NetSim User Manual

Contents
1 NetSim – Introduction ...........................................................................................................10
1.1 Introduction to modeling and simulation of networks ........................................................... 10
1.2 Versions of NetSim – Academic, Standard & Pro .................................................................... 10
1.3 Components in Pro and Standard versions ............................................................................. 12

2 Getting Started in NetSim ......................................................................................................14

2.1 Installing NetSim ..................................................................................................................... 14
2.1.1 Silent installation........................................................................................................ 23
2.2 Setting up License Server ........................................................................................................ 24
2.2.1 Installing NetSim RLM Dongle Driver Software (Dongle Based Delivery) .............. 24
2.2.2 Running NetSim License Server ................................................................................. 27
2.2.3 Running NetSim Software .......................................................................................... 27
2.3 Menus in NetSim ..................................................................................................................... 29
2.3.1 Simulation Menu .................................................................................................... 29
2.3.2 Programming Menu ............................................................................................... 30
2.4 Modeling and Simulation of a simple network ....................................................................... 32
2.4.1 Creating a Network scenario .................................................................................. 32
2.4.2 Configuring devices and links in the scenario ........................................................ 33
2.4.3 Modeling Traffic ..................................................................................................... 34
2.4.4 Logging Packet/ Event Trace .................................................................................. 35
2.4.5 Run Simulation ....................................................................................................... 36
2.5 Saving & Opening experiments and Printing results ............................................................... 36
2.5.1 Opening Saved Experiments: Open Network – All Networks ................................ 36
2.5.2 Saving an Experiment ............................................................................................. 37

3 Simulating different networks in NetSim ...............................................................................38

3.1 Internetworks .......................................................................................................................... 38
3.1.1 New Experiment ..................................................................................................... 38
3.1.2 Create Scenario ...................................................................................................... 38
3.1.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties ............................................................ 38
3.1.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ......................... 40

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 3.1.5 Run Simulation ....................................................................................................... 40
3.1.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................... 40
3.1.7 TCP – Example Simulations .................................................................................... 44
3.1.8 IP Addressing in NetSim ......................................................................................... 46
3.1.9 Features in WLAN 802.11a/b/n/ac ........................................................................ 47
3.1.10 Configuring Static Routing in NetSim ..................................................................... 55
3.1.11 Multicast Routing Protocols ................................................................................... 59
3.1.12 VLAN (Virtual LAN) ................................................................................................. 70
3.1.13 Public IP Address & NAT (Network Address Translation) ...................................... 86
3.2 Legacy Networks ..................................................................................................................... 90
3.2.1 New Experiment ..................................................................................................... 90
3.2.2 Create Scenario ...................................................................................................... 90
3.2.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties ............................................................ 91
3.2.4 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties.............................................................. 91
3.2.5 Enable Packet Trace (Optional) .............................................................................. 91
3.2.6 Run Simulation ....................................................................................................... 91
3.3 Advanced Wireless Networks – MANET & Wi-Max ................................................................ 92
3.3.1 New Experiment ..................................................................................................... 92
3.3.2 Create Scenario ...................................................................................................... 92
3.3.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties ............................................................ 93
3.3.4 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties.............................................................. 94
3.3.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ......................... 94
3.3.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................... 94
3.3.7 Run Simulation ....................................................................................................... 96
3.3.8 Link Layer Acknowledgements and Network Layer Acknowledgements in DSR ... 97
3.3.9 Multiple MANETs ................................................................................................... 98
3.4 BGP ........................................................................................................................................ 103
3.4.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 103
3.4.2 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 103
3.4.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties .......................................................... 103
3.4.4 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties............................................................ 104
3.4.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ....................... 104
3.4.6 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 105
3.5 Cellular Networks– GSM/CDMA............................................................................................ 106

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 3.5.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 106
3.5.2 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 106
3.5.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties .......................................................... 106
3.5.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ....................... 107
3.5.5 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 107
3.5.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................. 108
3.6 Wireless Sensor Network ...................................................................................................... 111
3.6.1 Devices in NetSim:................................................................................................ 111
3.6.2 Designing WSN Networks .................................................................................... 111
3.6.3 Procedure ............................................................................................................. 112
3.6.4 Model features ..................................................................................................... 113
3.6.5 Set Link / Agent Properties .................................................................................. 118
3.6.6 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics(Optional) ........................ 119
3.6.7 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 120
3.6.8 Results window in WSN ....................................................................................... 120
3.6.9 The IEEE 802.15.4 Protocol implementation in NetSim ....................................... 122
3.6.10 CSMA/CA Implementation in NetSim .................................................................. 123
3.6.11 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................. 125
3.7 Internet of Things .................................................................................................................. 127
3.7.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 127
3.7.2 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 127
3.7.3 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 127
3.7.4 Set Node, Link and Application Properties .......................................................... 128
3.7.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics(Optional) ........................ 129
3.7.6 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 129
3.7.7 RPL protocol in IOT ............................................................................................... 130
3.7.8 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................. 135
3.8 Zigbee (802.15.4)................................................................................................................... 137
3.8.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 137
3.8.2 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 137
3.8.3 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties............................................................ 137
3.8.4 Set Node, Link and Application Properties .......................................................... 137
3.8.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ....................... 138
3.8.6 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 138

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 3.9 Cognitive Radio (802.22) ....................................................................................................... 139
3.9.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 139
3.9.2 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 139
3.9.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties .......................................................... 139
3.9.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ....................... 140
3.9.5 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 140
3.9.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................. 141
3.10 LTE/LTE-A............................................................................................................................. 144
3.10.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 144
3.10.2 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 144
3.10.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties .......................................................... 144
3.10.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ....................... 145
3.10.5 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 145
3.10.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................. 146
3.10.7 Physical speed of the LTE Air Interface ................................................................ 147
3.10.8 Carrier Aggregation .............................................................................................. 149
3.10.9 LTE Operating Bands: ........................................................................................... 150
3.10.10 LTE PHY layer parameters: ................................................................................... 151
3.10.11 CA Configurations: ............................................................................................... 151
3.10.12 CA Bandwidth Classes: ......................................................................................... 151
3.10.13 CA Configuration naming conventions: ............................................................... 152
3.10.14 CA Configuration in NetSim: ................................................................................ 152
3.11 VANETs ................................................................................................................................ 155
3.11.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 155
3.11.2 IEEE802.11p DSRC/WAVE Protocol Stack: ........................................................... 155
3.11.3 Implementation of 802.11p protocol in NetSim .................................................. 156
3.11.4 Introduction to NetSim – SUMO interfacing for VANET simulation .................... 157
3.11.5 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 160
3.11.6 How to create your own network using SUMO and run through NetSim ........... 162
3.11.7 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................. 166
3.12 Military Radio – TDMA link 16............................................................................................. 169
3.12.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 169
3.12.2 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 169
3.12.3 Set Node Properties ............................................................................................. 170

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 3.12.4 Set Environment Properties ................................................................................. 170
3.12.5 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties............................................................ 171
3.12.6 Set Application Properties ................................................................................... 171
3.12.7 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics(Optional) ........................ 172
3.12.8 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 172
3.13 Military Radio – DTDMA ...................................................................................................... 173
3.13.1 New Experiment ................................................................................................... 173
3.13.2 Create Scenario .................................................................................................... 173
3.13.3 Set Node Properties ............................................................................................. 173
3.13.4 Set Environment Properties ................................................................................. 175
3.13.5 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties............................................................ 175
3.13.6 Set Application Properties ................................................................................... 175
3.13.7 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional) ....................... 176
3.13.8 Run Simulation ..................................................................................................... 176
3.13.9 Example Configuration files in NetSim ................................................................. 176
3.13.10 DTDMA Packet size .............................................................................................. 182
3.13.11 Node Join / Leave ................................................................................................. 183
3.14 Propagation models in NetSim............................................................................................ 184
3.14.1 Propagation Loss .................................................................................................. 184
3.14.2 Path Loss .............................................................................................................. 184
3.14.3 Shadowing ............................................................................................................ 185
3.14.4 Fading ................................................................................................................... 186
3.14.5 SINR Calculation ................................................................................................... 186
3.14.6 Bit Error Rate (BER) Calculation ........................................................................... 187

4 Traffic generator (Application models).................................................................................188

4.1 Common properties for all the traffic types ......................................................................... 189
4.2 CBR ........................................................................................................................................ 190
4.3 Custom .................................................................................................................................. 190
4.4 Voice ...................................................................................................................................... 191
4.5 Video ..................................................................................................................................... 192
4.6 FTP ......................................................................................................................................... 195
4.7 Database................................................................................................................................ 195
4.8 Peer to Peer ........................................................................................................................... 196

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 4.9 HTTP ...................................................................................................................................... 196
4.10Email ..................................................................................................................................... 197
4.10 Sensor App .......................................................................................................................... 198
4.12 Erlang Call ............................................................................................................................ 198
4.13 BSM ..................................................................................................................................... 199
4.14 Emulator .............................................................................................................................. 200
4.15 Priority and QoS of Applications ......................................................................................... 201
4.16 Modelling Poisson arrivals in NetSim .................................................................................. 201

5 Running Simulation via CLI...................................................................................................203

