How to Start Cluster Topology Projects Using NS2

To start replicating a Cluster Topology in NS2 (Network Simulator 2) has classifying nodes to numerous clusters in which each cluster contains a leader which is called cluster head that responsible for interaction in and out of the cluster. This topology is broadly leveraged within wireless sensor networks, IoT, and hierarchical networking.

Below is a comprehensive strategy to start the Cluster Topology project in NS2:

Steps to Start Cluster Topology in NS2

  1. Understand Cluster Topology
  • Structure:
    • Nodes are classified to clusters.
    • Every single cluster contains a Cluster Head (CH) for interaction and coordination.
    • Communication arises:
      • Intra-cluster: among the nodes and its CH.
      • Inter-cluster: It occurs between CHs or among a CH and the base station.
  • Applications:
    • IoT networks for smart cities or healthcare.
    • Wireless sensor networks (WSNs).
  1. Set Up NS2
  1. Install NS2:

sudo apt-get install ns2

  1. Verify Installation: Confirm installation with sample simulation script:

ns example.tcl

  1. Define Cluster Topology
  • Describe the nodes for clusters and cluster heads.
  • Launch intra-cluster and inter-cluster interaction connections.
  1. TCL Script for Cluster Topology

Here’s an instance of tcl script for replicating a Cluster Topology:

TCL Script Example

# Initialize NS2 Simulator

set ns [new Simulator]

set tracefile [open cluster_topology.tr w]

$ns trace-all $tracefile

# Define clusters

set cluster_count 2

set nodes_per_cluster 3

# Base station (optional)

set base_station [$ns node]

# Create clusters

for {set c 0} {$c < $cluster_count} {incr c} {

# Create cluster head

set ch($c) [$ns node]

# Create nodes within the cluster

for {set n 0} {$n < $nodes_per_cluster} {incr n} {

set node($c,$n) [$ns node]

$ns duplex-link $node($c,$n) $ch($c) 512Kb 20ms DropTail

}

}

# Inter-cluster communication links

for {set c 0} {$c < [expr $cluster_count – 1]} {incr c} {

set next_cluster [expr $c + 1]

$ns duplex-link $ch($c) $ch($next_cluster) 1Mb 10ms DropTail

}

# Base station communication links

for {set c 0} {$c < $cluster_count} {incr c} {

$ns duplex-link $ch($c) $base_station 1Mb 15ms DropTail

}

# Attach agents for traffic

# Example: Node in Cluster 0 to Base Station

set udp0 [new Agent/UDP]

$ns attach-agent $node(0,0) $udp0

set null0 [new Agent/Null]

$ns attach-agent $base_station $null0

$ns connect $udp0 $null0

# Example: Intra-cluster communication

set udp1 [new Agent/UDP]

$ns attach-agent $node(1,1) $udp1

set null1 [new Agent/Null]

$ns attach-agent $ch(1) $null1

$ns connect $udp1 $null1

# Add traffic generators

set cbr0 [new Application/Traffic/CBR]

$cbr0 set packetSize_ 512

$cbr0 set interval_ 0.1

$cbr0 attach-agent $udp0

set cbr1 [new Application/Traffic/CBR]

$cbr1 set packetSize_ 512

$cbr1 set interval_ 0.2

$cbr1 attach-agent $udp1

# Start traffic

$ns at 1.0 “$cbr0 start”

$ns at 1.5 “$cbr1 start”

# End simulation

$ns at 5.0 “finish”

proc finish {} {

global ns tracefile

$ns flush-trace

close $tracefile

exit 0

}

$ns run

  1. Key Features to Simulate
  1. Traffic Flow:
    • Intra-cluster interaction among the nodes to CHs.
    • Inter-cluster communication like CH to CH or CH to base station.
  2. Performance Metrics:
    • Throughput: Estimate the ratio of data that are effectively distributed at the base station or cluster heads.
    • Latency: Examine delays for intra- and inter-cluster communication traffic.
    • Packet Loss: Measure the reliability for packets.
  1. Analyze Trace File
  • Make use of the trace file as cluster_topology.tr for in-depth analysis.
  • Obtain certain parameters like:
    • Throughput:

grep “udp” cluster_topology.tr > throughput.log

    • Dropped Packets:

grep “drop” cluster_topology.tr > dropped_packets.log

  1. Visualize Results

To envision the following graph to utilize Gnuplot or another graphing tool:

  1. Throughput Graph:

set title “Cluster Topology Throughput”

plot “throughput.log” using 1:2 with lines title “Throughput”

  1. Latency Graph:
    • We can equate the delays among intra-cluster and inter-cluster communication traffic.
  1. Extend the Simulation
  2. Dynamic Cluster Behavior
  • We need to dynamically integrate or eliminate the nodes:

$ns at 3.0 “$ns duplex-link $node(0,2) $ch(1) 512Kb 20ms DropTail”

  1. Simulate Node Failures
  • Replicate cluster head or node failures for envisioning the network resilience:

$ns at 2.5 “$ns reset-links $ch(0) $ch(1)”

  1. Experiment with Routing Protocols
  • Experiment hierarchical routing protocols such as LEACH, PEGASIS, or TEEN.
  1. QoS Analysis
  • We can replicate the delay-sensitive or bandwidth-sensitive traffic for QoS analysis.
  1. Modify NS2 Core for Advanced Features
  1. Custom Cluster Head Behavior:
    • Execute the data aggregation or prioritization logic within recv() mechanisms.
  2. Dynamic Cluster Formation:
    • Mimic clusters that are dynamically making depends on the node features like energy levels, proximity.

Through this entire approach, you can acquire the simulation and execution process regarding the Cluster Topology project offered in it using NS2 network simulator. We will plan to offer the more information on this subject through another manual for you.