How to Implement Hybrid Beamforming in NS2

To implement the Hybrid Beamforming in Network Simulator 2 (NS2), we have to assist the hybrid beamforming which is used in large MIMO systems for wireless communication by modifying the physical and MAC layers. The key is to integrate the analog and digital beamforming to decrease hardware difficulty while upholding high spectral efficiency.

Below is a structured approach to implementing Hybrid Beamforming in NS2:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

  1. Understand Hybrid Beamforming

Hybrid beamforming uses both analog and digital processing. The analog part controls the phase switches and amplitudes using phase shifters, while the digital part processes the data for several streams. We need to model both analog and digital beamforming elements and combine them into the simulator to execute this in NS2.

  1. Install NS2

If you haven’t installed NS2, do so first:

sudo apt-get install ns2

Verify the installation by executing a basic NS2 simulation.

  1. Modify Physical Layer for Hybrid Beamforming

The physical layer in NS2 will need vital alterations to assist hybrid beamforming. You must combine MIMO and beamforming potential as well as channel models that imitate the hybrid beamforming features.

  • Analog Beamforming Model: Launch phase shifters that control the phase of signals for each antenna components in the array. These phase shifters will form the analog part of the hybrid beamforming.
  • Digital Beamforming Model: Alter the digital signal processing (DSP) unit in NS2 to account for beamforming in the digital domain.

Update or include these potential in the NS2 physical layer code (such as phy.cc, phy.h):

  • Channel Models: Replicate MIMO and beamforming impacts by fine-tuning or attaching channel models. You can extend available models like the TwoRayGround propagation model or present new channel models like Rayleigh fading or Rician channels for more real-time simulations.
  • Beamforming Weight Calculation: Apply algorithms for computing analog and digital beamforming weights. The analog weights control the beam direction, while the digital weights handle the signal streams.

Include the beamforming weight computations in the physical layer code.

  1. Modify MAC Layer

The MAC layer in NS2 will also need modifications to help hybrid beamforming.

  • Beam Selection: The MAC layer must decide the best beam (in terms of hybrid beamforming mechanism) for transmission. Attach beam management functionalities like beam selection and beam alignment by altering the MAC protocol.
  • Control Overhead: Manage the overhead allied with beamforming, like interchanging control messages for beam alignment and synchronization by including functionalities.

Alter files like mac-802_11.cc to support beamforming at the MAC level. You can tune the MAC’s transmission decision process to account for beamforming gains.

  1. Create Beamforming Antenna Model

In NS2, you’ll need to set up a new antenna model that assists beamforming. You can either extend existing antenna models or develop a new one.

Example of a beamforming antenna model setup in NS2’s TCL script:

set antenna [new Antenna/Beamforming]

$antenna setNumElements 8

$antenna setBeamformingType “hybrid”

This setup would build an antenna with 8 components and hybrid beamforming.

  1. Update Routing Protocol

While beamforming is mainly managed at the physical and MAC layers, it may also be beneficial to update the routing protocol to make routing decisions depends on beamforming potentials. Add metrics like Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) or beamforming gain by extending available protocols like AODV or DSR.

In aodv.cc, you can include functionality to select routes according to the beamforming performance metrics.

  1. Simulation Script in TCL

After executing the physical, MAC, and antenna alterations, you can design a TCL script to run the simulation. The script should state nodes, set up the new beamforming antennas, and allocate beamforming-enabled physical and MAC layers.

Example TCL script snippet:

set ns [new Simulator]

# Create nodes

set node_0 [$ns node]

set node_1 [$ns node]

# Define beamforming antenna and other settings

$node_0 set antennaType “Antenna/Beamforming”

$node_0 setNumElements 8

$node_1 set antennaType “Antenna/Beamforming”

$node_1 setNumElements 8

# Configure beamforming parameters (hybrid mode)

$node_0 setBeamformingType “hybrid”

  1. Run the Simulation

After the alterations and the TCL script is ready, you can execute the simulation:

ns hybrid_beamforming_simulation.tcl

  1. Analyze Results

After the simulation, monitor the effects of the hybrid beamforming on throughput, packet delivery, and signal strength by evaluating the trace files.

This process will walk you through the expounded demonstration including examples using snippet codes and simulation network for the implementation of Hybrid Beamforming by integrating analog and digital beamforming into the simulation. You can be able to visualize the outputs and analyze it, if needed. We’re here to enhance your project’s performance, so please share your project details with us for optimal results. Ns2project.com is your ideal partner to assist you with Hybrid Beamforming implementation in ns2tool. Our developers can provide you with excellent thesis ideas and topics customized to your requirements. Receive expert advice on adjusting the physical and MAC layers in your project work.