5.1 Running NetSim via CLI ......................................................................................................... 203
5.2 Understanding Configuration.NetSim file ............................................................................. 207
5.2.1 How to use Visual Studio to edit the Configuration file? ..................................... 207
5.2.2 Sections of Configuration file ............................................................................... 208
5.2.3 Sample Configuration file ..................................................................................... 209
5.2.4 Configuration.xsd file ........................................................................................... 210

6 Results and Analysis ............................................................................................................211

6.1 Performance Metrics............................................................................................................. 211
6.2 Packet Animation .................................................................................................................. 215
6.2.1 Example on how to use NetSim packet animation feature: ................................ 216
6.3 Packet Trace .......................................................................................................................... 218
6.3.1 How to set filters to NetSim trace file .................................................................. 219
6.3.2 Observing packet flow in the Network through packet trace file ........................ 220
6.3.3 Analysing Packet Trace using Pivot Tables ........................................................... 221
6.4 Event Trace (only in Standard/Pro Version) .......................................................................... 235
6.4.1 NetSim Network Stack ......................................................................................... 235
6.4.2 Calculation of Delay, Jitter and Application throughput from event trace.......... 238
6.5 Packet Capture & analysis using Wireshark .......................................................................... 247
6.5.1 Enabling Wireshark in a node for packet capture ................................................ 247
6.5.2 Viewing captured packets .................................................................................... 248
6.5.3 Filtering captured packets.................................................................................... 248
6.5.4 Analyzing packets in Wireshark ........................................................................... 249

7 Writing Custom Code in NetSim ...........................................................................................253

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 7.1 Writing your own code .......................................................................................................... 253
7.1.1 Modifying code .................................................................................................... 253
7.1.2 Building Dlls .......................................................................................................... 255
7.1.3 Building a 64-bit DLL in NetSim ............................................................................ 256
7.1.4 Linking Dlls ........................................................................................................... 259
7.1.5 Running Simulation .............................................................................................. 261
7.2 Implementing your code - Examples ..................................................................................... 261
7.2.1 Hello World Program ........................................................................................... 261
7.2.2 Introducing Node Failure in MANET .................................................................... 262
7.2.3 Transferring file from source to destination in WSN ........................................... 263
7.3 Debugging your code ............................................................................................................ 268
7.3.1 Via GUI.................................................................................................................. 269
7.3.2 How to debug and visualize animation simultaneously....................................... 271
7.3.3 Via CLI ................................................................................................................... 272
7.3.4 Co-relating with Event Trace ................................................................................ 275
7.3.5 Viewing & Accessing variables ............................................................................. 277
7.3.6 Print to console window in NetSim ...................................................................... 285
7.4 Creating a new packet and adding a new event in NetSim................................................... 286
7.5 NetSim API’s .......................................................................................................................... 292

8 Advanced Features ..............................................................................................................295

8.1 Random number Generator and Seed Values ...................................................................... 295
8.2 Mobility Models in NetSim .................................................................................................... 295
8.2.1 Random Walk mobility model .............................................................................. 295
8.2.2 Random Waypoint Mobility Model...................................................................... 296
8.2.3 Group mobility ..................................................................................................... 296
8.2.4 File Based Mobility ............................................................................................... 296
8.3 Interfacing MATLAB with NetSim .......................................................................................... 299
8.3.1 Implement Rician Distribution from MATLAB in NetSim without using .m file ... 299
8.3.2 Debug and understand communication between NetSim and MATLAB ............. 309
8.3.3 Implement Rician Distribution of MATLAB in NetSim using .m file: .................... 313
8.3.4 Plot a histogram in MATLAB using the values generated by Rician distribution for
NetSim (using .m file) ........................................................................................................ 314
8.4 Adding Custom Performance Metrics ................................................................................... 318
8.5 Environment Variables in NetSim ......................................................................................... 321

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9 NetSim Emulator .................................................................................................................322
9.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 322
9.1.1 Emulation: How Simulation interacts with the real world ................................... 322
9.2 Emulation Set-up: .................................................................................................................. 322
9.2.1 Setting up the NetSim Server: .............................................................................. 323
9.2.2 Setting up the Client systems (Real Source and Destination system) ................. 324
9.2.3 Setting up the Linux Client Systems (Real Source and Destination systems) ...... 325
9.2.4 Setting up the Communication with Raspberry PI ............................................... 329
9.2.5 Setting multiple Virtual Machines (VM) to act as Nodes for Emulation .............. 330
9.2.6 Multicasting in NetSim Emulator using JPERF ......................................................... 333
9.3 Emulation examples in NetSim ............................................................................................. 337
9.3.1 Example Application 1 – PING (One way Communication).................................. 337
9.3.2 Example Application 1 – PING (Two-way Communication) ................................. 339
9.3.3 Example Application 2 – Video (Oneway Communication) ................................. 339
9.3.4 Example Application 3 – File Transfer using FileZilla (One-way).......................... 344
9.3.5 Example Application 4 –Skype (Two way Communication) ................................. 348
9.3.6 Example Application 5 – Using JPerf Network performance measurement tool 349
9.3.7 Providing pcap file as input to NetSim Emulator ................................................. 352
9.4 Working of an Emulation Application in NetSim:.................................................................. 355
9.4.1 Delay measurement when pinging through NetSim Emulator ................................ 358
9.5 How doesa user introduce jitter in NetSim Emulations? ...................................................... 361
9.5.1 Introducing Jitter using Background traffic.............................................................. 361

10 Troubleshooting in NetSim ..................................................................................................362

10.1 CLI mode .............................................................................................................................. 362
10.2 I/O warning displayed in CLI mode ..................................................................................... 362
10.2.1 Connection refused at server<-111> error displayed: ......................................... 362
10.2.2 Unable to load license config dll(126):................................................................. 363
10.2.3 “Error in getting License” error in CLI mode: ....................................................... 363
10.2.4 Unable to load license config dll displayed: ......................................................... 365
10.3 Configuration.NetSim .......................................................................................................... 365
10.3.1 Invalid attribute in configuration file attributes: ................................................. 365
10.3.2 Error in tags in configuration file attributes:........................................................ 365
10.3.3 Error lines in configuration.xsd in the Configuration file: .................................... 366

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 10.3.4 Simulation terminates and “NetSim Backend has stopped working” displayed: 367
10.3.5 Monitor screen resolution is less than 1024X768: .............................................. 367
10.4 Licensing .............................................................................................................................. 368
10.4.1 No License for product (-1) error ......................................................................... 368
10.5 Troubleshooting VANET simulations that interface with SUMO ........................................ 368
10.5.1 Guide for Sumo .................................................................................................... 368
10.5.2 Guide for Python .................................................................................................. 368
10.5.3 VANET Simulation ................................................................................................ 370
10.5.4 Python .................................................................................................................. 370
10.5.5 NetSim Core Protocol Library............................................................................... 370

11 Known Issues in NetSim v10.2 .............................................................................................371

12 NetSim Videos .....................................................................................................................373

13 R&D projects in NetSim .......................................................................................................373

14 NetSim FAQ/Knowledgebase ...............................................................................................373

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1 NetSim – Introduction

1.1 Introduction to modeling and simulation of networks

A network simulator enables users to virtually create a network along with its components
such as devices, links, and applications etc. To study the behavior and performance of the
Network.

Some examples of applications of network simulators are

• Protocol performance analysis

• Application modeling and analysis
• Network design and planning
• Research and development of new networking technologies
• Test and verification

The key features essential to any network simulation are -

• Building the model – Create a network scenario with devices, links, applications
etc
• Running the simulation - Run the discrete event simulation (DES) and log
different performance metrics
• Visualizing the simulation- Use a packet animator to view the flow of packets
• Analyzing the results - Examine output performance metrics such as throughput,
delay, loss etc. at multiple levels - network, link, queue, application etc.
• Developing your own protocol / algorithm - Extend existing algorithms by
modifying the simulators source C code

1.2 Versions of NetSim – Academic, Standard & Pro

NetSim is used by people from different areas such as academics, industry and defense to
design, simulate, analyze and verify the performance of different networks.

