How to Start Cellular Network Projects Using OMNeT++

To start Cellular Network projects using OMNeT++ which have to replicate the networks including base stations such as eNodeBs or gNodeBs, mobile devices like User Equipment or UEs, and the core network for voice, data, and messaging. INET and SimuLTE frameworks offer some tools to design and estimate the cellular networks with 4G LTE and 5G.

Below is a simple instruction to start Cellular Networks using OMNeT++:

Steps to Start Cellular Networks in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++
  • Download: Go to official page of OMNeT++ to download the new version on the system.
  • Install and Verify: Check on the installation guide and make sure that OMNeT++ IDE is effectively installed.
  1. Install Required Frameworks

We need frameworks, which prolong the OMNeT++ to replicate the cellular networks.

Recommended Frameworks:

  1. INET Framework:
    • Visit INET’s official website to download it.
    • This framework contains networking and mobility models.
  2. SimuLTE Framework:

Installation Steps:

  1. In the OMNeT++ workspace, we download and obtain INET and SimuLTE.
  2.  Choose File > Import > Existing Projects to import them in OMNeT++ IDE.
  3. In the IDE, we able to form frameworks.
  1. Understand Cellular Network Components

To replicate Cellular Network crucial modules like:

  • Base Stations (eNodeBs or gNodeBs): It manages the interaction among UEs and the core network.
  • User Equipment (UEs): These mobile devices associating to base stations.
  • Evolved Packet Core (EPC): This core network to manage confirmation, routing, and mobility.
  1. Define Network Topology

Make a network topology with UEs, base stations, and the EPC utilising .ned files.

Example .ned File for a Cellular Network:

network CellularNetwork

{

submodules:

baseStation[0..2]: EnodeB;       // Three base stations

ue[0..9]: UE;                   // Ten user devices

epc: EPC;                       // Core network element

connections allowunconnected:

ue[*].lteNic <–> baseStation[*].lteNic;  // UEs connect to nearest base station

baseStation[*].epc <–> epc.gtp;          // Base stations connect to EPC

}

  1. Configure Cellular Network Parameters

In the omnetpp.ini file, we should delineate crucial metrics like bandwidth, transmission power, and mobility.

Example Configuration:

[General]

network = CellularNetwork

sim-time-limit = 300s

# Base Station Configuration

*.baseStation[*].lteNic.phy.txPower = 20dBm

*.baseStation[*].lteNic.mac.bandwidth = 20MHz

*.baseStation[*].coverageRange = 1000m

# User Equipment Configuration

*.ue[*].mobility.speed = uniform(1, 10)  # Random speed between 1 and 10 m/s

*.ue[*].applicationType = “VideoStreamingApp”

# EPC Configuration

*.epc.uplinkBandwidth = 1Gbps

*.epc.downlinkBandwidth = 1Gbps

  1. Implement Cellular Features
  • QoS (Quality of Service):
    • To mimic service classes such as VoIP, video streaming, and web browsing.
  • Handover:
    • For moving UEs, we execute the seamless handovers among the base stations.
  • Scheduling Algorithms:
    • Insert or alter the scheduling strategies such as Round Robin or Proportional Fair.

Example C++ Code for Custom Handover:

void EnodeB::handleHandoverRequest(UE *ue)

{

if (ue->getSignalStrength() < handoverThreshold)

{

findBestNeighborBaseStation(ue);

initiateHandover(ue);

}

}

  1. Simulate Mobility

Replicate the dynamic scenarios in which UEs travel among the base stations with the help of mobility models.

Example Mobility Configuration:

*.ue[*].mobilityType = “RandomWaypointMobility”

*.ue[*].mobility.speed = uniform(1, 5)   # Speed between 1 and 5 m/s

*.ue[*].mobility.bounds = “0,0,2000,2000” # Simulation area

  1. Run the Simulation
  • Run the Simulation:
    • Utilize .ini file we can run the simulation.
  • Debugging:
    • Observe the data flow, handovers, and network activity to utilize the OMNeT++ logs and visualizations tools.
  1. Analyze Results
  • Metrics to Evaluate: Now, we need to estimate the performance parameters such as:
    • Throughput and latency.
    • Handover success rate and delay.
    • Resource utilization.
    • QoS satisfaction for various applications.
  • Tools for Analysis:
    • Built-in result analysis tools of OMNeT++ are utilized for .sca and .vec files.
    • For advanced analysis, transfer information into Python, MATLAB, or Excel.
  1. Extend the Project
  • Energy Efficiency:
    • To mimic energy-saving methods for UEs and base stations in cellular network.
  • 5G Evolution:
    • For 5G NR aspects, make use of SimuLTE extensions.
  • Network Slicing:
    • Execute the network slices for eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC applications.
  • Security:
    • We can insert an encryption, authentication, or intrusion detection for network security.
  • Real-World Applications:
    • Design for real-world applications like smart cities, IoT networks, or vehicular interaction systems.

Example Use Cases for Cellular Network Projects

  1. Video Streaming Optimization:
    • Examine the video streaming applications and its QoS needs.
  2. Smart City Communication:
    • Make use of cellular networks to design IoT applications.
  3. Handover Analysis:
    • Analyse the effect of handovers on metrics such as throughput and latency.
  4. Cellular IoT:
    • Replicate IoT applications that include enormous device connectivity.
  5. Energy-Aware Cellular Networks:
    • In cellular structure, this network helps to enhance energy consumption.

At the end, we were completely aware of when to simulate the Cellular Network projects and analyse their performance in the OMNeT++ using INET and SimuLTE framework through this guide and also we offered Cellular Network’s use cases for further enhancements. If you want any details about this network, reach out to us.

phdprojects.org specializes in the configuration and execution of INET and SimuLTE, providing comprehensive support throughout your project completion. This demonstration enhances our understanding of the essential details required to execute and simulate Cellular Network Projects using OMNeT++.