How to start LAN Protocols Projects Using OMNeT++

To stimulate a project, concentrate on LAN (Local Area Network) protocols in OMNeT++ typically has involves the replicating and execute the networking protocols used in LANs, like as Ethernet, ARP, Switching, VLANs, and MAC address management.

OMNeT++ is an excellent tool for replicating LANs because it handles a wide variety of protocols and network components. Under is a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your LAN protocol simulation project using OMNeT++.

Steps to start LAN Protocols Projects Using OMNeT++

  1. Understand the Scope of LAN Protocols

LAN protocols concentrate on communication in a localized area, typically in a building or a campus. The protocol has included in LANs include:

  • Ethernet (Layer 2): Describe on how the data is formatted, addressed, and transmitted on the physical network.
  • ARP (Address Resolution Protocol): Determine the IP addresses to MAC addresses.
  • Switching Protocols: Ethernet switching (MAC address-based) for transmitting the frames in the LAN.
  • VLANs (Virtual LANs): Isolate the networks into various broadcast domains in the similar physical network.
  • MAC Address Management: Maintain the unique MAC addresses for devices in the network.
  • 802.1Q (VLAN Tagging): Execute the VLANs through tagging Ethernet frames.

We need the choose that protocols or aspects of LANs we would such as we replicate, like as:

  • Basic Ethernet communication and ARP.
  • MAC address learning and switching.
  • VLANs replicate or 802.1Q VLAN tagging.
  • The Network congestion in a LAN (e.g., HTTP, FTP).
  • Replicating the network topology through switches, hubs, and hosts.
  1. Set Up OMNeT++ and INET Framework

For LAN replication, we will require the OMNeT++ and INET Framework. INET delivers modules for different Ethernet standards, IP addressing, ARP, switches, and routers.

Install OMNeT++:

  • Download and install OMNeT++ from the official website.
  • Observe the procedures we install the OMNeT++ on your operating system.

Install INET Framework:

  • Download the INET framework from GitHub – INET Framework.
  • Significance the INET framework in the OMNeT++ IDE and compile it.
  • INET offers the necessary modules for replicating the Ethernet, switches, and other LAN-specific protocols.
  1. Create a New OMNeT++ Project
  • Open OMNeT++ IDE and build a new project.
    • Go to File > New > OMNeT++ Project.
    • Name your project such as LANProtocolSimulation.
    • Right-click on the project → Properties → Project References and assure INET Framework is referenced.
  1. Define the Network Topology (NED Files)

The LAN replication for beginning through describing the network topology in a NED file. This file will define on how the hosts, switches, and routers are interconnected.

Example: Basic LAN Network with Ethernet Switch and Hosts

network LANNetwork {

submodules:

switch: EtherSwitch {

@display(“p=300,200”);

}

host1: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,300”);

}

host2: StandardHost {

@display(“p=500,300”);

}

host3: StandardHost {

@display(“p=700,300”);

}

connections allowunconnected:

host1.pppg++ <–> switch.pppg++;

host2.pppg++ <–> switch.pppg++;

host3.pppg++ <–> switch.pppg++;

}

  • EtherSwitch: This is a module from INET used to replicate the Ethernet switch.
  • StandardHost: A basic module classify the networked devices such as computers, workstations through Ethernet interfaces.

In this topology:

  • Three hosts (host1, host2, host3) are connected to an Ethernet switch.
  1. Configure ARP and Ethernet

To replicate the Ethernet frames and ARP in the network, we will require to setting the IP addressing and ensure the ARP for address resolution in the omnetpp.ini file.

Example: Static IP Addressing and ARP Configuration

[General]

network = LANNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

*.host1.ipv4.address = “192.168.1.1”

*.host2.ipv4.address = “192.168.1.2”

*.host3.ipv4.address = “192.168.1.3”

*.switch.ethernet.switchingMode = “learning”

*.host1.networkConfigurator.hasStaticAddress = true

*.host2.networkConfigurator.hasStaticAddress = true

*.host3.networkConfigurator.hasStaticAddress = true

  • This setting permits as the static IP addresses we the hosts and ensures ARP for address resolution.
  • The switch uses the learning mode, that means it learns the MAC addresses of the devices dynamically and stores them in its MAC address table.
  1. Enable Ethernet Switching and VLAN (Optional)

Ethernet switches typically learn the MAC addresses of associated devices to sending the frames appropriately. We can replicate the behaviour by ensure the MAC learning on the Ethernet switch.