NetSim comes in three versions- Academic, Standard and Pro. The academic version is
used for lab experimentation and teaching. The standard version is used for R & D at
educations institutions while NetSim Pro version addresses the needs of defense and
industry. The standard and pro versions are available as components in NetSim v10

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from which users can choose and assemble. The academic version is available as a single
product and includes all the technologies shown below. The main differences between the
various versions are tabulated below:

Features Academic Standard Pro

Technology Coverage
Internetworks Y Y Y
Legacy Networks Y Y Y
BGP Y Y
Advanced Wireless Networks Y Y Y
Cellular Networks Y Y Y
Wireless Sensor Networks Y Y Y
Internet of Things Y Y Y
Zigbee Y Y Y
Cognitive Radio Networks Y Y Y
LTE/LTE-A Networks Y Y Y
VANET N Y Y
Performance Reporting
Performance metrics available for Network and Y Y Y
Sub-network
Packet Animator
Used to animate the packet flow in network
Y Y Y
Packet Trace
Available in tab ordered .txt format for easy post Y Y Y
processing
Event Trace
Available in tab ordered .txt format for easy post N Y Y
processing
Protocol Library Source Codes with
Documentation
Protocol C source codes and appropriate header
N Y Y
files with extensive documentation
External Interfacing
Interfacing with SUMO, MATLAB and Wireshark
N Y
Integrated debugging
Users can write their own code, link their code to N Y Y
NetSim and debug using Visual Studio
Dynamic Metrics
Allows users to plot the value of a parameter over Y Y Y
simulation time
~ 10,000
100 Nodes 500 Nodes
Simulation Scale Nodes

Custom Coding and Modeling Support N Y Y

Emulator (Add on)
Connect to real hardware running live application
N Y Y
Educational Commercial
(Lab Educational (Industrial
Target Users and Segment
Experimenta (Research) and
tion) Defense)

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1.3 Components in Pro and Standard versions
In NetSim v10, users can choose and assemble components for Pro and Standard version.
The components are as follows:

Component No Networks / Protocols International Standards

Internetworks
Ethernet - Fast & Gigabit, ARP, Routing -
RIP, OSPF,
WLAN - 802.11 a / b / g /p / n / ac & e,
Propagation models - HATA Urban /
Suburban, COST 231 HATA urban /
Suburban, Indoor Home / Office / Factory,
Friis Free Space, Log Distance.
Shadowing - Constant, Lognormal. Fading -
Rayleigh, Nakagami IEEE 802.3
IPv4, Firewalls, Queuing - Round Robin,
Component 1 FIFO, Priority, WFQ, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/p/e
(Base. Required TCP, - Old Tahoe, Tahoe, Reno, New
for all Reno, BIC, CUBIC, Window Scaling, SACK
components) UDP
Common Modules
Traffic Generator: Voice, Video, FTP, RFCs 2453, 2328, 826, 793,
Database, HTTP, Email, P2P, Custom, 2001 and 768
Virtual Network Stack,
Simulation Kernel,
Command Line Interface,
Metrics Engine with packet and event trace
Plot Generator
Packet Animator,
Packet Encryption
External Interfaces: MATLAB Wireshark
Legacy Networks
IEEE 802.3
Aloha – (Pure & Slotted)
IEEE 802.4
Component 2 CSMA/CD
IEEE 802.5
Token Ring
Token Bus
Advanced Routing
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP),Multicast
Routing - IGMP, PIM, Access Control
Component 3
Lists,Detailed Layer 3 switch mode, Virtual IETF RFC’s 1771 & 3121
LAN (VLAN), Public IP, Network Address
Translation (NAT)
Advanced Wireless Networks
MANET - DSR, AODV, OLSR, ZRP IETF RFC 4728, 3561, 3626
Component 4
Multiple MANETs IEEE 802.16d
Wi-Max
Cellular Networks
3GPP, ETSI, IMT-MC, IS-95
Component 5 GSM
A/B, IxRTT, 1x-EV-Do, 3xRTT
CDMA
Component 6 Internet of things (IOT) with RPL protocol IEEE 802.15.4 MAC,
(Component 4 Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) MANET in L3
required) Personal Area Networks: ZigBee RFC 6550
Cognitive Radio Networks
Component 7 WRAN IEEE 802.22

Long-Term Evolution Networks:LTE, LTE

Component 8 3GPP
- Advanced, LTE Device to Device (LTE

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 D2D), LTE Femto Cell

VANETs: IEEE 1609 WAVE, Basic Safety

Component 9 Message (BSM) protocol per J2735 DSRC,
(Component 4 Interface with SUMO for road traffic IEEE 1609
required) simulation

Military Radio (Only in PRO Version)

Military Radio TDMA Link 16, Dynamic TDMA,
Add on (Pro Frequencies – HF, VHF, UHF Bands, ----
version only) Frequency Hopping

Network Network Emulator

Emulator Connect real hardware running live ----
Add On applications to NetSim Simulator

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2 Getting Started in NetSim

2.1 Installing NetSim

Install the 32 bit or 64 bit build of NetSim depending on your PC platform.

Based on the NetSim version under installation the version type being displayed in the
following windows will change. For example, you will see NetSim Standard for a standard
version install –

Click on Yes button to install the software.

Setup prepares the installation wizard and software installation begins with a Welcome
Screen.

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Click on the Next button. In the next screen, License agreement will be displayed.

Read the agreement carefully, scroll down to read the complete license agreement. If the
requirement of the license agreement is accepted click “IAgree” button else quit the setup by
clicking Cancel button.

If you agree with the license agreement, you will be prompted to select the components to
be installed. The list of components is available for selection and assembly only in the
Standard and Pro version. Other versions of NetSim are available as a single package.

Click on the Next button.

Note: Select all the supporting applications for complete installation of the software. In the
next screen, you will be requested to enter the installation path. Select the path in which the
software needs to be installed and click on Next button.

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On the next screen, you will be requested to enter the Start menu folder name.

Click on the Install button to start the installation.The installation process begins.

After the installation of required files, the installation of supporting software begins. For
NetSim Academic, Adobe Flash Player will be installed.

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For NetSim Standard Version and Pro Version, Wireshark installation will start by default (if
not deselected during 3rd party software selection)

Click on Next to start Wireshark installation. In the following window, click on I Agree.

Click on I Agree.

Select all the components and click on Next.

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Click on Next to go to Install Location window as shown below.

Specify the destination and select Next.

Select Install WinPcap and click on Install. After the installation of the software, you will be
requested to click Finish to complete the installation process.

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Select I agree and click on Install to continue installation of Microsoft Visual C++ 2015.

Once installation is completed, a message box will appear as shown in image,click on close.

To start Python software installation, select whether to install for all users orParticular user
alone. Click on Next.

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Select destination directory for Python files.Click on Next.

Click on Next and the Installation begins.

Click on Finish.

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To install Pywin32, Click on Next

Select the Python directory and Click on Next.

Click on Next and the installation Pywin32 begins.

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Click on Finish. This completes theInstallation of python software

Select “Run NetSim” and then click on the Finish button.This completes the installation of
NetSim Software.

Note: During the installation of NetSim Academic version the supporting software installed are Adobe
Flash player and WinPcap.

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2.1.1 Silent installation

Steps for silent installation in NetSim are as follows:

1 For example, let us take the NetSim Standard 32 bit setup. Right click on NetSim
Standard 32bit setup-> go to properties and copy the location.

2 Open command prompt and paste the copied location as shown below:->cd <setup
location>

Then, press enter.

3 Run Execute Command with the following parameters,

NetSim_Standard_10_1_16_HW_32bit.exe /S /silent=1

><setup location><space>/S<space>/silent=1

i. silent=1: will install NetSim and third party tools silently

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 ii. /S : will Install NetSim itself Silently

Then press enter.

4 Users can click on “Yes” as shown below to begin installation of NetSim Standard.

NOTE:Comple installation of NetSim may take upto 2 to 3 minutes.

2.2 Setting up License Server

2.2.1 Installing NetSim RLM Dongle Driver Software (Dongle Based
Delivery)

This section guides you to install the RLMDongle Driver software from the CD-ROM.

1 Insert the CD-ROM disc in the CD drive.

2 Double click on My Computer and access the CD Drive
3 Double click on Driver_Software folder.
4 Double click on HASPUserSetup.exe

Each prompt displayed during the process tells you what it is about to do and prompts to
either continue or Exit.

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Setup prepares the installation wizard and the software installation begins with a Welcome
Screen.Click on the Next button

Note: Any other program running during the installation of the Dongle will affect the proper
installation of the software.

In the next screen, the License agreement is displayed.Read the license agreement
carefully, scroll down to read the complete license agreement. If the requirement of the
license agreement is accepted select the “Iaccept” button else quit the setup by clicking
Cancel button.

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Click on the Next button

Click on the Next button. The installation process begins.

After the installation of the software, you will be requested to click Finish button to complete
the installation process.Now the RLM driver software is installed successfully.

If the driver has been successfully installed then upon connecting the Dongle in the USB port
red light would glow (Refer picture below). If the driver is not correctly installed this light will
not glow when the dongle is connected to the USB port.

Ver 10.2 26
2.2.2 Running NetSim License Server
• Copy the NetSim License Server folder and paste it on Desktop. Check that it
has the license file. If not copy the paste the license file into the License server
folder
• Double click on NetSim License Server folder from Desktop.
• Double click on rlm.exe
• For hardware dongle based users: After the Driver Software installation, connect
the RLM dongle to the system USB port. Double click on My Computer and
access the CD Drive. This CD contents will have the NetSim License server folder.

Note: For running NetSim, rlm.exe must be running in the server (license server) system
and the server system IP address must be entered correctly. Without running rlm.exe,
NetSim won’t run.When you run rlm.exe, the screen will appear as shown below.

2.2.3 Running NetSim Software

After running rlm.exe, click the NetSim icon in the Desktop.The screen given below will be
obtained.Enter the Server IP address where the rlm.exe is running, then click ok button.

Ver 10.2 27
You have now reached to the Home screen of NetSim. Click on New to start a simulation.

Ver 10.2 28
2.3 Menus in NetSim
In Academic/Standard/Pro Version

Recent: Opens the recent experiments

New: Open options to simulate different kinds of networks such as Internetworks, BGP
Networks, Advanced Wireless Networks (MANET and Wimax), Cellular Networks, Wireless
Sensor Networks, Internet of Things, Zigbee Networks, Cognitive Radio Networks, LTE/LTE-
A Networks (LTE/LTE-A, LTE femtocell, LTE D2D) and VANETs.

