How to Implement Intrusion Detection System in ns2

To implement the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) requires a simulation of network scenarios where the IDS observes network traffic, identify capable interference or anomalies and take action depends on the detection. We can understand how IDSs perform and how they affect network performance.

We offered the demonstration on how to implement IDS using ns2 in the following below:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Understand IDS Components:

Monitoring: Continuously monitoring network traffic to detect suspicious activity.
Detection: Identify potential challenges based on predefined rules, patterns, or anomaly detection.
Response: Taking action when interference is detected like logging the event, sending alerts, or jamming malicious traffic.

Set Up the NS2 Environment:

Make certain to install the ns2 on your computer.
Get to know with writing TCL scripts, as NS2 simulations are controlled via TCL.

Define the Network Topology:

Generate nodes indicating the devices in the network as well as an attacker node and an IDS node.

# Define the simulator

set ns [new Simulator]

# Create a trace file for analysis

set tracefile [open ids_trace.tr w]

$ns trace-all $tracefile

# Create a NAM file for animation

set namfile [open ids_analysis.nam w]

$ns namtrace-all-wireless $namfile 10

# Set up the network parameters

set opt(chan) Channel/WiredChannel ;# Wired channel for LAN

set opt(prop) Propagation/ConstantSpeed ;# Propagation model for wired

set opt(netif) Phy/WiredPhy ;# Network interface type for wired

set opt(mac) Mac/802_3 ;# Ethernet MAC type

set opt(ifq) Queue/DropTail/PriQueue ;# Interface queue type

set opt(ll) LL ;# Link layer type

set opt(ifqlen) 50 ;# Queue size

set opt(delay) 10ms ;# Link delay for wired network

# Create a topography object

create-god 10

# Configure the nodes (e.g., network devices and IDS node)

$ns node-config -llType $opt(ll) \

-macType $opt(mac) \

-ifqType $opt(ifq) \

-ifqLen $opt(ifqlen) \

-propType $opt(prop) \

-phyType $opt(netif) \

-channelType $opt(chan) \

-topoInstance $topo \

-agentTrace ON \

-routerTrace ON \

-macTrace OFF \

-movementTrace OFF

# Create network nodes

set node1 [$ns node] ;# Network Node 1 (e.g., server)

set node2 [$ns node] ;# Network Node 2 (e.g., client)

set node3 [$ns node] ;# Network Node 3 (e.g., router)

# Create an attacker node

set attacker [$ns node] ;# Attacker Node

# Create an IDS node

set ids_node [$ns node] ;# IDS Node

# Set initial positions for the nodes (optional for wired networks)

$node1 set X_ 100.0

$node1 set Y_ 100.0

$node1 set Z_ 0.0

$node2 set X_ 200.0

$node2 set Y_ 100.0

$node2 set Z_ 0.0

$node3 set X_ 300.0

$node3 set Y_ 100.0

$node3 set Z_ 0.0

$attacker set X_ 400.0

$attacker set Y_ 100.0

$attacker set Z_ 0.0

$ids_node set X_ 500.0

$ids_node set Y_ 100.0

$ids_node set Z_ 0.0

Simulate Normal and Malicious Traffic:

Execute both normal communication amongst network nodes and malevolent behavior from the attacker node.

# Create duplex links between nodes with defined bandwidth and delay

$ns duplex-link $node1 $node3 100Mb 10ms DropTail

$ns duplex-link $node2 $node3 100Mb 10ms DropTail

$ns duplex-link $attacker $node3 100Mb 10ms DropTail

$ns duplex-link $ids_node $node3 100Mb 10ms DropTail

# Normal traffic: Node 1 to Node 2 via Node 3

set tcp_node1 [new Agent/TCP]

$ns attach-agent $node1 $tcp_node1

set tcp_node2_sink [new Agent/TCPSink]

$ns attach-agent $node2 $tcp_node2_sink

$ns connect $tcp_node1 $tcp_node2_sink

# Start normal communication

set app_node1 [new Application/FTP]

