OMNeT++ Framework for Simulation of Centralized and Distributed Algorithms in Multi-Hop Networks

Abstract

Theoretical applications and practical network algorithms are not very cost-effective, and most of the algorithms in the commercial market are implemented in the cutting-edge devices. Open-source network simulators have gained importance in recent years due to the necessity to implement network algorithms in more realistic scenarios with reasonable costs, especially for educational purposes and scientific researches. Although there have been various simulation tools, NS2 and NS3, OMNeT++ is more suitable to demonstrate network algorithms because it is convenient for the model establishment, modularization, expandability, etc. OMNeT++ network simulator is selected as a testbed in order to verify the correctness of the network algorithms. The study focuses on the algorithms based on centralized and distributed approaches for multi-hop networks in OMNeT++. Two network algorithms, the shortest path algorithm and flooding-based asynchronous spanning tree algorithm, were examined in OMNeT++. The implementation, analysis, and visualization of these algorithms have also been addressed.