Open: Opens saved experiments

2.3.1 Simulation Menu

The Simulation menu contains options such as File and Help.

To create a Network scenario

Ver 10.2 29
Click on New and select the desired kind of network to simulate

Save

To Save experiment, select File  Save, then specify the Experiment Name, Path and click
Ok. The short cut for the same is Ctrl + S.

Save As

To Save an experiment with different name and different path, select Save As, then specify
the Experiment Name, Path and click Ok.

Help

This menu contains link to NetSim user Manual, NetSim Experiment manual, to NetSim
videos and to raise a support Ticket.

2.3.2 Programming Menu

The Programming menu contains short network programming exercises for students.

Ver 10.2 30
To start with programming exercises,In Home page, go to NetSim Program  Click on Lab
Exercises. Click on this menu and select the desired programming exercise.

Note: This menu is available only in Academic and Standard Versions

Upon selection, the following screen will appear. For detailed help, go to Help  NetSim
Programming Exercises Help.

Ver 10.2 31
2.4 Modeling and Simulation of a simple network
This section will demonstrate how to create a basic network scenario and analyze in NetSim.
Let us consider Internetworks. To create a new scenario, go to New  Internetworks

2.4.1 Creating a Network scenario

In this example, a network with two subnets in designed. Let us say the subnet 1 consists of
two wired nodes connected via a Switch and the other subnet consists of one wired node.
Both the subnets are connected using a Router. Traffic in the Network flows from a wired
node in subnet 1 to the wired node in subnet 2.

Perform the following steps to create this network design. Step 1:Drop the devices. Click
on Node icon and select  Wired Node

Ver 10.2 32
Click on the environment (the grid) where you want the Wired Node to be placed. In this
way, place two more wired nodes. Similarly, to place a Switch and a Router, click on the
respective device and click on the environment at the desired location.

Step 2: Connecting devices on the environment. :In order to connect devices, present in
the environment, click on Link and select Wired Link.

Click on the first device and then on the second device to to create a link between them. For
example, select wired link and the click on Switch followed by router to connect them. In this
manner, continue to link all devices.

2.4.2 Configuring devices and links in the scenario

Step 1: To configure any device, right click on the device and select properties

Ver 10.2 33
User can set values according to their requirement. Modify the properties of any device and
click on Accept. In this example default values are accepted.

Step 2: To configure the links, right click on any Link and select Properties.

In above scenario, default values are accepted.

2.4.3 Modeling Traffic

After the network is configured, user needs to model traffic from Wired Node B to Wired
Node C. This is done using the application icon. Select the Application Button and click on

Ver 10.2 34
the space between the Grid and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties

In above scenario, default values are accepted. The Source_ID is 2 and Destination_ID is 5.
Click on Accept.

2.4.4 Logging Packet/ Event Trace

Packet and Event Trace files are useful for detailed simulation analysis. By default, these are
not enabled since it slows down the simulation.To enable logging of Packet Trace / Event
Trace click on the icon in the tool bar as shown below. Set the file name and select the
required attributes to be logged. For more information, please refer sections 6.4 and 6.5
respectively.

Ver 10.2 35
2.4.5 Run Simulation

For simulating the network scenario created, click on Run Simulation present in the

Ribbon

Set the Simulation Time to 10 seconds. Click on OK.

2.5 Saving & Opening experiments and Printing results

2.5.1 Opening Saved Experiments: Open Network – All Networks

Click on Open to open saved experiments.

Ver 10.2 36
Open saved experiment folder and select the configuration file you want to open.

2.5.2 Saving an Experiment

During Simulation: Users can save by using the short cut CTRL + S

After Simulation: From Results Window: Click the Save button on the top left. From
Animation Window: Click the save icon.

Next,specify the Experiment Name and Save Path and click on Save.

Upon saving a number of files would get saved inside the folder, including

• Configuration file (.netsim format) & metrics file (xml format)

• Trace Files (csv format), if enabled, and
• Plot data (txt format)

Ver 10.2 37
3 Simulating different networks in NetSim
3.1 Internetworks
Internetwork covers the following protocols: Ethernet, ARP, Wireless LAN, IP, Routing – RIP
/ OSPF, TCP and UDP

3.1.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu, select NewInternetworks

3.1.2 Create Scenario

Internetworks come with the palette of various devices like Switch, Router, Wired Node,
Wireless Node, AP, etc.Select the desired device in the toolbar and click and drop on the
grid.

To remove devices or application, right click on the particular icon and then click
Remove.Select the appropriate link in the toolbar and connect the devices by clicking on the
device 1 followed by device 2. A wireless link is required when connecting Access point and
Wireless Nodes.

3.1.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

Ver 10.2 38
 • To modify properties, right click on the appropriate node or link in the gridand
modify itsproperties.

• Mobility of Wireless nodes is not available in infrastructure mode and is only

available in Adhoc mode. Hence mobility for wireless nodes can only be set when
running MANET simulations.
• Global Properties: Certain properties are global in nature, i.e changing properties in
one node will automatically reflect in the others in that network. These include
Routing Protocol in Application Layer of router, all user editable properties in
DataLink Layer and Physical Layer of Access Point and Wireless Node are Global
except for IEEE802.11e
• When simulating Internetworks if the link propagation delay is set too high then the
applications may not see any throughput since it would take too long for OSPF to
converge, and furthermore, TCP may also timeout (since max RTO is 3s).
• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the region between the
Grid Environment and the ribbon. This will drop the the application icon. Right click
to set Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

Ver 10.2 39
 • Set the values and click Accept.

3.1.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.1.5 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

3.1.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

Ver 10.2 40
Internetworks – Example Simulations:

Example 1: Understanding Traffic Generation Rate and Service Rate

Open the scenario for service rate which is available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\
Sample_Configuration\Internetworks\Generation_rate_service_rate”

Settings done in example config file:

1 TCP (Transport Layer) -> Disable in all wired nodes

2 Generation rate = 10Mbps for each application.

Generation Rate (Mbps) = (Packet size (bytes) * 8) / Inter arrival time (µs))

3 The traffic generation rate can be modified by changing application properties. Note that
the generation rate should be less than or equal to service rate for steady-state
simulation, where the service rate is defined as the data rate supported by the Bottle-
neck link. In this case there is no bottle neck link since all links support upto 100 Mbps.
4 Packet Trace -> Enable.
5 Simulate for 100s and note the throughput.
6 Click on edit network and change the link speed from Router E to Wired Node D from
the default 100 Mbps to 25 Mbps. In this case, the link between Router and Wired Node
D becomes the Bottle-neck link since the link rate is less than the generation rate of 30
Mbps (10 * 3).

Inference:Sample 1:In this scenario router receives packets from three links at the rate of
10mbps each, a total of 30 mbps. And the router-node link supports 100mbps. Hence there
is no queuing / drops at the Router. The application throughput would be approximately
equal to the generation rate.

Ver 10.2 41
Sample 2:In this case, the bottleneck link supports only 25 mbps. Due to this, packets get
accumulated in the router's buffer, which overflows after reaching its limit. After this router
starts dropping the packets which can be observed in the Packet Trace by filtering
PACKET_STATUS to Buffer_Dropped at the end of the simulation. The application
throughput would be approximately equal to the bottle neck link capacity.

Example 2: Packet Aggregation in 802_11n

Open the scenario for packet aggregation which is available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\
Sample_Configuration\Internetworks\802_11n_packet_aggregation”

Settings done in example config file:

1 Grid length = 50m * 50m.

2 Distance between AP and Node is 20m.
3 Packet Trace -> Enable
4 TCP -> Disable in Wireless and Wired Node.
5 WLAN Standard -> 802.11n.
6 For sample 1, No. of packets aggregated -> 1.
7 Propagation model -> Path Loss only, Path Loss Model -> Log Distance and Path loss
Exponent -> 3.
8 CBR application with 100Mbps generation rate.
9 Simulate for 10 sec.
10 Note down the application throughput in the results window after simulation. Increase
the No. of aggregated packets (changing AP --> Interface_Wireless ->
No_of_Packet_to_Aggregate) and note down the application throughputs. It would be as
shown in below table:

Ver 10.2 42
 Number of
Application Throughput
Packets Aggregated
1 23.1 Mbps
5 43.6 Mbps
10 53.2 Mbps

Inference:

• Packet aggregation is responsible for joining multiple MSDUs into a

single MPDU that can be delivered to the physical layer as a single unit for
transmission. As we increase the number of packets aggregated it results in lesser
number of ack’s. Hence more data packets are transmitted per unit time leading to
higher application throughput.
• For Number of Packets aggregated = 5, we will get 5 successive packets followed
by a WLAN_Block_Ack (which is used to acknowledge that 5 packets are received
successfully). Users can observe this in Packet Trace by filtering Tx_ID as Access
Point and Rx_ID as Wireless Node B.
• Note that in the early stages of the simulation the AP would transmit whatever the
number of frames/packets in its buffer. It will not wait for 5 packets to be
aggregated (if say number of packets aggregated is 5). If Access Point buffer has
more than 5 packets, it will aggregate 5 packets and then send. After sending 5
Packets it will receive one WLAN_Block_ack.

