV Protocol Projects Using OMNeT++

To start an AODV (Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector) routing protocol project using OMNeT++, we want to configure the OMNeT++ environment, either utilise an existing AODV execution (if available), or execute the protocol. AODV generally utilised in Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs), which is a reactive routing protocol. OMNeT++ environment is a modular simulation framework, which can utilise to execute, replicate, and examine the networking protocols such as AODV.

Below is a detailed method to get started:

Steps to Start AODV Protocol Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++ and INET Framework

Initially, we make sure that OMNeT++ and the INET Framework are properly installed on the system.

Steps to Install OMNeT++:

  1. We need to install and download the new version OMNeT++.
  2. Adhere to the installation guidance based on the OS like Linux, macOS, or Windows.
  3. When we installed then configure the environment by setting the build system.

Steps to Install INET Framework:

The INET Framework offers several network protocols and modules like routing protocols, which can be utilised to construct the simulation.

  1. Copy the INET Framework through GitHub repository:

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

cd inet

  1. Make use of OMNeT++’s build system to construct INET:

./configure

make

  1. Make sure that INET is connect to OMNeT++ environment properly.
  1. Familiarize Yourself with OMNeT++ Basics

OMNeT++ uses the below concepts:

  • Modules: It denotes individual network modules such as hosts, routers, and so on.
  • NED Files: Describe the structure of the network (how modules are associated).
  • INI Files: Set the simulation metrics and configurations.
  • Message Types: Specify the structure of messages swapped among the modules like data packets, control messages, and so on.

We need to discover OMNeT++’s example replication to obtain more knowledge about how networks are described and configured, before executing AODV.

  1. Check for AODV Implementation

The INET framework already has an AODV execution or may have routing protocols instances which we can utilise as references.

Option 1: Use Existing AODV Implementation

  1. Check INET: The INET framework needs an execution of AODV thus it is examining via their repository. This framework has assist for diverse routing protocols with AODV.
  2. Third-Party Implementations: If AODV is not executed already within INET then we need to determine the third-party executions on GitHub, or we should search for research papers or open-source projects, for OMNeT++ which contributed AODV code.

Option 2: Implement AODV Yourself

If doesn’t available AODV execution then we can be executed it. AODV is a reactive routing protocol that denotes only explores the routes once required, instead of all times sustaining a routing table. The crucial modules of AODV contain:

  1. Route Discovery: Once a node requires a route to a destination then it transmits a Route Request (RREQ) message. Nodes which understand the route to the destination reponse including a Route Reply (RREP).
  2. Route Maintenance: Nodes transmit the Route Error (RERR) messages periodically to notify neighbors regarding broken links.
  3. Sequence Numbers: It is frequently utilized to make sure that the freshest route is chosen.

In OMNeT++, we will be described the components and message types for these steps, and we need to handle the state (like route tables) per node.

  1. Create the Network Topology

When we contain AODV execution then we require making a network topology for the simulation. It has making nodes such as hosts or routers and then associating them with the help of links.

Example of a Simple AODV Network in NED File:

network AODVNetwork {

submodules:

node1: AODVNode {

@display(“p=100,100”);

}

node2: AODVNode {

@display(“p=300,100”);

}

node3: AODVNode {

@display(“p=500,100”);

}

connections:

node1.eth++ <–> node2.eth++;

node2.eth++ <–> node3.eth++;

}

In this instance, we delineate a basic network with three nodes like node1, node2, node3 are associated through Ethernet links. We can be prolonged this topology by means of inserting additional nodes and complex connections such as wireless links, mobile nodes.

  1. Configure the Simulation in INI File

When the network topology is made then set the simulation using the .ini file. The .ini file describes the simulation indicators with protocol-specific metrics, network settings, and performance parameters.

Example INI Configuration for AODV:

network = AODVNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

# AODV-specific parameters

*.node1.routingProtocol = “AODV”

*.node2.routingProtocol = “AODV”

*.node3.routingProtocol = “AODV”

*.node1.aodv.routeDiscoveryTimeout = 5s

*.node2.aodv.routeDiscoveryTimeout = 5s

*.node3.aodv.routeDiscoveryTimeout = 5s

# Mobility configuration (optional)

*.node1.mobility = “RandomWaypointMobility”

*.node1.mobility.speed = 2m/s

*.node2.mobility = “RandomWaypointMobility”

*.node2.mobility.speed = 2m/s

*.node3.mobility = “RandomWaypointMobility”

*.node3.mobility.speed = 2m/s

# Record statistics

*.vector-recording = true

*.scalar-recording = true

Now, for each node, we set the AODV protocol, configure the route discovery timeout, and describe the mobility models for the nodes. We allow scalar and vector recording to seize the simulation information like packet delivery, latency, and route stability.

  1. Run the Simulation

We need to execute the simulation, after accomplishing network topology and configuration.

  1. Compile the simulation:
    • If we are utilising the OMNeT++ IDE then we choosing Build Project to construct the project.
    • If we are leveraging the command line, then we execute:

make

  1. Run the simulation:
    • We want to execute the simulation within OMNeT++ IDE, or utilise the following command:

./run -u Cmdenv

On the other hand, we can be utilised the Tkenv GUI for graphical visualization.

  1. Monitor the simulation:
    • Observe the network, routing decisions, and message flow to utilize the OMNeT++ Tkenv interface.
    • For logging and debugging, Cmdenv (Command Line) offers textual output.
  1. Analyze the Results

OMNeT++ environment makes scalar and vector output that can be utilized to examine the AODV simulation outcomes:

  • Vector recording: It seizes in-depth information like packet arrival, delivery, and routing table updates at various times.
  • Scalar recording: Logs the combined performance parameters like packet delivery ratio, routing overhead or average end-to-end delay.

We can be envisioned this data to utilize OMNeT++’s built-in visualization tools or transfer it into external tools such as Excel, R, or Python for advanced analysis.

  1. Extend and Experiment

When the basic simulation is configuring and executing then we need to test with various network scenarios:

  • Different mobility models: To utilize mobility models like Random Waypoint or Gauss-Markov, replicate the node mobility.
  • Vary network density: Maximize the volume of nodes to experiment the scalability of AODV and its performance within large networks.
  • Network failures: Mimic node failures or link disruptions and then monitor how AODV responds that is reinitiating route discovery.
  • Performance analysis: Estimate the crucial performance parameters such as route discovery time, route maintenance time, packet delivery ratio, and routing overhead.

Summary

In OMNeT++, to begin an AODV protocol project:

  1. Initially, install OMNeT++ and the INET framework.
  2. Determine or execute the AODV protocol if is not already available.
  3. To utilize NED files, make a network topology and set the simulation using the INI file.
  4. Execute the simulation and then examine the results with the support of OMNeT++’s tools.
  5. Test with various scenarios such as mobility, network size, failure conditions to estimate the performance of AODV.

By leveraging these steps, we can design, replicate and examine the AODV using OMNeT++ environment. If required, we able to offer more insights and innovative approach on this topic.

For further information, please connect with us at phdprojects.org. We guarantee timely results accompanied by thorough explanations. Our focus is on replicating Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) tailored to meet your specific project requirements. We provide a range of topics and project ideas related to AODV Protocol Projects utilizing OMNeT++.