How to Start Distance Routing Projects Using OMNeT++

To start a Distance Routing project using OMNeT++ encompasses to execute or replicate a routing protocol in which nodes calculate the paths according to the distance like cost, hops, or other parameters to destination nodes. A general approach is utilising the Distance Vector Routing (DVR) that is depends on the Bellman-Ford mechanisms.

Below is a sequential approach to get started:

Steps to Start Distance Routing Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Understand Distance Routing

Key Features

  • Every single node sustains a routing table including:
    • The next hop for each destination.
    • The distance to each destination.
  • Periodic modernizes are swapped among the neighbors to have routing tables consistent.

Algorithm

  • Use Distance Vector Routing (DVR) that is depends on the Bellman-Ford mechanisms.
    • Update rule: D(v)=min⁡u∈neighbors{c(u,v)+D(u)}D(v) = \min_{u \in \text{neighbors}} \{c(u, v) + D(u)\}D(v)=u∈neighborsmin​{c(u,v)+D(u)} Where:
      • D(v)D(v)D(v): Distance to node vvv.
      • c(u,v)c(u, v)c(u,v): Cost of the link between uuu and vvv.
      • D(u)D(u)D(u): Distance to uuu.
  1. Set Up the Environment

Install OMNeT++

  1. We should download and install the new version of OMNeT++ environment on the system.
  2. Adhere to the installation instruction to configure the environment.

Install INET Framework

  1. We have to download the INET framework with OMNeT++ version.
  2. Construct the framework:

make makefiles

make

  1. Plan the Simulation

Define Objectives

  • Replicate the Distance Vector Routing.
  • Evaluate:
    • Path optimality.
    • Routing overhead.
    • Convergence time.

Choose a Network Topology

  • Make a network topology like grid, ring, or random topology.
  • Depends on performance parameters such as delay, bandwidth, or fixed values, allocate the link costs.
  1. Create a New OMNeT++ Project
  1. Go to OMNeT++ IDE.
  2. Select File > New > OMNeT++ Project.
  3. Name it to the project like DistanceRouting and select Finish.
  1. Implement Distance Routing Logic

Create a Custom Routing Module

  1. Make a new .cc file such as DistanceRouting.cc.
  2. Execute the DVR logic:

Example: Distance Vector Routing Logic

#include <omnetpp.h>

#include <map>

using namespace omnetpp;

class DistanceRouting : public cSimpleModule {

private:

std::map<int, double> distanceVector; // Destination to cost mapping

std::map<int, int> nextHop;           // Destination to next hop

std::set<int> neighbors;              // List of neighbors

double infinity = 1e9;                // Infinity cost

protected:

virtual void initialize() override {

int nodeId = getId();

distanceVector[nodeId] = 0; // Cost to itself is 0

// Initialize distances to neighbors

for (auto neighbor : neighbors) {

distanceVector[neighbor] = infinity;

}

}

virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {

auto packet = check_and_cast<cMessage *>(msg);

// Update distance vector using received packet

updateRoutingTable(packet->par(“distanceVector”).mapValue());

delete packet;

}

void updateRoutingTable(const std::map<int, double>& neighborVector) {

bool updated = false;

for (const auto& [dest, cost] : neighborVector) {

double newCost = cost + linkCost(dest);

if (newCost < distanceVector[dest]) {

distanceVector[dest] = newCost;

nextHop[dest] = dest; // Update next hop

updated = true;

}

}

if (updated) broadcastDistanceVector();

}

void broadcastDistanceVector() {

for (int neighbor : neighbors) {

auto packet = new cMessage(“DistanceVectorUpdate”);

packet->addPar(“distanceVector”) = distanceVector;

send(packet, “out”, neighbor);

}

}

double linkCost(int neighbor) {

// Return link cost to the neighbor (static or dynamic)

return 1.0; // Example fixed cost

}

};

Define_Module(DistanceRouting);

  1. Define Network Topology

Create a .ned File

Make a network topology using .ned file:

network DistanceNetwork {

submodules:

node[5]: StandardHost {

parameters:

@display(“i=device/router”);

routingProtocol = “DistanceRouting”;

}

connections:

node[0].pppg++ <–> { delay = 10ms; datarate = 1Gbps; } <–> node[1].pppg++;

node[1].pppg++ <–> { delay = 20ms; datarate = 1Gbps; } <–> node[2].pppg++;

node[2].pppg++ <–> { delay = 15ms; datarate = 1Gbps; } <–> node[3].pppg++;

node[3].pppg++ <–> { delay = 10ms; datarate = 1Gbps; } <–> node[4].pppg++;

}

  1. Configure Simulation

Edit omnetpp.ini

Set the simulation:

[Config DistanceRoutingSimulation]

network = DistanceNetwork

**.node[*].routingProtocol = “DistanceRouting”

simulation.timeLimit = 100s

  1. Run the Simulation
  1. Make use of Tkenv or Cmdenv to execute the simulation in OMNeT++.
  2. Monitor the convergence of routing tables and packet flows.
  1. Analyze Results

Metrics to Evaluate

  • Convergence Time:
    • Estimate the duration for routing tables to alleviate.
  • Routing Overhead:
    • Measure the volume of control packets that can be exchanged.
  • Path Optimality:
    • We equate the calculated the optimal paths including theoretical shortest paths.

Visualization

  • Monitor routing updates to utilise OMNeT++’s built-in tools.
  • Transfer records into external tools such as MATLAB or Python for in-depth analysis.
  1. Extend and Optimize

Enhance Routing Features

  • Execute the optimizations such as:
    • Hold-down timers avoiding frequent route updates.
    • Divide Horizon helps to prevent loops.

Dynamic Scenarios

  • Replicate:
    • Dynamic traffic patterns.
    • Link failures and recovery.

Comparison with Other Protocols

  • We want to replicate and equate the Distance Routing including protocols such as Link-State Routing or OSPF.

Using OMNeT++, we built a thorough simulation for Distance Routing projects that were replicated and examined. We have the capacity to improve it for additional understanding if necessary.

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