Example 3: 802.11 MIMO

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\Internetworks\802_11n_MIMO”

Settings done in sample network:

1 Grid length = 50m X 50m.

2 Distance between AP and Node is 20m.
3 TCP -> Disable in Wireless and Wired Node.
4 WLAN Standard -> 802.11n.
5 Propagation model -> Path Loss only, Path Loss Model -> Log Distance and Path loss
Exponent -> 3.
6 CBR application with 50Mbps generation rate.
7 Simulate for 10 sec.
8

Ver 10.2 43
 Number of Tx and Rx
Throughput
Antennae
1x1 23.1 Mbps
2x2 29.7 Mbps
3x3 31.9 Mbps
4x4 34.4 Mbps

MIMO is a method for multiplying the capacity of a radio link using multiple transmit and
receive antennas to exploit multipath propagation. Increasing the Transmitter and
Receiver Antenna count results in more PHY Data rate (link capacity) and hence leading to
an increased application throughput.

3.1.7 TCP – Example Simulations

Example 1: Window Scaling

Both uplink and

downlink Delay = 100ms

Open the scenario which is available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration

\internetworks\window_scaling”

The TCP throughput of a link is limited by two windows: the congestion window and the
receive window. The congestion window tries not to exceed the capacity of the network
(congestion control); the receive window tries not to exceed the capacity of the receiver to
process data (flow control).

The TCP window scale option is an option to increase the receive window size allowed in
Transmission Control Protocol above its former maximum value of 65,535 bytes.

TCP window scale option is needed for efficient transfer of data when the bandwidth-delay
product is greater than 64K. For instance, if a transmission line of 1.5 Mbit/second was used
over a satellite link with a 513 millisecond round trip time (RTT), the bandwidth-delay product
is (1,500,000 * 0.513) = 769,500 bits or about 96,187 bytes.

Ver 10.2 44
Using a maximum window size of 64 KB only allows the buffer to be filled to (65,535 /
96,187) = 68% of the theoretical maximum speed of 1.5 Mbps, or 1.02 Mbps.

By using the window scale option, the receive window size may be increased up to a
maximum value of 1,073,725,440 bytes. This is done by specifying a one byte shift count in
the header options field. The true receive window size is left shifted by the value in shift
count. A maximum value of 14 may be used for the shift count value. This would allow a
single TCP connection to transfer data over the example satellite link at 1.5 Mbit/second
utilizing all of the available bandwidth.

Settings done in example config file:

1 TCP -> Enable

2 Window Scaling -> FALSE
3 Application Generation rate -> 10Mbps (packet Size = 1460 Bytes, Inter arrival time =
1168μs)
4 Bit error rate -> 0 in all wired links
5 Wireshark -> offline (Node3)
6 Link1 & Link3 speed -> 100Mbps, delay ->5μs
7 Link2 speed -> 10Mbps, delay -> 100ms (i.e., both uplink and downlink delay = 100ms -
> Round trip time = 200ms)
8 Simulate for 100s and note down the throughput
9 Window Scaling -> TRUE
10 Simulate for 100s and note down the throughput

Output:

Application_Throughput
Window Scaling
(Mbps)
FALSE 2.5
TRUE 8.7

Throughput calculation (Without Window Scaling)

Thoeretical Throughput = Window size / Round trip time = 65535*8/200ms = 2.62Mbps

Inference (Without Window scaling):

Ver 10.2 45
In case 1 the Application_Throughput is 2.50 Mbps less than the theoretical throughput since
it initially takes some time for the window to reach 65535 B Users can notice the Window
size in wireshark. Please refer section 6.7.4 in User Manual for creating wireshark graphs

With Window scaling:

From the above screenshot users can notice that the window size grows upto 560192Bytes
because of Window Scaling. This leads to a higher Application_Throughput compared to the
case without window scaling.

3.1.8 IP Addressing in NetSim

When you create a network using the GUI, NetSim will automatically configure the IP
address of the devices in the scenario.

Consider the following scenarios:

Ver 10.2 46
If you create a network with two wired nodes and a switch, the IP addresses are assigned as
10.0.1.2 and 10.0.1.3 for the two wired nodes. The default subnet mask is assigned to be
255.255.0.0. It can be edited to 255.0.0.0 (Class A) or 255.255.255.0 (Class C) subnet
masks. Both the nodes are in the same network (10.0.0.0).

Similarly, if you create a network with a router and two wired nodes, the IP addresses are
assigned as 11.1.1.2 and 11.2.1.2 for the two wired nodes. The subnet mask is default as in
above case, i.e., 255.255.0.0. The IP address of the router is 11.1.1.1 and 11.2.1.1
respectively for the two interfaces. Both the nodes are in different networks (11.1.0.0 and
11.2.0.0) in this case.

The same logic is extended as the number of devices is increased.

3.1.9 Features in WLAN 802.11a/b/n/ac

3.1.9.1 WLAN Channels in NetSim

802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11e and 802.11p are the WLAN
standards available in NetSim.

WLAN standard Frequency (GHz) Bandwidth (MHz)

802.11 a 5 20

802.11 b 2.4 20

802.11 g 2.4 20

802.11 n 2.4, 5 20, 40

802.11 ac 2.4, 5 20, 40, 80, 160

RF spectrum implementations of 802.11b/g/n (2.4-GHz) and 802.11a/n/ac (5-GHz):

The following channel numbers are well-defined for 2.4GHz standards:

Channel Number Center Frequency (MHz)

1 2412
2 2417

Ver 10.2 47
 3 2422
4 2427
5 2432
6 2437
7 2442
8 2447
9 2452
10 2457
11 2462

Channel 1, when IEEE 802.11b is configured, corresponds to a channel width of 22MHz and
a center frequency of 2412MHz.

The 2.4-GHz band regulations of 802.11b/g/n have been relatively constant, given the length
of time they have been in operation. The FCC (U.S) allows for 11 channels, ETSI (and most
other parts of the world) allow for up to 13 channels, and Japan allows up to 14 channels but
requires a special license and operating modes to operate in channel 14.

2.4GHz Wi-Fi Channels

Channel plans for the 2.4 GHz band identify 14 Overlapping channels, but only 3 of these
are Channels 1,6,11 are highlighted below, note that all other channels overlap or share
boundaries

The following channel numbers are well-defined for 5GHz standards:

Ver 10.2 48
 Channel Number Center Frequency (MHz)

36 5180
38 5190
40 5200
42 5210
44 5220
46 5230
48 5240
52 5260
56 5280
60 5300
64 5320

Channel 36, when IEEE 802.11n is configured at 5GHz, corresponds to a channel width of
20MHz and a center frequency of 5180MHz.

The 5.0-GHz band regulations of 802.11a/n/ac are more diverse in the channels they allow
and their rules for operation. In general, with the advancement of 802.11ac most are now
considering opening more spectrum for 5 GHz Wi-Fi – and all have more non overlapping
channels in 5 GHz than is available anywhere in 2.4 GHz.

5GHz Channels

Channel Numbering

The standard method to denote 5 GHz channels has been to always use the 20 MHz center
channel frequencies for both 20 MHz and 40 MHz wide channels.

Channel Width Channel Numbers

20 MHz 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64
40 MHz 38, 46, 54, 62
80 MHz 42, 58
160 MHz 50

Ver 10.2 49
The following are the channel numbers of the non-overlapping channels for 802.11ac in
NetSim:

20MHz – 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64

40MHz – 36, 44, 52, 60

80MHz – 36, 52

160MHz – 36

3.1.9.2 WLAN PHY Rates in Netsim

WLAN Frequency Bandwidth MIMO
PHY rate (Mbps)
Standard (GHz) (MHz) streams

a 5 20 N/A 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54

b 2.4 22 N/A 1, 2, 5.5, 11

g 2.4 20 N/A 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54

20 Upto 288.8
n 2.4, 5 4
40 Upto 600
20 Upto 346.8

ac 40 Upto 800
5 8
80 Upto 1733.2
160 Upto 3466.8

3.1.9.3 Important IEEE 802.11n Standard features and implementation in NetSim

Mac aggregation and block acknowledgement are two important enhancements to 802.11n
standard. In the aggregation scheme, several MPDU’s (MAC Protocol Data Units) are
aggregated in to a single A-MPDU (Aggregated MPDU).

The A-MPDU’s are created before sending to PHY layer for transmission. The MAC does not
wait for MPDU’s before aggregation. It aggregates the already present packets in the queue
to form an A-MPDU. The maximum size of A-MPDU is 65535 bytes. The maximum size of
each MPDU is 4KB. In A-MPDU, each MPDU has a delimiter of 32bits at the beginning and
padding at the end. These padding bytes ensure that size of MPDU is a multiple of 4bytes.

Ver 10.2 50
In 802.11n, a single block acknowledgement is sent for the entire A-MPDU. The block ack
acknowledges each packet that is received. It consists of a bitmap (compressed bitmap) of
64bits or 8 bytes. This bitmap can acknowledge upto 64 packets, 1bit for each packet.

The value of a bitmap field is 1 if respective packet is received without error else it is 0. Only
the error packets are resent until a retry limit is reached. The number of packets in an A-
MPDU is restricted to 64 since the size of block ack bitmap is 64bits.