VLAN Configuration (Optional):

If we ned to replicate the VLANs in your LAN network, INET supports the 802.1Q VLAN mention. We can build the VLANs and permits the hosts to them, efficiently isolating broadcast domains.

*.host1.eth[0].vlanId = 10

*.host2.eth[0].vlanId = 10

*.host3.eth[0].vlanId = 20

In this configuration:

  • host1 and host2 are in VLAN 10, and host3 is in VLAN 20.
  • Ethernet frames among hosts in the similar VLAN are forwarded, though frames among several VLANs would need a router or Layer 3 switch.
  1. Simulate and Test the Network

Once the network topology and setting are set up, we can process the replication and test several aspects of LAN protocols.

Testing ARP:

  • ARP will automatically be replicated for the IP-to-MAC address resolution. We can check the ARP requests and response are exchanged among the hosts when they are communicating.

Testing Ethernet Switching:

  • Assure that the Ethernet switch transmit the frames among the hosts correctly based on their MAC addresses.
  • Ping among the hosts the we validate the connectivity. We can use the OMNeT++ Tkenv graphical interface or the command line for this.

Debugging:

We debug the replication and track the communication, ensure the brief logging in the omnetpp.ini file:

*.host*.ethernet.debug = true

*.switch.debug = true

  1. Analyze the Simulation Results

Once the replication process, we can use OMNeT++’s Result Analysis tools to collect the statistics and parameter, like as they are:

  • Packet Delivery Rate: Calculate on how well packets are being transmitted by the switch.
  • ARP Requests and Replies: Follow on the number of ARP messages modified.
  • Ethernet Frame Forwarding: Examine the switch’s frame transmitted behaviour.

Create a graphs and tables to visualize:

  • The latency of packet delivery.
  • The throughput of the switch or network.
  • The utilization of the switch and hosts.
  1. Extend the Project

Once we have a basic LAN protocol setting the process, we can extend the project has involves the additional features:

  1. Multiple VLANs: Replicate the several VLANs, in which every VLAN is isolated and works an isolated logical network.
  2. Routing Between VLANs: Improve the router or Layer 3 switch we route congestion among several VLANs.
  3. Wi-Fi or Wireless LAN: Replicate the Wi-Fi networks (802.11) in the LAN and study wireless communication.
  4. Network Traffic Simulation: Replicate the congestion among devices using application protocols such as HTTP, FTP, or DNS.
  1. Document and Present

Later completing your replication, document the following:

  • Network Topology: Define the topology used in your replication for sample number of hosts, switches, VLANs.
  • Protocol Configuration: Feature on how protocols such as ARP, Ethernet switching, or VLAN tagging were configured.
  • Simulation Results: Contain the performance outcomes like as packet delivery times, ARP requests, or frame forwarding statistics.

We can use OMNeT++’s Tkenv graphical tool to visualize network activity during the replication.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to simulate LAN protocols like Ethernet, ARP, and VLANs, as well as extend the simulation to include more complex configurations. Let me know if you need help with specific code, configurations, or debugging!

Through the above structured process, we have absolutely presented the instruction with some examples regarding the simulation of LAN Protocol in the simulation set up using OMNeT++. If you any doubts, let me knows we will clarify it.

For individuals seeking expert solutions to enhance project performance, we guarantee outstanding results. To initiate your LAN Protocols Projects utilizing OMNeT++, please reach out to phdprojects.org. We also conduct performance evaluations. Our commitment lies in offering tailored support. We specialize in LAN technologies, including Ethernet, ARP, Switching, VLANs, and MAC address management, providing you with the highest level of guidance. Allow us to assist you in completing your project.