How to Start Network Routing Projects Using NS2

To create a network routing project using NS2 (Network Simulator 2), we will require to observe the organized method. NS2 is a discrete-event simulator that is used to replicate the behavior of computer networks. It offers a wide variety of protocols, routing algorithms, and network topologies to research with.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with your project:

Steps to Start Network Routing Projects Using NS2

  1. Install NS2
  • Download and Install NS2: The starting step is to install NS2 on the system. We can download NS2 from its official website or a repository:
    • NS2 Download
    • For Linux, NS2 can often be installed using a package manager (e.g., apt on Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install ns2).
    • For Windows, consider using a virtual machine with a Linux distribution or use Cygwin (though this is less recommended than a native Linux installation).

On Linux, NS2 can be installed via:

sudo apt-get install ns2

For macOS or Windows, we will require observing the specific guides for each platform.

  1. Understand the Basics of NS2
  • TCL Scripts: The NS2 uses TCL (Tool Command Language) to write replication scripts. We will use TCL scripts to state the network topology, protocols, and routing schemes.
  • OTcl vs. C++: NS2 is composed of two key components: OTcl (Object-oriented TCL) for high-level scripting and C++ for the core replication logic. We will mostly work by OTcl, while C++ is used for protocol execution.

Key concepts:

  • Nodes: Signify the devices nodes such as routers, hosts, etc.
  • Links: Communication channels among the nodes for instance wired or wireless.
  • Applications: State the congestion sources such as FTP, TCP, UDP, etc.
  • Routing Protocols: Express on how data is routed among nodes such as OSPF, AODV, DSDV, etc.
  1. Plan Your Project

Regulate the aim for the specific routing procedures we need to examine or implement. Some general routing protocols are:

  • Static Routing: Simple routing techniques such as RIP (Routing Information Protocol).
  • Dynamic Routing: Routing procedures like as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).
  • Ad-hoc Routing: Protocols such as AODV (Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector), DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) for mobile networks.

Example Project Ideas:

  • Associate the performance for AODV vs DSDV in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs).
  • Apply modify routing protocol and validate the scalability.
  • Replicate the TCP congestion control under different routing protocols.
  1. Write Your First Script

Start with a simple script to build a network topology and replicate the data transfer among nodes.

Example: Basic Network Topology with Two Nodes

# Create the simulator

set ns [new Simulator]

 

# Define the trace file to record events

set tracefile [open out.tr w]

# Attach the trace file to the simulator

$ns trace-all $tracefile

# Create two nodes (e.g., node 0 and node 1)

set node0 [$ns node]

set node1 [$ns node]

# Create a link between the nodes with a bandwidth of 1 Mbps

$ns duplex-link $node0 $node1 1Mb 10ms

# Set up a TCP connection between node 0 and node 1

set tcp [new Agent/TCP]

$ns attach-agent $node0 $tcp

set sink [new Agent/TCPSink]

$ns attach-agent $node1 $sink

# Set up a traffic flow (e.g., FTP data)

$ns connect $tcp $sink

# Start the simulation (sending data from node0 to node1)

$ns at 0.5 “puts \”Starting the data transfer…\”; $tcp send 1024″

$ns at 5.0 “puts \”End of simulation\”; $ns halt”

# Run the simulation

$ns run

Explanation:

  • This script builds a network through two nodes, a duplex link among them, and setting the TCP connection.
  • The trace-all option ensures the log all the movements during the replication into a trace file.
  • The replication starts through a sample data transfer command ($tcp send), and the replication halts after 5 seconds.
  1. Run Your Simulation

After we have written your TCL script:

  • Start the terminal (Linux/macOS) or command prompt (Windows).
  • Navigate the directory in which the script is located.
  • Process for the script using the NS2 command:

ns your_script.tcl

  1. Analyze Results

Next processing for the replication, we will have a trace file for instance out.tr which includes the all the movements that occurred during the replication. We can:

  • Use the AWK scripts or other post-processing tools to examine the trace file and excerpt useful performance parameter metrics such as throughput, packet loss, delay, etc.
  • Use NS2 Trace Analyzer or XGraph (a tool that comes with NS2) to visualize the results (e.g., plot graphs).
  1. Modify and Experiment with Routing Protocols

We need to examine or apply the specific routing protocol; we will require to setting the script. For sample:

  • AODV Routing Protocol:

# Create a mobile node and set up AODV routing protocol

set node0 [$ns node]

set node1 [$ns node]

set mobileAgent [new Agent/AODV]

  • Implementing New Routing Protocols: We can also extend NS2 through apply a new routing protocol in C++ we want further flexibility or a custom method.
  1. Extend Your Project

As you become further comfortable with NS2, we can extend your project by:

  • Enhance the further nodes and complex topologies.
  • Using the various congestion models for sample UDP, constant bit rate (CBR) traffic.
  • Analysis the performance parameter such as delay, jitter, and packet delivery ratio.
  • Associating the various routing protocols below different conditions such as node mobility, bandwidth limitations, and network size.
  1. Documentation and Reporting

Document your project properly, explaining:

  • The purpose has involved the project and the routing protocols.
  • The network topology and settings.
  • The outcomes has contains the graphs and performance analysis.
  • The conclusions according to the detection.
  1. Further Learning
  • Discover the online resources, courses, and tutorials for NS2.
  • Examine the NS2-related books like “NS2 Network Simulator” by G. Kaur or online documentation to deepen the understanding.

Common Issues You Might Encounter:

  • Performance: NS2 can be slow for very large networks; we want to need enhance the replication of scripts or use alternative tools such as NS3.
  • Errors in Scripts: TCL syntax errors or incorrect object references are general then writing the replication scripts.
  • Debugging: Use the debug for logging or print statements in the TCL script to debug.

With these steps, you should be well on your way to building a network routing project using NS2. Good luck!

The given above is the fundamental approach that was illustrated with sample coding for network routing project that were simulated across the ns2 environment. For any further any queries we will explore the separate a document.