Block Ack Control Packet

3.1.9.4 Details of 802.11 n implementation in NetSim:

• NetSim aggregates packets in terms of numbers and not size.
• A user can vary the number of packets to aggregate by changing the appropriate
parameters in the GUI.
• NetSim ignores the padding bytes added to the MPDU since its effect is negligible.
• NetSim aggregates packets to the same receiver id and not to the destination ID.

Ver 10.2 51
Packets arriving from the NETWORK Layer gets queued up in an access buffer from which
they are sorted according to their priority in the respective QOS buffer according to the IEEE
802.11e standard. An event MAC_OUT with SubEvent CS (Carrier Sense – CSMA) is
added to check if the medium is free

In CS, if the medium is free, then the NAV is checked. This is enabled if RTS/CTS
mechanism is enabled which can be done so by adjusting the RTS Threshold. If the
Present_Time>NAV, then an Event MAC_OUT with SubEvent DIFS End is added at the
time Present_Time + DIFS time.

The medium is checked at the end of DIFS time period and a random time BackOff is
calculated based on the Contention Window (CW). An Event MAC_OUT with SubEvent
Backoff is added at time Present_Time + BackOff Time.

Once Backoff is successful, NetSim starts the transmission process wherein it gets the
aggregated packet from the QOS buffer and stores it in the Retransmit buffer. If the A-MPDU
size is > RTS Threshold, then it enables RTS/CTS mechanism which is an optional feature.

Ver 10.2 52
NetSim sends the packet by calling the PHY_OUT Event with SubEvent AMPDU_Frame.
Note that the implementation of A-MPDU is in the form of a linked list.

Whenever a packet is transmitted, the medium is made busy and a Timer Event with
SubEvent Update Device Status is added at the transmission end time to set the medium
again as idle.

Events PHY_OUT SubEvent AMPDU_SubFrame, Timer Event SubEvent Update Device

Status and Event PHY_IN SubEvent AMPDU_SubFrame are added in succession for each
MPDU (Subframe of the aggregated packet). This is done for collision calculations. If two
stations start transmission simultaneously, then some of the SubFrames may collide. Only
those collided SubFrames will be retransmitted again. The same logic is followed for an
Errored packet. However, if the PHY header (the first packet) is errored or collided, the entire
A-MPDU is resent.

At the receiver, the device de-aggregates the packet in the MAC Layer and generates a
block ACK which is sent to the transmitter. If the receiver is an intermediate node, the de-
aggregated packets are added to the access buffer of the receiver in addition to the packets
which arrive from Network layer. If the receiver is the destination, then the received packets
are sent to the Network layer. At the transmitter side, when the device receives the block
acknowledgement, it retransmits only those packets which are errored. The rest of the
packets are deleted from the retransmit buffer. This is done till all packets are transmitted
successfully or a retransmit limit is reached after which next set of packets are aggregated to
be sent.

802.11ac MAC and PHY Layer Implementation

Improvements in 802.11ac compared to 802.11n

Ver 10.2 53
 Feature 802.11n 802.11ac
Spatial Streams Up to 4 streams Up to 8 streams
MIMO Single User MIMO Multi-User MIMO
Channel Bandwidth 20 and 40 MHz 20, 40, 80 and 160 MHz (optional)
BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM and BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM and
Modulation
64QAM 256QAM (optional)
Max Aggregated
65536 octets 1048576 octets
Packet Size

MAC layer improvements include only the increment of number of aggregated packets from
1 to 64. The MCS index for different modulation and coding rates are as follows:

MCS Index Modulation Code Rate

0 BPSK 1/2
1 QPSK 1/2
2 QPSK 3/4
3 16QAM 1/2
4 16QAM 3/4
5 64QAM 2/3
6 64QAM 3/4
7 64QAM 5/6
8 256QAM 3/4
9 256QAM 5/6

Receiver sensitivity for different modulation schemes in 802.11ac (for a 20MHz Channel
bandwidth) are as follows:

MCS Index Receiver Sensitivity (in dBm)

0 -82
1 -79
2 -77
3 -74
4 -70
5 -66
6 -65
7 -64
8 -59
9 -57

Number of subcarriers for different channel bandwidths

Ver 10.2 54
 PHY Standard Subcarriers Capacity relative to
20MHz in 802.11ac
802.11n/802.11ac 20MHz Total 56, 52 Usable (4 pilot) x1.0
802.11n/802.11ac 40MHz Total 114, 108 Usable (6 pilot) x2.1
802.11n/802.11ac 80MHz Total 242, 234 Usable (8 pilot) x4.5
802.11n/802.11ac 160MHz Total 484, 468 Usable (16 pilot) x9.0

Now with the knowledge of MCS index and bandwidth of the channel data rate is set in the
following manner

Step1: Get the number subcarriers that are usable for the given bandwidth of the medium.

Step2: Get the Number of Bits per Sub Carrier (NBPSC) from selected MCS

Step3: Number of Coded Bits Per Symbol (NCBPS) = NBPSC*Number of Subcarriers

Step4: Number of Data Bits Per Symbol (NDBPS) = NCBPS*Coding Rate

Step5: Physical level Data Rate = NDBPS/Symbol Time (4micro sec for long GI and 3.6
micro sec for short GI)

3.1.10 Configuring Static Routing in NetSim

Static Routing:

Routers forward packets using either route information from route table entries that
configured manually or the route information that is calculated using dynamic routing
algorithms. Static routes, which define explicit paths between two routers, cannot be
automatically updated; you must manually reconfigure static routes when network changes
occur. Static routes use less bandwidth than dynamic routes. No CPU cycles are used to
calculate and analyze routing updates.

Static routes are used in environments where network traffic is predictable and where the
network design is simple. You should not use static routes in large, constantly changing
networks because static routes cannot react to network changes. Most networks use
dynamic routes to communicate between routers but might have one or two static routes
configured for special cases. Static routes are also useful for specifying a gateway of last
resort (a default router to which all unroutable packets are sent).
How to Setup Static Routes

Ver 10.2 55
Create a scenario as per the screenshot above and disable TCP in all nodes. Run simulation
for 10 seconds and open packet animation.

The default routing protocol is OSPF. So, packets will reach destination via Router E. (Refer
related experiment in experiment manual for more information).
Static routing:
Open Router A properties->Network_Layer. Click on configure Static Route IP and set the
properties as per the screenshot below and click on Add.

Ver 10.2 56
This creates a text file for every router in the temp path of NetSim which is in the format
below:

Router A:

route ADD 11.3.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.4.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 3

route ADD destination_ip MASK subnet_mask gateway_ip METRIC metric_value IF

Interface_Id

where route ADD command to add the static route

destination_ipis the Network address for the destination network
MASK is the Subnet mask for the destination network
gateway_ip is the IP address of the next-hop router
METRIC is the value used to choose between two routes
IF is the Interface to which the gateway_ip is connected. The default value is 1.

Similarly follow the same procedure for remaining entries of Router A, Router B, Router C,
Router D as per the following:

route ADD 11.9.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.4.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 3

route ADD 11.1.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.1.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 1

route ADD 11.2.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.2.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 2

Ver 10.2 57
Router B:

route ADD 11.3.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.5.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 2

route ADD 11.9.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.5.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 2

route ADD 11.1.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.4.1.1 METRIC 1 IF 1

route ADD 11.2.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.4.1.1 METRIC 1 IF 1

Router C:

route ADD 11.3.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.6.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 2

route ADD 11.9.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.6.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 2

route ADD 11.1.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.5.1.1 METRIC 1 IF 1

route ADD 11.2.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.5.1.1 METRIC 1 IF 1

Router D:

route ADD 11.3.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.3.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 3

route ADD 11.9.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.3.1.2 METRIC 1 IF 4

route ADD 11.1.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.6.1.1 METRIC 1 IF 1

route ADD 11.2.0.0 MASK 255.255.0.0 11.6.1.1 METRIC 1 IF 1

After configuring the router properties, run simulation for 10 seconds and check packet
animation. Now the packets will reach destination as per the above routes:
Router A->Router B->Router C->Router D

Ver 10.2 58
3.1.11 Multicast Routing Protocols
Note: Multicast routing protocols can be configured and run only if licenses for component 3 (advanced
routing) is available

Multicasting is one source sending a packet to multiple destinations. Group formation and
management is an integral part of multicasting.

IP Multicast Group Addressing:

A multicast group is identified by its multicast group address. Multicast packets are delivered
to that multicast group address. Unlike unicast addresses that uniquely identify a single host,
multicast IP addresses do not identify a particular host. To receive the data sent to a
multicast address, a host must join the group that address identifies. The data is sent to the
multicast address and received by all the hosts that have joined the group indicating that
they wish to receive traffic sent to that group. The multicast group address is assigned to a
group at the source.

IP Class D Addresses:

IP multicast addresses have been assigned to the IPv4 Class D address space by IANA.
The high-order four bits of a Class D address are 1110. Therefore, host group addresses
can be in the range 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255. A multicast address is chosen at the
source (sender) for the receivers in a multicast group.

NetSim supports the following protocols to implement IP multicast routing:

Ver 10.2 59
 • IGMP is used between hosts on a LAN and the routers on that LAN to track the
multicast groups of which hosts are members.
• Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) is used between routers so that they can
track which multicast packets to forward to each other and to their directly
connected LANs.

