How to Start Backhaul Networks Using OMNeT++

To start an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) Networks project in OMNeT++ which needs to replicate a simulation environment that can be designed 5G networks features in which the similar infrastructure is designed for access and backhaul interaction.

Below is a series of steps to get started:

Steps to Start IAB Networks Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Understand Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) Networks

5G NR (New Radio) network’s crucial aspects is IAB Networks to allow effective placement by leveraging the wireless links that offering both access (connection among the user equipment and base station) and backhaul (connection between base stations and the core network).

Key Concepts:

  • IAB Nodes: It nodes perform like both access nodes to work for User Equipments, UEs and relay nodes transmitting traffic to the core network.
  • Multi-hop Backhauling: Data can leap via several nodes of IAB before attaining the primary network.
  • Dynamic Resource Allocation: Resources are forwarded dynamically among the access and backhaul links.
  1. Define the Project Scope

Focus on the IAB network’s features like:

  • Performance Analysis: We examine the performance metrics like throughput, latency, and reliability of IAB networks.
  • Resource Allocation: It delivers the resources effectively among the access and backhaul.
  • Topology Optimization: Deployment of IAB nodes used for optimal coverage.
  • Mobility Management: To manage the user mobility within IAB networks.
  • Interference Management: To moderate the interference among access and backhaul links.

Example Problem Statement:

  • “Evaluate the performance of dynamic resource allocation strategies in IAB networks under varying traffic loads.”
  1. Prepare the OMNeT++ Simulation Environment
  2. Install OMNeT++
  • We have to download the new version of OMNeT++ on the system.
  • We adhere to the installation instruction based on OS like Windows, macOS, Linux.
  1. Install Required Frameworks
  1. Simu5G:
    • For 5G NR networks, Simu5G framework is a simulator which helps built over the OMNeT++ and the INET framework.
    • Leverage the official site or GitHub repository to download the Simu5G.
    • We adhere to the given guidance for installation.
  2. INET Framework:
    • INET framework offers necessary network protocols and models.
    • It is demanded by Simu5G.
    • Make sure that this framework is installed and well-matched with the OMNeT++ version.
  1. Verify the Installation
  • Simu5G offers example simulations to execute it, making sure that all necessary dependencies are properly functioning.
  1. Develop the Network Model
  2. Define Network Nodes
  • gNB (gNodeB): For 5G base stations.
  • IAB Nodes: These nodes are work with both relay nodes and access points.
  • UEs (User Equipments): Mobile devices are associating to the network using UEs.
  • Core Network Components: It helps to replicate the core elements such as AMF, UPF as required.
  1. Model Backhaul Links
  • Execute the wireless backhaul links among the IAB nodes and gNBs.
  • Model backhaul links working on certain frequency bands as required.
  1. Implement Network Topology
  • Make a network topology with:
    • IAB Donor Node: The primary gNB that is associated to the core network.
    • IAB Nodes: It strategically located to prolong the coverage.
    • UEs: Distributed the UEs within the coverage zone.
  1. Configure Mobility Models
  • If project encompasses the mobility then we need to allocate the mobility models to UEs and/or IAB nodes.
  • Describe the custom movement patterns leveraging the predefined models like random waypoint.
  1. Implement IAB-Specific Functionalities
  2. Dual Connectivity
  • Make sure that UEs can be sustained dual connections including several nodes as necessary.
  • We need to execute the mechanisms switching among the access nodes for UEs.
  1. Resource Allocation
  • Design dynamic resource allocation among the access and backhaul links.
  • Execute the scheduling mechanisms, which enhance the resource usage.
  1. Routing Protocols
  • Describe how data is transmitted via the IAB network.
  • Execute the routing mechanisms which are appropriate for multi-hop backhauling.
  1. Interference Management
  • Mimic interference management scenarios among access and backhaul transmissions.
  • Apply methods such as time division to moderate the interference.
  1. Configure the Simulation
  2. Simulation Parameters
  • Network Parameters:
    • Bandwidth allocations.
    • Transmission power levels.
    • Frequency bands for access and backhaul.
  • Traffic Models:
    • Designate the type of traffic that are made by UEs like VoIP, video streaming, web browsing.
    • Configure the traffic models and loads.
  • Simulation Duration:
    • Find out the length of simulation, seizing the valuable outcomes.
  1. Configure omnetpp.ini File
  • Configure the global and module-specific metrics using omnetpp.ini file.
  • Specify the volume of nodes, its locations, and mobility models.
  • Set the logging and outcomes recording options.
  1. Visualize the Network
  • Envision the network topology leveraging OMNeT++’s GUI.
  • Make sure that every node and connections are signified properly.
  1. Run Simulations
  • Make use of OMNeT++’s IDE or command-line interface to run the simulations.
  • Observe the replication to errors handling for any runtime errors or warnings.
  • Monitor the behaviour of network within real-time to utilize the animation viewer as required.
  1. Analyze Results
  2. Performance Metrics
  • Throughput: Estimate the data rate that is attained using UEs and backhaul links.
  • Latency: Measure the end-to-end delay for data packets.
  • Packet Loss: Compute the dependability of the network.
  • Resource Utilization: Examine how effectively resources are utilised.
  • Signal Quality: We need to monitor the SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) levels for signal quality.
  1. Use Analysis Tools
  • Envision the graphs and statistics using OMNeT++’s built-in tools for analysis.
  • Transfer data into external tools for further analysis such as MATLAB or Python.
  1. Incorporate Advanced Features
  2. Optimization Algorithms
  • Enhance the algorithms for:
    • Dynamic Topology Management: According to the load to modify the network topology.
    • Load Balancing: Evenly deliver the traffic over the network.
  1. Advanced Interference Mitigation
  • Replicate the further methods such as beamforming or MIMO configurations for interference.
  1. Scalability Testing
  • Experiment the scalability of network as volume of nodes increases.
  • Monitor how performance parameters modify including network size.
  1. Integration with Other Technologies
  • Edge Computing: For local data processing, mimic edge nodes.
  • Network Slicing: Execute the simulated network slices for various services.
  1. Document and Refine Your Project
  2. Documentation
  • Provides comprehensive description of:
    • Network sets up.
    • Simulation metrics.
    • Assumptions and restrictions.
  1. Validate Results
  • We should equate the simulation outcomes including theoretical expectations or existing literature.
  1. Iterate
  • Depends on the results, we enhance the patterns.
  • Fine-tune metrics to enhance the performance of network.

