How to Begin Implementing a FANET Projects Using NS3

To begin executing a Flying Ad-Hoc Network (FANET) project in NS3, we wants to make UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) network including ad-hoc communication capabilities. A subset of MANETs (Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks) is called FANET, which is intended for inimitable tasks of UAV communication such as mobility, dynamic topology, and low latency. Below is a stepwise mechanism to get started:

Steps to Begin Implementing a FANET Projects in NS3

1. Understand FANET Architecture

• Key Components:
  • UAV Nodes: It denotes the flying objects including interaction and sensing capabilities.
  • Routing Protocols: Model effective protocols for managing the dynamic topology.
  • Mobility Models: Replicate UAV movement such as random, predefined paths, or swarm-based behavior.
• Applications:
  • Disaster management, surveillance, and communication relays.

2. Set Up NS3 Environment

• We should download and install new version of NS3 on the system.
• Make sure that we have installed all required dependencies like Python, C++, and necessary libraries.

3. Explore Relevant NS3 Modules

• Wireless Module: For configuring wireless interaction.
• Mobility Module: Executing UAV movement models.
• Ad-Hoc Routing Module: It is used for routing protocols such as AODV, DSDV, DSR, or OLSR.
• Applications Module: Designing traffic generation such as UDP, TCP, or custom application traffic.

4. Design FANET Topology

• Nodes: Make UAV nodes that are denoting the flying objects.
• Mobility Models: We need to utilize movement patterns such as Random Waypoint, Gauss-Markov, or custom mobility models.
• Communication Links: Set up wireless connections for inter-UAV interaction.

5. Implement a Basic FANET Simulation

• We will need to begin with a small volume of UAVs such as 5–10.
• For replicating UAV movement, we can utilise a basic mobility pattern such as Random Waypoint.
• Set up an ad-hoc routing protocol like AODV.

6. Example Implementation

Below is a simple instance of a FANET simulation using NS3:

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/mobility-module.h”

#include “ns3/wifi-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/aodv-module.h”

using namespace ns3;

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

CommandLine cmd;

cmd.Parse(argc, argv);

// Create UAV nodes

NodeContainer uavNodes;

uavNodes.Create(5); // 5 UAVs

// Set up mobility model

MobilityHelper mobility;

mobility.SetMobilityModel(“ns3::RandomWaypointMobilityModel”,

“Speed”, StringValue(“ns3::ConstantRandomVariable[Constant=10.0]”),

“Pause”, StringValue(“ns3::ConstantRandomVariable[Constant=2.0]”),

“PositionAllocator”, StringValue(“ns3::RandomRectanglePositionAllocator”));

mobility.SetPositionAllocator(“ns3::RandomRectanglePositionAllocator”,

“X”, StringValue(“ns3::UniformRandomVariable[Min=0.0|Max=500.0]”),

“Y”, StringValue(“ns3::UniformRandomVariable[Min=0.0|Max=500.0]”));

mobility.Install(uavNodes);

// Configure Wi-Fi

WifiHelper wifi;

wifi.SetStandard(WIFI_PHY_STANDARD_80211b);

YansWifiPhyHelper wifiPhy = YansWifiPhyHelper::Default();

YansWifiChannelHelper wifiChannel = YansWifiChannelHelper::Default();

wifiPhy.SetChannel(wifiChannel.Create());

WifiMacHelper wifiMac;

wifiMac.SetType(“ns3::AdhocWifiMac”);

NetDeviceContainer devices = wifi.Install(wifiPhy, wifiMac, uavNodes);

// Install Internet stack

InternetStackHelper internet;

internet.SetRoutingHelper(AodvHelper());

internet.Install(uavNodes);

// Assign IP addresses

Ipv4AddressHelper ipv4;

ipv4.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces = ipv4.Assign(devices);

// Create application to generate traffic

UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(9);

ApplicationContainer serverApps = echoServer.Install(uavNodes.Get(0));

serverApps.Start(Seconds(1.0));

serverApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(interfaces.GetAddress(0), 9);

echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(5));

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

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

ApplicationContainer clientApps = echoClient.Install(uavNodes.Get(1));

clientApps.Start(Seconds(2.0));

clientApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

return 0;

}

7. Expand the Simulation

• Mobility Models:
  • Execute the swarm intelligence mechanisms like flocking or leader-following.
  • Integrate dynamic obstacles and collision avoidance.
• Routing Protocols:
  • We want to equate the performance of routing protocols such as AODV, DSDV, and OLSR for FANET scenarios.
  • Execute custom routing protocols that are enhanced for UAVs.
• Traffic Models:
  • Mimic diverse kinds of traffic patterns like video streaming or sensor data.
• FANET-Specific Features:
  • Launch clustering algorithms.
  • For UAV failures, execute fault-tolerance approaches.

8. Performance Metrics

• Measure the performance of FANET to utilize:
  • Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR): Compute the ratio of packets that are effectively distributed.
  • Latency: Estimate the time taken of destination within packet transmission.
  • Throughput: Assess the rate of data transmission.
  • Energy Efficiency: Evaluate the energy utilization of UAV nodes.

9. Visualize and Analyze Results

• Export data into external tools such as Python or MATLAB for result analysis and visualization.
• Optionally, we may incorporate the NS3 including the NetAnim tool for graphical simulation visualization.

10. Advanced Features

• Integration with AI/ML:
  • Execute AI-based mobility or routing mechanisms for integration.
• Energy Management:
  • Replicate the energy-efficient communication approaches.
• Security:
  • Incorporate secure communication protocols for specifying the FANET vulnerabilities.

The fundamental implementation approach for FANET project is presented in an orderly manner that supports to execute and examine its performance using NS3 environment. We are prepared to elaborate further as necessary.