3.1.10.1 IGMP

Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is used by IP hosts to report their multicast
group memberships to any immediately-neighbouring multicast routers. Routers that are
members of multicast groups are expected to behave as hosts as well as routers, and may
even respond to their own queries. IGMP may also be used between routers. Like ICMP,
IGMP is an integral part of IP. It is required to be implemented by all hosts wishing to
receive IP multicasts. IGMP messages are encapsulated in IP datagrams, with an IP
protocol number of 2. All IGMP messages are sent with IP TTL 1, and contain the IP Router
Alert option in their IP header. All IGMP messages of concern to hosts have the following
format:

Type: IGMP message

There are three types of IGMP messages of concern to the host- router interaction:

0x11 = Membership Query

There are two sub-types of Membership Query messages:

• General Query: It is used to learn which groups have members on an attached

network.
• Group-Specific Query: It is used to learn if a particular group has any members
on an attached network. These two messages are differentiated by the Group
Address.

1 0x16 = Version 2 Membership Report

2 0x17 = Leave Group (Not implemented)
3 "leave group" occurs when the host decides to leave the group on the interface.
4 0x12 = Version 1 Membership Report (Not implemented)

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Protocol Description:

If a router has multiple physical interfaces on a single network IGMP protocol runs only on
one of them. Hosts, on the other hand, need to perform their actions on all interfaces that
have memberships associated with them.

Multicast routers use IGMP to learn which groups have members on each of their attached
physical networks. A multicast router keeps a list of multicast group memberships for each
attached network, and a timer for each membership.

"Multicast group memberships" means the presence of at least one member of a multicast
group on a given attached network, not a list of all of the members. With respect to each of
its attached networks, a multicast router may assume one of two roles: Querier or Non-
Querier. There is normally only one Querier per physical network. All multicast routers start
up as a Querier on each attached network. If a multicast router hears a Query message
from a router with a lower IP address, it MUST become a Non-Querier on that network. If a
router has not heard a Query message from another router for Other Querier Present
Interval, it resumes the role of Querier. Routers periodically (Query Interval) send a General
Query on each attached network for which this router is the Querier, to solicit membership
information. On startup, a router should send Startup Query Count General Queries spaced
closely together Startup Query Interval in order to quickly and reliably determine
membership information.

A General Query is addressed to the all-systems multicast group (224.0.0.1), has a Group
Address field of 0, and has a Max Response Time of Query Response Interval. When a host
receives a General Query, it sets delay timers for each group (excluding the all-systems
group) of which it is a member on the interface from which it received the query. Each timer
is set to a different random value, using the highest clock granularity available on the host,
selected from the range (0, Max Response Time) with Max Response Time as specified in
the Query packet. When a host receives a Group-Specific Query, it sets a delay timer to a
random value selected from the range (0, Max Response Time) as above for the group
being queried if it is a member on the interface from which it received the query. If a timer
for the group is already running, it is reset to the random value only if the requested Max
Response Time is less than the remaining value of the running timer. When a group's timer
expires, the host multicasts a Version 2 Membership

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Report to the group, with IP TTL of 1. If the host receives another host's Report (version 1
or 2) while it has a timer running, it stops its timer for the specified group and does not send
a Report, in order to suppress duplicate Reports.

When a router receives a Report, it adds the group being reported to the list of multicast
group memberships on the network on which it received the Report and sets the timer for the
membership to the Group Membership Interval. Repeated Reports refresh the timer.

If no reports are received for a particular group before this timer has expired, the router
assumes that the group has no local members and that it need not forward remotely-
originated multicasts for that group onto the attached network.

Joining a group:

When a host joins a multicast group, it should immediately transmit an unsolicited Version 2
Membership Report for that group, in case it is the first member of that group on the network.

Working of IGMP in NetSim:

1 Open the Sample configuration file for IGMP from the “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\
Sample_Configuration\Internetworks\IGMP”.

2 To enable IGMP protocol, Right click on the Wired node properties  in the network
layer, make IGMP_status as “TRUE” as shown below:

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IGMP Properties:

i. Robustness variable

The Robustness Variable allows tuning for the expected packet loss on a subnet. If a subnet
is expected to be lossy, the Robustness Variable may be increased. IGMP is robust to
(Robustness Variable-1) packet losses. The Robustness Variable must not be ‘0’ and ‘1’.
Default value is ‘2’.

ii. Query interval(s)

The Query Interval is the interval between General Queries sent by the Querier. The default
value is 125 seconds. By varying the Query Interval, NetSim user may tune the number of
IGMP messages on the subnet; larger values cause IGMP Queries to be sent less often.

iii. Last member Q interval(s)

The Max Response Time inserted into the periodic General Queries. The default value is 1
second. By varying the Query Response Interval, NetSim user may tune the burstiness of
IGMP messages on the subnet; larger values make the traffic less bursty, as host responses
are spread out over a larger interval. The number of seconds represented by the Query
Response Interval must be less than the Query Interval.

iv. Unsolicited Report Interval(s)

The Unsolicited Report Interval is the time between repetitions of a host’s initial report of
membership in a group. Default: 10 seconds.

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Router Properties:Right click on Router properties and make ICMP_Status as “TRUE” and
PIM_Status as “False”.

To configure Multicast Application:Click and drop Application icon and set the properties as
follows:

Application Properties
Application Method MULTICAST
Source ID 2
Destination count 2
Destination ID 3,4

Note: Users can enter Multiple Destination IDs by separating them with ‘comma’
The multicast application start time is set to 5s, since it would take some time for the route tables to get
set-up.

Ver 10.2 64
Multicast IP Addresses: Addresses in class D are for multicast communication from one
source to a group of destinations. IP multicast group addresses fall in the range
from 224.0.0.0 through 239.255.255.255. A multicast address can be used only as a
destination address but never as a source address. i.e. In NetSim by default, Multicast
Destination address is set as 239.12.14.5

Enable packet trace and event trace icon in the ribbon and run simulation for 10 seconds.

Result Analysis with Packet animation:

• Initially all the hosts i.e. Wired Node B, C, D and E receives the
IGMP_Memebership_Query message from the Router A.
• When the host receives the Query message immediately it has to send the report
to the Router indicating that it, joins a multicast group. So users can see Wired
Node D sends IGMP_V2_Membership_Report message to the Router A. Likewise,
Wired Nodes B, C & E) also sends the Report message to the Router.
• The Router/Switch makes an entry in its table and forwards
IGMP_V2_Membership_Report message.

Result Analysis with Packet Trace:

• Open the packet trace file and filter the PACKET_ID with ‘0’ & ‘1’

Ver 10.2 65
 • Router A broadcasts IGMP_Memebership_Query message to all the Wired Nodes.
• When the host receives the Query message immediately it sends
IGMP_V2_Membership_Report message to the Router A.
• From the Packet trace users can see that, IGMP protocol starts after 1 second of
the simulation.
• Multicast application should start after 5s only (default start time in GUI) which is
traced in the packet trace as shown below:

• The CBR packets are multicasted from source node which is Node-2 to
destinations Node 3 and Node 4.
• Here DESTINATION_IP 224.0.0.1 is to join the multicast group and 239.12.14.5 is
the multicast address.

IGMP Event Trace Analysis:

1 Open the Event trace and filter the Event_Type as “NETWORK_OUT” and
“TIMER_EVENT”.
2 In the Subevent type, users can see the following subevents:

a. IGMP_DelayTimer -When a host receives a General Query, it sets delay

timers for each group of which it is a member on the interface from which it
received the query.
b. IGMP_GroupMembershipTimer - A group membership interval timer is
maintained for each multicast group. The timer is refreshed each time when a
membership report for a multicast group is received. If the timer expires, the
multicast group is removed.

Ver 10.2 66
 c. IGMP_SendQuery - Routers periodically ( based on Query Interval) sends
Query message on each attached network, to solicit membership information
d. IGMP_SendStartupQuery - On startup, a router should send Startup query
count in order to quickly and reliably determine membership information.
e. IGMP_UnsolicitedReportTimer – This timer is set to cover the possibility of
the initial Membership Report being lost or damaged, it is recommended that
it be repeated once or twice after short delays after every Unsolicited Report
Interval.
f. JOIN_MULTICAST_GROUP – "join multicast group" occurs when the host
decides to join the group on the interface. In NetSim, a host joins the
Multicast group after 5 seconds which can be analysed from the following
figure.

Omitted features in IGMP

• Leave Group
• IGMP v1 compatibility

3.1.10.2 PIM:

Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM)is used between routers so that they can track which
multicast packets to forward to each other and to their directly connected LANs.

PIM Hello Messages:

• The PIM process begins when the router establishes PIM neighbor adjacencies by
sending PIM hello messages to the multicast address 224.0.0.13.
• Hello messages are sent periodically at the interval of 30 seconds. When all
neighbors have replied, then the PIM software chooses the router with the highest
priority in each LAN segment as the designated router (DR).
• The DR priority is based on a DR priority value in the PIM hello message. If the DR
priority value is not supplied by all routers, or the priorities match, the highest IP
address is used to elect the DR.

Ver 10.2 67
To configure PIM in NetSim:

Step 1: Create a network scenario in internetworks as shown below:-

Step 2: Right click on Router A properties and set PIM_Status as “TRUE”.Click on

“Configure PIM”.

