How to Start Cooperative Networking Projects Using NS2

To start a Cooperative Networking project in NS2, we follow brief steps that contains from configuring the environment to executing and replicating the preferred cooperative networking protocols. Below is a comprehensive approach to get started:

Steps to Start Cooperative Networking Project in NS2

  1. Understand Cooperative Networking
  • Cooperative networking has devices which are collaborating for enhancing the network performance, reliability, and efficiency. Instances contain cooperative relaying, forwarding, or spectrum sharing.
  • We need to detect the certain cooperative mechanism like relay selection, cooperative communication protocols, or resource sharing.
  1. Prepare Your Environment
  • Install NS2:
    • We should download NS2 using their official website or GitHub repositories.
    • We can install NS2 on a Linux-based system (e.g., Ubuntu) since it is enhanced for such environments.

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install ns2 nam

    • Confirm the installation to utilise sample scripts that are offered in the ns2 package.
  • Familiarize Yourself with NS2:
    • We must know about the TCL scripting fundamentals that NS2 utilises for simulations.
    • Comprehend how to change and prolong the C++ source code for further customization.
  1. Define the Project Scope
  • Identify Goals:
    • Focus on the project objectives like:
      • Enhance the throughput within cooperative networks.
      • Experiment resource allocation approaches.
      • In cooperative communications, learn about energy efficiency.
  • Choose Metrics:
    • Select the performance parameters such as throughput, delay, energy consumption, or packet delivery ratio for performance analysis.
  • Protocols:
    • Decide on or enhance the cooperative protocols. For instances:
      • COOP PHY: Cooperative physical layer designs.
      • COOP MAC: Cooperative MAC protocols.
  1. Develop the Simulation
  • Create a Topology:
    • Make a network topology using TCL script. For instance:

set ns [new Simulator]

set n1 [$ns node]

set n2 [$ns node]

$ns duplex-link $n1 $n2 1Mb 10ms DropTail

  • Implement Cooperative Behavior:
    • Make use of NS2 components for cooperative behavior. We can prolong the NS2 by altering their source code as required.
    • For instance:
      • We need to execute a transmit node.
      • Fine-tune routing protocols supporting cooperation.
  • Traffic Pattern:
    • Integrate the traffic generation models like CBR or FTP.

set udp [new Agent/UDP]

$ns attach-agent $n1 $udp

  • Enable Cooperative Mechanisms:
    • Integrate custom code or existing extensions are assisting the cooperative networking.
    • Execute the energy-aware or cooperative routing mechanisms such as AODV, DSR, or others.
  1. Run the Simulation
  • Run the simulation using TCL script:

ns your_script.tcl

  • Output files:
    • Examine the output files like trace file (.tr) and animation file (.nam).
  1. Analyze Results
  • Analyse the trace files and estimate the performance parameters to utilise AWK, Python, or NS2 tools.
  • Envision the simulation outcomes:
    • To utilise graph plotting tools like Gnuplot, MATLAB, Python libraries.
  1. Advanced Enhancements
  • Modify NS2 Modules:
    • If the NS2 components don’t show the project requirements then we will need to change the C++ source code.
    • For instance, prolong the MAC layer to join the cooperation.
  • Add External Libraries:
    • Add custom cooperative mechanisms or external libraries to the NS2 environment.
  1. Document the Simulation
  • It offers comprehensive report or documentation that contains:
    • Simulation objectives.
    • Network topology and metrics.
    • Cooperative mechanisms are executed.
    • Outcomes and analysis.
  1. Optional: Use Extensions
  • NS2 environment contains extensions or integrate one for certain use cases. Verify for any related cooperative networking extensions.

Example: Simple Cooperative Relay Simulation in NS2

Below is a simple outline of a cooperative relay simulation in NS2:

# Create Simulator

set ns [new Simulator]

# Define Nodes

set n1 [$ns node]

set n2 [$ns node]

set relay [$ns node]

# Create Links

$ns duplex-link $n1 $relay 1Mb 10ms DropTail

$ns duplex-link $relay $n2 1Mb 10ms DropTail

# Create Traffic Source

set udp [new Agent/UDP]

$ns attach-agent $n1 $udp

# Cooperative Behavior (Custom Logic to Forward Packets)

# Add your own C++ or TCL-based cooperative mechanism here.

# Run Simulation

$ns run

This guide should provide a strong foundation to start and simulate the Cooperative Networking project using NS2. You want to extend the project further, we will help you how to prolong it in another manual.