How to Start MANET Projects Using OMNeT++

To start Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) projects in OMNeT++ which has numerous steps to replicate the dynamic, infrastructure-less wireless networks in which nodes interact directly or via other nodes. OMNeT++ environment integrated with frameworks such as INET framework that offers an ideal environment, designing and to estimate the protocols, mobility, and performance of MANET.

Below is a detailed approach to get started:

Steps to Start MANET Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Install OMNeT++
  • Download: Go to omnetpp.org to download the new version of OMNeT++.
  • Install: We should adhere to the offered installation guide.
  • Verify: Make sure that OMNeT++ IDE is effectively installed.
  1. Install Required Frameworks

MANET simulations need wireless interaction and mobility aspects are offered by the following frameworks:

Recommended Frameworks:

  1. INET Framework:
    • This framework offers support for MANET routing protocols such as AODV, DSR, DSDV, and OLSR.
    • Go to INET’s official website to download it.
  2. MiXiM Framework (optional):
    • It provides further wireless and mobility models which is appropriate for MANETs.

Installation Steps:

  1. Initially, we should download the framework like INET.
  2. In OMNeT++ workspace, we can get the framework.
  3. In OMNeT++ IDE, utilize File > Import > Existing Projects to import the project.
  4. We should form the framework using the IDE.
  1. Understand MANET Characteristics

Following is a crucial feature of MANET projects to design:

  • Dynamic Topology: Nodes are active to trigger often topology changes.
  • Routing Protocols: These protocols utilize or execute AODV, DSR, or custom algorithms.
  • Energy Constraints: We replicate an energy-efficient interaction for battery-operated nodes.
  • Mobility Models: It combines realistic mobility models such as Random Waypoint or Gauss-Markov.
  1. Define Network Topology

Make network topology for MANET that includes mobile nodes and its connections to utilize .ned files.

Example .ned File:

network MANETNetwork

{

submodules:

node[0..9]: AdHocNode; // Array of 10 ad hoc nodes

connections:

node[*].wlan <–> node[*].wlan; // Dynamic wireless connections

}

  1. Implement Routing Protocols
  • Built-In Protocols:
    • INET frameworks to have built-in protocols like AODV, DSR, OLSR, and DSDV functionalities from conventional approaches.
  • Custom Protocols:
    • In C++ classes, we able to inscribe the own routing logic for custom protocols.

Example Routing Logic for AODV:

*.node[*].routingProtocol = “AODV”

Custom C++ Code for Routing:

void AdHocNode::handleRoutingRequest(Packet *pkt)

{

if (isDestination(pkt))

{

sendReply(pkt);

}

else

{

forwardPacket(pkt);

}

}

  1. Configure Mobility Models

In MANETs, mobility is a crucial module. Make use of mobility models in the INET framework to replicate and configure the node movement.

Example Mobility Configuration:

[General]

*.node[*].mobilityType = “RandomWaypointMobility”

*.node[*].mobility.speed = uniform(1, 10)   # Speed between 1 and 10 m/s

*.node[*].mobility.bounds = “0,0,1000,1000” # Simulation area

Alternative Mobility Models:

  • Mass Mobility (for group movement)
  • Gauss-Markov Mobility
  1. Configure Communication Parameters

We should configure wireless interaction metrics such as transmission range, frequency, and bandwidth using the following example set up.

Example Configuration:

network = MANETNetwork

sim-time-limit = 300s

*.node[*].wlan[*].radio.transmitter.power = 20mW

*.node[*].wlan[*].radio.transmitter.range = 250m

*.node[*].app[0].typename = “UdpBasicApp”

*.node[*].app[0].destAddress = “node[9]”   # Send data to node[9]

*.node[*].app[0].messageLength = 512       # Packet size in bytes

*.node[*].app[0].sendInterval = uniform(0.5s, 1s) # Random send intervals

  1. Run the Simulation
  • Run Simulation:
    • In OMNeT++ IDE, we need to run the simulation using .ini file.
  • Debugging:
    • Monitor the packet flow and routing updates with the help of logs and visualization tools.
  1. Analyze Results
  • Metrics to Evaluate: We have to estimate the performance parameters such as,
    • Packet delivery ratio (PDR).
    • End-to-end latency.
    • Routing overhead (e.g., control packets).
    • Energy consumption (for battery-operated nodes).
  • Tools for Analysis:
    • Monitor the .sca and .vec files to utilize OMNeT++’s built-in tools for analysis.
    • For advanced analysis, we transfer outcomes to external tools like Python, MATLAB, or Excel.
  1. Extend the Project
  • Advanced Routing:
    • We should experiment the hierarchical, cluster-based, or multi-path routing protocols.
  • QoS Support:
    • Mimic delay-sensitive use cases such as VoIP or video streaming.
  • Energy Optimization:
    • For energy optimization, we need to utilize energy-saving mechanisms like sleep modes or duty cycling.
  • Security:
    • We replicate the secure routing protocols and then experiment versus attacks such as black hole or wormhole attacks for network security.
  • Real-World Scenarios:
    • Design the real-world situations like disaster recovery, military operations, or vehicular interaction.

Example MANET Use Cases

  1. Routing Protocol Comparison:
    • We can equate the routing protocols such as AODV, DSR, and OLSR based on PDR, latency, and overhead.
  2. Energy-Aware Routing:
    • We want to mimic protocols to enhance energy utilization for longer network lifetime.
  3. Disaster Recovery Networks:
    • Design interaction within disaster retrieval scenarios including limited infrastructure.
  4. Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs):
    • We may integrate the MANET along with mobility frameworks such as Veins and SUMO.

We had presented innovative simulation methodology, executed through OMNeT++ that has enabled an in-depth analysis of MANET project, with further details to be included in upcoming manual.

We enhance MANET projects using the OMNeT++ tool. Get customized support from us based on your needs.