How to Start Cellular Network Projects Using NS2

To start a Cellular Network project in NS2 that comprises to set up and prolong the simulator for designing the aspects of cellular network. NS2 is mainly created for wireless ad hoc networks, but we can tailor it for cellular network simulations. Following is a series of steps to get started:

Steps to Start Cellular Network Projects in NS2

  1. Understand the Scope of Your Project

Describe the project’s objectives:

  • Type of Cellular Network:
    • 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE), or 5G.
  • Key Features:
    • QoS (Quality of Service) evaluation.
    • Handoff mechanisms.
    • Interference modeling.
    • Frequency reuse.
    • Base station placement.
  1. Install NS2
  1. Initially, we can download and install NS2 on the system.
  2. Install a Linux-based environment for better compatibility.
  3. Confirm the installation including example scripts which is offered in NS2 installation guidance.
  1. Configure Cellular Network Environment

While NS2 doesn’t directly support for cellular networks then we can tailor it.

  1. Network Topology
  1. Define a topology including:
    • Base Stations (BS): It was denoted like static nodes.
    • Mobile Stations (MS): Signified as mobile nodes.
  2. Describe the coverage areas per BS.
  1. Mobility Models
  • Make use of predefined mobility patterns such as Random Waypoint for MS or execute the custom mobility models.
  • Example:

$ns at $time “$node_($i) setdest $x $y $speed”

  1. Propagation Models
  • Replicate the features of cellular propagation to utilise or alter the propagation models such as TwoRayGround or Shadowing.
  • Example configuration:

set val(prop)   Propagation/TwoRayGround

  1. Handoff Mechanism
  • We can execute the handoff protocols among BSs for MS.
  • Design signal strength (RSSI) or apply thresholds for causing handoff.
  1. Write TCL Scripts

Describe the simulation configuration to utilise TCL scripts:

Example Script for Cellular Setup

  1. Define Simulation Parameters:

set val(chan)   Channel/WirelessChannel

set val(prop)   Propagation/TwoRayGround

set val(netif)  Phy/WirelessPhy

set val(mac)    Mac/802_11

set val(ifq)    Queue/DropTail/PriQueue

set val(ant)    Antenna/OmniAntenna

set val(ll)     LL

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

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

  1. Configure Base Stations and Mobile Stations:

# Create Base Stations

set BS_0 [$ns node]

$BS_0 set X_ 200

$BS_0 set Y_ 200

# Create Mobile Stations

set MS_0 [$ns node]

$MS_0 set X_ 100

$MS_0 set Y_ 100

  1. Configure Handoff Logic: Integrate the logic for observing RSSI and switch BS as required.
  2. Add Traffic Generators: Describe traffic generator among the MS and BS with the support of agents such as TCP or UDP.

set tcp [new Agent/TCP]

$ns attach-agent $MS_0 $tcp

  1. Implement Cellular Features

If project needs more advanced cellular aspects then we can deliberate:

  • Frequency Reuse: Execute interference restrictions among the nearby cells.
  • Channel Allocation: Integrate dynamic or fixed channel allocation techniques.
  • QoS: Mimic QoS scenarios including real-time and non-real-time traffic.
  1. Run Simulation

We need to store the script as cellular_simulation.tcl and then run the simulation using below command line:

ns cellular_simulation.tcl

  1. Analyze Results
  • Probe the performance parameters to utilise trace file which are generated:
    • Handoff success rate.
    • Throughput.
    • Call drop rate.
  • Make use of visualization tools:
    • NAM for network animation.
    • Xgraph for performance outlines.
  1. Extend NS2 for Cellular Networks

Prolong NS2 for more complex simulations:

  • Fine-tune or prolong the C++ modules for:
    • Custom handoff mechanisms.
    • Signal strength monitoring.
  • After alterations, we can recompile NS2:

make clean

./configure

make

  1. Example Cellular Network Applications
  • Handoff Optimization: Measure various handoff mechanisms like RSSI-based, distance-based handoff.
  • Traffic Load Balancing: Mimic traffic distribution through several BSs.
  • QoS Analysis: Compute the QoS metrics such as delay, jitter, and throughput for voice and data services.
  • Interference Modeling: Estimate the effect of frequency reuse on network performance.
  1. Explore Advanced Alternatives

If project needs more advanced cellular network aspects then we can deliberate:

  • NS3: It provides support for LTE and 5G simulations.
  • OMNeT++: This environment is adaptable for cellular and wireless networks.
  • MATLAB: It is advanced toolboxes for LTE/5G networks.

Tools and Resources

  • NS2 Documentation: NS2 Documentation
  • Research Papers: Focus on existing execution of cellular networks within NS2.
  • Community Forums: Enrol community forums such as Stack Overflow and NS2 Google Groups.

By following these steps, you can effectively configure and extend the Cellular Network Projects simulation within NS2 environment. If you want any assistances for this project scripts, custom models, or specific aspects, we will send it to you.