How to Implement Networking Projects in ns2

To implement the Networking projects in Network Simulator 2 (ns2) encompasses numerous steps, from configuring the environment to executing simulations and evaluation the results. If you need further guidance then reach us at ns2project.com. In the following below, we offered the steps to implement the networking projects using ns2:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

  1. Setting Up the NS2 Environment
  • Install NS2: Start by making sure to install and configure the ns2 on your computer. You can discover the NS2 package and installation instructions for different operating systems (Linux, Windows using Cygwin, and macOS) on the NS2 official website.
  • Configure Environment Variables: Once the installation is done, attach ns2 binary directory to your PATH to set up the environment variables. This is usually complete in the .bashrc or .bash_profile file for Linux/Mac.
  1. Understand the NS2 Architecture

State the network topology, protocols and simulation parameters by utilizing the ns2’s OTcl (an object-oriented extension of Tcl) as its scripting language. Acquaint yourself with:

  • Tcl Scripts: Used to describe the network simulation environment.
  • C++ Classes: For generating new protocols or altering the available ones.
  1. Develop a Network Topology
  • Create a Tcl Script: Initiate by writing a Tcl script that states the network topology. It contains stating nodes, links, and network traffic. Here’s a basic sample for your reference:

# Define a simulator object

set ns [new Simulator]

# Open the nam trace file

set nf [open out.nam w]

$ns namtrace-all $nf

# Create nodes

set n0 [$ns node]

set n1 [$ns node]

# Create a link between nodes

$ns duplex-link $n0 $n1 1Mb 10ms DropTail

# Create a UDP agent and attach it to node n0

set udp0 [new Agent/UDP]

$ns attach-agent $n0 $udp0

# Create a CBR traffic source and attach it to the UDP agent

set cbr [new Application/Traffic/CBR]

$cbr attach-agent $udp0

# Create a Null agent and attach it to node n1

set null0 [new Agent/Null]

$ns attach-agent $n1 $null0

# Connect the traffic source to the destination

$ns connect $udp0 $null0

# Schedule events

$ns at 1.0 “$cbr start”

$ns at 4.0 “$cbr stop”

# Run the simulation

$ns run

  • Topology Design: Based on the project, develop the network topology that might contain wired or wireless nodes, routers and certain protocols (such as TCP, UDP).
  1. Implement or Modify Protocols
  • Modify Existing Protocols: If the project includes adjusting an existing protocol, you will need to modify the C++ source code. This involves amending files in the ns-2.x.x/ directory.
  • Create New Protocols: If you’re designing a new protocol, you’ll need to write the essential C++ classes and incorporate them into the NS2 environment. After executing, recompile NS2.
  1. Run Simulations
  • Execute the Script: Use ns2 to run the Tcl script by implementing the ns yourscript.tcl in the terminal.
  • Trace and Nam Files: NS2 creates trace files (.tr) and NAM files (.nam) that offer meticulous simulation outcomes and visualizations, respectively. Use NAM (Network Animator) tool to observe the network animation by executing nam out.nam.
  1. Analyze Results
  • Trace File Analysis: Obtain performance metrics like throughput, delay, packet loss, etc by evaluating the trace file. This can be accomplished manually by parsing the trace file or using tools like AWK, Perl, or MATLAB.
  • Graphical Analysis: Visualize the performance metric by plotting the outputs using tools like Gnuplot, Excel, or MATLAB.

From this procedure, you can get to know more about the implementation process regarding the Networking projects using Network Simulator 2 (ns2) including sample snippet codes. We have to evaluate its performance to enhance the performance. If you need any details about this topic, we will provide it.