How to Begin Implement a Backhaul Networks in NS3

To start executing a Backhaul Network in ns3, we can know about the backhaul network architecture, choosing proper models within NS3, and creating scripts for replicating the preferred scenario. Here’s a step-by-step process to get started:

Steps to Begin Implement a Backhaul Networks in NS3

1. Understand Backhaul Networks

• What is Backhaul?
  • A backhaul network is the intermediate connection among the primary network and the access points for instance base stations within cellular networks or Wi-Fi APs.
  • It normally contains wired (fiber, Ethernet) or wireless (microwave, millimeter-wave) connections.
• Key Features
  • High capacity and low latency.
  • It offers diverse interaction protocols such as IP/MPLS, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 5G.

2. Set Up ns3 Environment

• Install ns3:

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

cd ns-3-dev

./build.py

• Confirm the installation:

./ns3 run hello-simulator

3. Plan the Network Architecture

• Topology Design
  • Define the nodes: Specify core, Backhaul, Access Points.
  • Indicate the kind of connections like Point-to-Point, Wi-Fi, LTE, or mmWave.
  • Traffic flow: From users to the core network via backhaul.
• Example Topology
  • Core Node ↔ Backhaul Router ↔ Access Nodes.

4. Select Appropriate Modules

NS3 offers modules for diverse network modules like:

• Point-to-Point Links: For wired backhaul.
• Wi-Fi Module: It is used for wireless backhaul.
• LTE Module: Designed for mobile backhaul.
• 5G NR Module: For advanced networks

5. Write the Simulation Script

Below is a simple simulation framework:

1. Include Required Headers

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/point-to-point-module.h”

#include “ns3/applications-module.h”

1. Define Nodes

ns3::NodeContainer coreNode, backhaulRouter, accessNode;

coreNode.Create(1);

backhaulRouter.Create(1);

accessNode.Create(2); // Two access points

1. Set Up Links

ns3::PointToPointHelper pointToPoint;

pointToPoint.SetDeviceAttribute(“DataRate”, ns3::StringValue(“1Gbps”));

pointToPoint.SetChannelAttribute(“Delay”, ns3::StringValue(“2ms”));

ns3::NetDeviceContainer devices1 = pointToPoint.Install(coreNode.Get(0), backhaulRouter.Get(0));

ns3::NetDeviceContainer devices2 = pointToPoint.Install(backhaulRouter.Get(0), accessNode.Get(0));

ns3::NetDeviceContainer devices3 = pointToPoint.Install(backhaulRouter.Get(0), accessNode.Get(1));

1. Install Internet Stack

ns3::InternetStackHelper stack;

stack.Install(coreNode);

stack.Install(backhaulRouter);

stack.Install(accessNode);

1. Assign IP Addresses

ns3::Ipv4AddressHelper address;

address.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

ns3::Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces1 = address.Assign(devices1);

address.SetBase(“10.1.2.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

ns3::Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces2 = address.Assign(devices2);

address.SetBase(“10.1.3.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

ns3::Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces3 = address.Assign(devices3);

1. Set Up Applications

ns3::UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(9);

ns3::ApplicationContainer serverApps = echoServer.Install(accessNode.Get(0));

serverApps.Start(ns3::Seconds(1.0));

serverApps.Stop(ns3::Seconds(10.0));

ns3::UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(interfaces2.GetAddress(0), 9);

echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, ns3::UintegerValue(1));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, ns3::TimeValue(ns3::Seconds(1.0)));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, ns3::UintegerValue(1024));

ns3::ApplicationContainer clientApps = echoClient.Install(coreNode.Get(0));

clientApps.Start(ns3::Seconds(2.0));

clientApps.Stop(ns3::Seconds(10.0));

1. Run the Simulation

ns3::Simulator::Run();

ns3::Simulator::Destroy();

6. Analyze and Extend

• Integrate the performance parameters such as throughput, delay.
• Test with various backhaul technologies like LTE, Wi-Fi.
• Make use of PCAP, NetAnim tracing tools for envisioning the network in ns3.

7. Debugging and Visualization

• We need to leverage NetAnim for visualization.
• For debugging, make records and PCAP files:

ns3::AsciiTraceHelper ascii;

pointToPoint.EnableAsciiAll(ascii.CreateFileStream(“backhaul.tr”));

pointToPoint.EnablePcapAll(“backhaul”);

8. Iterate and Optimize

• Test with diverse sets up like bandwidth, number of nodes.
• Add Quality of Service (QoS) or other advanced aspects for enhancement.

Using NS3 environment, we conducted comprehensive implementation approach with examples on the Backhaul Networks, which was executed, with the capacity to offer more information as needed.