Example Use Case: Evaluating Resource Allocation in IAB Networks

Network Setup

  • IAB Donor Node: These nodes are associated to the core network.
  • IAB Nodes: Two levels of IAB nodes to make a multi-hop backhaul.
  • UEs: It helps to deliver through the coverage area, which are linked to the nearby IAB node.

Simulation Goals

  • Objective: Measure how various resource allocation mechanisms affect the performance of network.
  • Strategies:
    • Static Allocation: Fixed resource divides among the access and backhaul using static allocation strategy.
    • Dynamic Allocation: According to the present traffic requests, resources are assigned.

Metrics to Measure

  • Backhaul Link Utilization.
  • Throughput for each UE.
  • Fairness between UEs.
  • End-to-End Latency.

Expected Outcomes

  • It provides resource allocation strategy that helps to determine the optimal performance in various network conditions.

By applying OMNeT++, we performed an extensive analysis and simulation of Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks projects and we are prepared to broaden the finding if additional data is required.

Reach out to phdprojects.org for expert guidance tailored to your needs. To embark on Integrated Access and Backhaul Networks Projects utilizing OMNeT++, we can meticulously replicate a network environment and implement the necessary mechanisms. Our commitment is to deliver exceptional results. We offer a comprehensive, personalized guide designed specifically for you, so do not hesitate to contact us for optimal outcomes.