How to Implement Mesh Topology in NS2

To implement the Mesh Topology that each node is connected to the several other nodes which allowing for numerous paths among any pair of the nodes. It delivers high redundancy and reliability, if one link fails then the data can get the alternative routes. In NS2 that is Network Simulator 2, we can simulate a mesh topology by making several duplex links among the nodes that forming a web of connections. We present stepwise approach that supports to execute this topology in the simulation NS2:

Steps to Implement a Mesh Topology in NS2:

  1. Set Up the Mesh Network Topology:
    • Describe the nodes in the network.
    • Make a duplex links among the several nodes, make sure that every node is connected to at least two or more nodes that mimicking a mesh of connections.
  2. Simulate Traffic Flow:
    • Traffic can flow among the any pair of nodes, and also the routing mechanism will ascertain the path the data takes.

Example of Mesh Topology Implementation in NS2:

The following is a basic example of how to execute a mesh topology using 4 nodes in NS2:

# Create a new simulator

set ns [new Simulator]

# Open trace file for output

set tracefile [open out.tr w]

$ns trace-all $tracefile

# Define nodes (4 nodes for simplicity)

set n0 [$ns node]  ;# Node 0

set n1 [$ns node]  ;# Node 1

set n2 [$ns node]  ;# Node 2

set n3 [$ns node]  ;# Node 3

# Create duplex links to form a mesh topology where each node is connected to multiple nodes

$ns duplex-link $n0 $n1 1Mb 10ms DropTail  ;# Link between node 0 and node 1

$ns duplex-link $n0 $n2 1Mb 10ms DropTail  ;# Link between node 0 and node 2

$ns duplex-link $n0 $n3 1Mb 10ms DropTail  ;# Link between node 0 and node 3

$ns duplex-link $n1 $n2 1Mb 10ms DropTail  ;# Link between node 1 and node 2

$ns duplex-link $n1 $n3 1Mb 10ms DropTail  ;# Link between node 1 and node 3

$ns duplex-link $n2 $n3 1Mb 10ms DropTail  ;# Link between node 2 and node 3

# Define TCP agents and sinks for communication between nodes

set tcp0 [new Agent/TCP]

set sink0 [new Agent/TCPSink]

$ns attach-agent $n0 $tcp0

$ns attach-agent $n1 $sink0

$ns connect $tcp0 $sink0

# Simulate traffic from node 0 to node 1

set ftp0 [new Application/FTP]

$ftp0 attach-agent $tcp0

$ns at 1.0 “$ftp0 start”

# Set up another TCP connection from node 2 to node 3

set tcp1 [new Agent/TCP]

set sink1 [new Agent/TCPSink]

$ns attach-agent $n2 $tcp1

$ns attach-agent $n3 $sink1

$ns connect $tcp1 $sink1

# Simulate traffic from node 2 to node 3

set ftp1 [new Application/FTP]

$ftp1 attach-agent $tcp1

$ns at 2.0 “$ftp1 start”

# End the simulation after 10 seconds

$ns at 10.0 “finish”

proc finish {} {

global ns tracefile

$ns flush-trace

close $tracefile

exit 0

}

# Run the simulation

$ns run

Explanation of the Script:

  1. Nodes:
    • n0, n1, n2, and n3 represent the nodes in the mesh topology.
  2. Links:
    • Duplex links are made among the nodes to form a mesh topology. Every node is connected to at least two other nodes and permitting several paths for communication.
    • For instance, node n0 is connected to nodes n1, n2, and n3, and same connections exist for the other nodes to make sure that various paths.
  3. Traffic Simulation:
    • TCP agents are used to mimic the communication among nodes. For example, traffic flows from the node n0 to n1 and from n2 to n3.
    • FTP applications produce the file transfer traffic among the nodes.
  4. Simulation Duration:
    • For 10 seconds, the simulation runs while that the communication among the nodes happens across the mesh network.

Post-Simulation Analysis:

  1. Trace File Analysis:
    • Open the trace file (out.tr) to observe the packet flow, after running the simulation. Then we can evaluate the routes taken by packets among the nodes.
  2. NAM Visualization:
    • We can use the NAM (Network Animator) to envision the mesh topology. Also we will observe numerous connections among the nodes that replicating a mesh of paths and the traffic flows will take various routes according to the obtainable links and routing protocols.
  3. Performance Metrics:
    • Assess the network performance metrics like latency, throughput, and packet loss to estimate how the mesh topology behaves under various traffic loads.

Enhancing the Simulation:

  1. Redundant Paths:
    • Append more nodes or links to replicate a denser mesh including even more redundant paths among the nodes.
  2. Link Failures:
    • To replicate the link failures to monitor how the network adjusts by rerouting traffic via alternative paths that is a main benefit of mesh topology.
  3. Dynamic Traffic Patterns:
    • Test with various traffic patterns and applications like UDP traffic or CBR (Constant Bit Rate) traffic to examine how various kinds of traffic act in the mesh topology.
  4. Increasing Node Count:
    • Append more nodes to the network to mimic a larger mesh topology and also monitor how the network scales such as performance and reliability.

We thoroughly pursued a methodical procedure, applying and analysing the Mesh Topology with the help of simulation tool NS2. More specific information on this topic will likewise be provided.

For successful implementation of Mesh Topology in NS2, we encourage you to connect with us for optimal outcomes. You can also explore project ideas at ns2project.com, where we provide guidance to assist you in completing your research.