How to Start LTE Projects Using NS3

To start the LTE projects using NS3 that requires to configure an LTE network including base stations (eNodeBs) and user equipment (UE) nodes to replicate the LTE aspects such as radio resource management, handovers, and packet scheduling. The NS3 environment, for LTE networks LTE module contains core functionalities and it permits replication of both the radio access network and the core network.

Below is a sequential method to execute and set up the LTE Projects using NS3.

Steps to Start LTE Projects in NS3

  1. Install NS3 and LTE Module
  1. Download and Install NS3:

git clone https://gitlab.com/nsnam/ns-3-dev.git ns-3

cd ns-3

./waf configure –enable-examples –enable-tests

./waf build

  1. Verify Installation: Experiment the LTE module by executing a basic LTE example.

./waf –run=lte-simple

  1. Understand LTE Components in NS3

In an LTE project, we will function with:

  • eNodeBs (Evolved Node B): LTE base stations, which offer the radio access.
  • UEs (User Equipment): Mobile devices or user nodes to associate the LTE network.
  • EPC (Evolved Packet Core): The LTE core network that links the eNodeBs to an external IP network and then manages the user data.
  • Channel Models: Describe the radio link’s features among the UEs and eNodeBs.
  • Applications: Traffic sources like UDP or TCP flows to replicate the real-world data transfer.
  1. Set Up a Basic LTE Network Topology

We make a simple LTE network including a single eNodeB and several UEs. It is helpful for knowing the basics of LTE using NS3.

Example: Basic LTE Network with One eNodeB and Multiple UEs

This instance configurations a basic LTE network including one eNodeB and multiple UEs are associated to it.

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/mobility-module.h”

#include “ns3/lte-module.h”

#include “ns3/applications-module.h”

using namespace ns3;

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {

CommandLine cmd;

cmd.Parse(argc, argv);

// Create LTE and EPC helpers

Ptr<LteHelper> lteHelper = CreateObject<LteHelper>();

Ptr<PointToPointEpcHelper> epcHelper = CreateObject<PointToPointEpcHelper>();

lteHelper->SetEpcHelper(epcHelper);

// Create PGW (Packet Gateway) node

Ptr<Node> pgw = epcHelper->GetPgwNode();

// Create eNodeB and UE nodes

NodeContainer enbNodes;

enbNodes.Create(1);

NodeContainer ueNodes;

ueNodes.Create(3);

// Set up mobility for eNodeB (fixed) and UEs (can be mobile)

MobilityHelper mobility;

mobility.SetMobilityModel(“ns3::ConstantPositionMobilityModel”);

mobility.Install(enbNodes);

mobility.SetPositionAllocator(“ns3::GridPositionAllocator”,

“MinX”, DoubleValue(0.0),

“MinY”, DoubleValue(0.0),

“DeltaX”, DoubleValue(20.0),

“DeltaY”, DoubleValue(20.0),

“GridWidth”, UintegerValue(3),

“LayoutType”, StringValue(“RowFirst”));

mobility.SetMobilityModel(“ns3::RandomWalk2dMobilityModel”,

“Bounds”, RectangleValue(Rectangle(-50, 50, -25, 50)));

mobility.Install(ueNodes);

// Install LTE devices on eNodeB and UE nodes

NetDeviceContainer enbLteDevices = lteHelper->InstallEnbDevice(enbNodes);

NetDeviceContainer ueLteDevices = lteHelper->InstallUeDevice(ueNodes);

// Install Internet stack on UEs

InternetStackHelper internet;

internet.Install(ueNodes);

// Assign IP addresses to UEs

Ipv4InterfaceContainer ueIpIfaces = epcHelper->AssignUeIpv4Address(NetDeviceContainer(ueLteDevices));

// Attach UEs to eNodeB

for (uint32_t i = 0; i < ueNodes.GetN(); i++) {

lteHelper->Attach(ueLteDevices.Get(i), enbLteDevices.Get(0));

}

// Set up UDP application on one UE to generate traffic

uint16_t port = 9;

UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(port);

ApplicationContainer serverApp = echoServer.Install(ueNodes.Get(0)); // First UE acts as server

serverApp.Start(Seconds(1.0));

serverApp.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(ueIpIfaces.GetAddress(0), port); // Server IP

echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(10));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, TimeValue(Seconds(1.0)));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));

ApplicationContainer clientApp = echoClient.Install(ueNodes.Get(1)); // Another UE as client

clientApp.Start(Seconds(2.0));

clientApp.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

return 0;

}

  1. Experiment with Different Channel Models and Propagation Loss Models

The LTE module offers numerous channel models and propagation loss models, which can be utilized replicating the realistic radio conditions.

Examples:

  • PathLossModel: It replicates the free-space path loss, log-distance, or other models.
  • FadingModel: Designs the Rayleigh, Rician, or other fading impacts.

Example code:

lteHelper->SetAttribute(“PathlossModel”, StringValue(“ns3::FriisPropagationLossModel”));

lteHelper->SetAttribute(“FadingModel”, StringValue(“ns3::TraceFadingLossModel”));

  1. Implement Mobility for UEs to Simulate Real-World Scenarios

Mobility is necessary portion of LTE simulations. Replicate the movement of UEs like pedestrians, vehicles, or high-speed trains utilising mobility models.

Example:

mobility.SetMobilityModel(“ns3::ConstantVelocityMobilityModel”);

ueNodes.Get(0)->GetObject<ConstantVelocityMobilityModel>()->SetVelocity(Vector(10.0, 0.0, 0.0)); // 10 m/s in X direction

  1. Configure Applications for Traffic Generation

Make traffic at the LTE network utilizing applications such as OnOffApplication, UdpEchoApplication, or BulkSendApplication.

Example using OnOffApplication:

OnOffHelper onOff(“ns3::UdpSocketFactory”, InetSocketAddress(ueIpIfaces.GetAddress(0), port));

onOff.SetAttribute(“DataRate”, StringValue(“500Kbps”));

onOff.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));

ApplicationContainer app = onOff.Install(ueNodes.Get(1)); // Install on a UE

app.Start(Seconds(2.0));

app.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

  1. Enable Handover to Study Mobility Management

LTE networks support handovers since from one eNodeB’s coverage to another UEs travel. Allow handover algorithms to learn how LTE manages the mobility.

Example:

lteHelper->AddX2Interface(enbNodes); // Enable X2 interface for handover

lteHelper->HandoverRequest(Seconds(5.0), ueLteDevices.Get(0), enbLteDevices.Get(0), enbLteDevices.Get(1)); // Trigger a handover

  1. Collect and Analyze Performance Metrics

We estimate the performance of LTE, gather parameters like:

  • Throughput: Estimate the data rate over the network.
  • Latency: For packet transmission, evaluate the delay.
  • Packet Loss: Monitor dropped packets.
  • Handover Performance: Observe the handover latency and success rate.

Utilize FlowMonitor accumulating the performance information:

FlowMonitorHelper flowmon;

Ptr<FlowMonitor> monitor = flowmon.InstallAll();

monitor->SerializeToXmlFile(“lte-flowmon.xml”, true, true);

  1. Visualize the Network Simulation
  • NetAnim: Envision the node movement, connections, and packet exchanges within real time.
  • Trace Analysis: For in-depth analysis, utilized trace files made by NS3.
  • Plotting Tools: Transfer data envisioning parameters such as throughput, latency, and packet loss over time.
  1. Experiment with Advanced LTE Features

When we are comfortable along with the basics then discover more complex LTE situations:

  • Multiple eNodeBs: Insert more eNodeBs replicting a larger network and then monitor the handovers.
  • Interference Management: Focus on the influence of interference at network performance.
  • Advanced Scheduling: Test with diverse schedulers like Round Robin, Proportional Fair enhancing the resource allocation.

In this manual, we systematically explore the steps required to execute and analyse the LTE Projects using NS3 platform, while also delving into advanced insights for deeper understanding.

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