How to Begin Implement Mesh Protocols in NS3

To begin the mesh protocols in NS-3, follow these steps:

Steps to Begin Implement Mesh Protocols in NS3

Step 1: Understand NS-3 Mesh Capabilities

• NS-3 has a simple execution of mesh networking (802.11s standard) in the wifi component.
• The MeshHelper class is used for setting and deploying the mesh networks.
• If we need to encompass or build a new mesh protocol, we can require change the existing framework or improve the custom application.

Step 2: Install and Set Up NS-3

1. Download NS-3:
   • Visit the NS-3 official site and download the new stable release or clone the repository:

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

cd ns-3-dev

./ns3 configure –enable-examples –enable-tests

./ns3 build

1. Verify Installation: Run an example to ensure proper setup:

./ns3 run examples/wireless/wifi-mesh-network

Step 3: Study the MeshHelper Class

The MeshHelper class in NS-3 delivers a concept for mesh networking. It helps for:

• It configures the mesh point devices.
• Ensure the interfaces for communication.
• Setting the routing protocols for the mesh.

Familiarize yourself with:

• MeshHelper API in NS-3 documentation.
• Sample scripts such as examples/wireless/wifi-mesh-network.

Step 4: Configure a Basic Mesh Network

Generate a simple mesh network has replicate using a NS-3’s existing features.

Example Simulation Script:

Here’s a minimal script for setting a basic mesh network:

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/mesh-helper.h”

#include “ns3/mobility-module.h”

#include “ns3/ipv4-address-helper.h”

using namespace ns3;

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

NodeContainer meshNodes;

meshNodes.Create(5); // Create 5 mesh nodes

YansWifiChannelHelper channel = YansWifiChannelHelper::Default();

YansWifiPhyHelper phy = YansWifiPhyHelper::Default();

phy.SetChannel(channel.Create());

MeshHelper mesh;

mesh.SetStackInstaller(“ns3::Dot11sStack”);

mesh.SetSpreadInterfaceChannels(MeshHelper::SPREAD_CHANNELS);

mesh.SetMacType(“RandomStart”, TimeValue(Seconds(0.1)));

NetDeviceContainer meshDevices = mesh.Install(phy, meshNodes);

MobilityHelper mobility;

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

mobility.Install(meshNodes);

InternetStackHelper internet;

internet.Install(meshNodes);

Ipv4AddressHelper address;

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

Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces = address.Assign(meshDevices);

Simulator::Stop(Seconds(10.0));

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

return 0;

}

Steps:

1. It develops the mesh nodes.
2. Then setting the physical layer and channel.
3. After use the MeshHelper for install mesh stack and devices.
4. Allocate the mobility and IP addresses.
5. Finally execute for the replication.

Compile and execute:

./ns3 build

./ns3 run my-mesh-network

Step 5: Extend or Create a New Mesh Protocol

If we create a custom mesh protocol:

1. Define the Protocol Logic:
   • Plan the routing procedures or mesh-specific behavior.
   • Explain by existing protocols such as AODV, DSDV, or OLSR.
2. Create a New Protocol Class:
   • Execute the protocol in C++ through encompassing the NS3’s Ipv4RoutingProtocol or same base classes.

Example skeleton:

class MyMeshProtocol : public Ipv4RoutingProtocol {

public:

static TypeId GetTypeId(void);

MyMeshProtocol();

virtual ~MyMeshProtocol();

virtual Ptr<Ipv4Route> RouteOutput(…) override;

virtual bool RouteInput(…) override;

private:

void DiscoverNeighbors();

void HandleMeshPacket(Ptr<Packet> packet);

};

1. Integrate into MeshHelper:
   • Encompass like a MeshHelper for handle the protocol.
   • Store the protocol using NS3’s TypeId system.
2. Test and Debug:
   • Write a replication of validate the script using protocol.
   • NS-3 tool use the tracing tools for debug and validate.

Step 6: Validate and Analyze

• Manipulate the NS-3 tracing files for debugging (AsciiTraceHelper, PcapHelper).
• Apply the FlowMonitor or custom metrics for test the performance of protocol.

Step 7: Optimize and Document

• It improves the code for scalability for instance test larger networks.
• Document has considered the expectations, findings, and outcomes.

In this manual, we deliver the brief explanation to understand the approaches and techniques to simulate the mesh protocol in ns3 tool. For further inquiries about this project, a separate manual will be provided.