$app_node1 attach-agent $tcp_node1

$ns at 2.0 “$app_node1 start”

# Malicious traffic: DoS attack from Attacker to Node 1

set udp_attacker [new Agent/UDP]

$ns attach-agent $attacker $udp_attacker

set null_sink [new Agent/Null]

$ns attach-agent $node1 $null_sink

$ns connect $udp_attacker $null_sink

# Start the DoS attack at time 3.0 seconds

set dos_attack [new Application/Traffic/CBR]

$dos_attack set packetSize_ 1024

$dos_attack set interval_ 0.001 ;# High-frequency packets to simulate DoS

$dos_attack attach-agent $udp_attacker

$ns at 3.0 “$dos_attack start”

Implement the IDS Logic:

The IDS node will observe traffic and detect potential interruptions includes the DoS attack.

# IDS Logic: Monitor traffic and detect DoS attack

proc detect_intrusion {src dst packet_size threshold} {

global ns

if {$packet_size > $threshold} {

puts “IDS Alert: Possible DoS attack detected from $src to $dst at time [$ns now]”

# Implement further actions, such as blocking the attacker

$ns at [expr $ns now + 0.5] “$src reset”

puts “IDS Action: Blocking traffic from $src”

}

# Schedule the IDS to monitor traffic at Node 1

$ns at 3.1 “detect_intrusion $attacker $node1 1024 800”

Simulate IDS Response:

After the interference is identified, the IDS will take action like hindering the attacker.

# IDS Response: Block the attacker’s traffic if an intrusion is detected

proc block_attacker {attacker_node} {

puts “Blocking attacker node: $attacker_node”

$attacker_node reset

}

# Schedule blocking the attacker after detection

$ns at 3.2 “block_attacker $attacker”

Run the Simulation:

State when the simulation should complete and run it. The finish procedure will close the trace files and present the NAM for visualization.

# Define the finish procedure

proc finish {} {

global ns tracefile namfile

$ns flush-trace

close $tracefile

close $namfile

exec nam ids_analysis.nam &

exit 0

}

# Schedule the finish procedure at 10 seconds

$ns at 10.0 “finish”

# Run the simulation

$ns run

Analyze the Results:

Review the ids_trace.tr file to evaluate how the IDS identified the attack and reacted. You can look for alerts created by the IDS and see how the attack was mitigated.
Use the NAM file (ids_analysis.nam) to visualize the network operations and monitor how the IDS interacted with the network during the attack.

Customize and Extend:

Personalize the simulation by:
- Executing more complex detection algorithms like anomaly-based detection, pattern recognition, or machine learning-based approaches.
- Attach extra security mechanisms like encryption, firewall rules, or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to complement the IDS.
- Examine the robustness of the IDS by replicating a broader range of attacks like ARP spoofing, SQL injection, or man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks,

Example Summary:

This simulation develops a basic IDS using ns2 which concentrates on observing network traffic, identifying a DoS attack and reacting by jamming the attacker. It demonstrates how an IDS can be incorporated into a network environment to improve security.

Advanced Considerations:

For more difficult environment, consider incorporating NS2 with specialized IDS tools or frameworks, or building custom modules to replicate modern IDS features includes distributed intrusion detection or multi-layered defense functionalities.
Expand the simulation to attach real-time traffic analysis, systemized response techniques, or integration with security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

Debugging and Optimization:

Make certain to capture all the related network activities and IDS alerts in the trace file by using the trace-all command.
Improve the IDS logic by refining detection thresholds, enhancing response methods, and balancing security with network performance to accomplish effective and efficient protection.

Overall, with the help of this comprehensive manual of the entire implementation of intrusion detection system contains steps from the network topology set up to extend its functionalities in ns2 tool. if needed, we will offer you the relevant information about the intrusion detection or their security mechanisms. Refer to the above manual to gain a comprehensive understanding of the IDS framework, including instructions on network configuration and the implementation of the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) utilizing ns2. If you require customized services, please feel free to reach out to us