Step 3: The following window will open. For PIM configuration and users can edit the
required properties  click on add  click and accept. Now PIM is configured for Router A.

Ver 10.2 68
Note: To run simulation with PIM protocol, PIM should be configured atleast for one router.

Result Analysis: Open the Event trace and filter the Event_Type as “NETWORK_OUT” and
“TIMER_EVENT”. In the Subevent type, users can see the subevent “PIM_hello meassage”
sent for every 30 seconds.

3.1.10.3 ACL (Access control lists)

Routers provide basic traffic filtering capabilities, such as blocking Internet traffic, with
access control lists (ACLs). An ACL is a sequential list of permit or deny statements that
apply to addresses or upper-layer protocols.

An access list is a sequential series of commands or filters. These lists tell the router what
types of packets to: permit or deny. When using an access-list to filter traffic, a permit
statement is used to “allow” traffic, while a deny statement is used to “block” traffic.

ACLs control traffic in one direction at a time on an interface. A separate ACL would need
to be created for each direction, one for inbound and one for outbound traffic. Finally
every interface can have multiple protocols and directions defined.In NetSim, by default acl
is set to both. If acl is set to both then it applies to both inbound and outbound traffic.

To configure ACL in NetSim:

ACL properties can be configured in two ways a) Via GUI (or) b) Via .txt file

1. Configuring ACL - Via GUI

Create a basic scenario in internetworks with 1 Router and 4 Wired Nodes.Goto router
properties and enable ACL_Status.

Ver 10.2 69
Click on “Configure ACL”  following window will appear. Users can edit the properties and
click on Add  click on Accept.

2. Configuring ACL - Via .txt file

• Goto temp path “C:\Users\TETCOS\AppData\Local\Temp\NetSim”.

• Open the RouterA_firewall.txt file and edit the properties manually.

Note: If Device name is changed it has to be updated in both .txt file and GUI

• This file is loaded into GUI with text fields and contents

3.1.12 VLAN (Virtual LAN)

3.1.12.1 Introduction to VLAN:

VLAN is called as virtual local area network, used in Switches and it operates at layer2 and
Layer3. A VLAN, is a group of hosts which communicate as if they were attached to the
same broadcast domain, regardless of their physical location.

For example, all workstations and servers used by a particular workgroup team can be
connected to the same VLAN, regardless of their physical connections to the network or the
fact that they might be intermingled with other teams. VLANs have the same attributes as
physical LANs, but you can group end stations even if they are not physically located on the
same LAN segment.

A VLAN behaves just like a LAN in all respects but with additional flexibility. By using VLAN
technology, it is possible to subdivide a single physical switch into several logical switches.

Ver 10.2 70
VLANs are implemented by using the appropriate switch configuration commands to create
the VLANs and assign specific switch interfaces to the desired VLAN.

Switches implement VLANs by adding a VLAN tag to the Ethernet frames as they enter the
switch. The VLAN tag contains the VLAN ID and other information, which is determined by
the interface from which the frame enters the switch. The switch uses VLAN tags to ensure
that each Ethernet frame is confined to the VLAN to which it belongs based on the VLAN ID
contained in the VLAN tag. The VLAN tags are removed as the frames exit the switch on the
way to their destination.

Any port can belong to a VLAN, and unicast, broadcast, and multicast packets are forwarded
and flooded only to end stations in that VLAN. Each VLAN is considered a logical network.
Packets destined for stations that do not belong to the VLAN must be forwarded through a
router.In the below screenshot, the stations in the development department are assigned to
one VLAN, the stations in the marketing department are assigned to another VLAN, and the
stations in the testing department are assigned to another VLAN.

• VLAN 10 • VLAN • VLAN 30

Ver 10.2 71
3.1.12.2 When do we need a VLAN?

You need to consider using VLAN’s in any of the following situations:

• You have more than 200 devices on your LAN

• You have a lot of broadcast traffic on your LAN
• Groups of users need more security or are being slowed down by too many
broadcasts
• Groups of users need to be on the same broadcast domain because they are
running same applications or just make a single switch into multiple virtual switches

3.1.12.2.1 VLAN ID:

VLANs are identified by a VLAN ID (a number between 0 – 4095), with the default VLAN on
any network being VLAN 1. Each port on a switch or router can be assigned to be a member
of a VLAN (i.e., to allow receiving and sending traffic on that VLAN).

For example: On a switch, traffic that is sent to a port that is a member of VLAN2, may be
forwarded to any other VLAN2 port on the switch, and it can also travel across a trunk port
(connections between switches) to another switch and forwarded to all VLAN2 ports on that
switch. Traffic will not be forwarded to ports that are on a different VLAN ID.

Access LinkVLAN2 traffic flow

VLAN 2 VLAN 2
Access Link

Trunk Link

VLAN 3 VLAN 3

Ver 10.2 72
3.1.12.3 Understanding Access and Trunk Links:

• The links connecting the end devices are called access links. These are the links
usually carrying the Data VLAN information
• The link between the switches is called trunk link. It carries packets from all the
VLANs.

Access Link

Trunk Link

Access Link

3.1.12.3.1 Access link:

Access link connection is the connection where switch port is connected with a device that
has a standardized Ethernet NIC. Standard NIC only understand IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet II
frames. Access link connection can only be assigned with single VLAN. That means all
devices connected to this port will be in same broadcast domain.

For example twenty users are connected to a hub, and we connect that hub with an access
link port on switch, then all of these users belong to same VLAN. If we want to keep ten
users in another VLAN, then we need to plug in those ten users to another hub and then
connect it with another access link port on switch.

3.1.12.3.2 Trunk link:

Trunk link connection is the connection where switch port is connected with a device that is
capable to understand multiple VLANs. Usually trunk link connection is used to connect two
switches. Trunking allows us to send or receive VLAN information across the network. To
support trunking, original Ethernet frame is modified to carry VLAN information.

Ver 10.2 73
3.1.12.4 Understand how VLAN works:

3.1.12.4.1 Part 1: Intra-VLAN

• VLAN1
• VLAN2

IntraVLAN communication is a mechanism in which hosts in same VLAN can communicate

to each other. Create a network as per the above screenshot. Edit the properties of L2
Switch A as per the table below

L2 Switch A
VLAN Port
Interface ID VLAN Status VLAN ID
Type
Interface_1 TRUE 2 Access _Port
Interface_2 TRUE 2 Access _Port
Interface_3 TRUE 3 Access _Port

To configure VLAN settings in L2 switch go to VLAN_Status parameter under

Interface1_Ethernet and set as TRUE.

Ver 10.2 74
Then click Configure VLAN under VLAN_GUI parameter. The following window will open.

Now set the properties as follows

After changing the properties click on Add button.

Ver 10.2 75
Similarly change the VLAN properties for Interface ID 2 as below

To add another VLAN click plus icon shown in the following image.

Afterthat add the VLAN properties for Interface ID 3

Ver 10.2 76
Run simulation for 10 seconds and observe the throughputs.

Throughput (Mbps)
Application 1 0.58
Application 2 0

The throughput for 2nd application is zero because the source and destination is in different
VLANs, thereby traffic flow or communication between 2 VLANs using Layer2 switch is not
possible. To overcome this problem, an L3 switch is used.

3.1.12.4.2 Part2: Inter-VLAN:

VLANs divide broadcast domains in a LAN environment. Whenever hosts in one VLAN need
to communicate with hosts in another VLAN, the traffic must be routed between them. This is
known as inter-VLAN routing. This can be possible by using L3 switch.

3.1.12.4.3 What is a layer 3 switch?

Layer 3 switch (also known as a multi-layer switch) is a multi-functional device that have the
same functionality like a layer 2 switch, but behaves like a router when necessary. It’s
generally faster than a router due to its hardware based routing functions, but it’s also more
expensive than a normal switch.

Ver 10.2 77
 VLAN 2 VLAN 3
10.0.1.2 11.0.1.4

VLAN 3 10.0.1.1 VLAN 3 11.0.1.1

VLAN 3 11.0.1.1

VLAN 3 10.0.1.1 11.0.1.5

VLAN 3 11.0.1.1

10.0.1.4 11.0.1.6

Create a network as per the above screenshot

Edit all the wired node properties shown below:

Wired Node B Wired Node C Wired Node D Wired Node E Wired Node F
Node
I/f1_Ethernet I/f1_Ethernet I/f1_Ethernet I/f1_Ethernet I/f1_Ethernet
IP
10.0.0.4 10.1.0.4 11.2.0.4 11.3.0.4 11.4.0.4
Address
Default
10.0.0.3 10.1.0.3 11.2.0.3 11.3.0.3 11.4.0.3
Gateway

Edit the L3 Switch A properties shown below:

I/f1_Ethernet I/f2_Ethernet I/f3_Ethernet I/f4_Ethernet I/f5_Ethernet

Switch
IP Address IP Address IP Address IP Address IP Address
L3
10.0.0.3 10.1.0.3 11.2.0.3 11.3.0.3 11.4.0.3
Switch A

L3 Switch A
VLAN Port
Interface ID VLAN Status VLAN ID
Type
Interface_1 TRUE 2 Access _Port
Interface_2 TRUE 2 Access _Port
Interface_3 TRUE 3 Access _Port
Interface_4 TRUE 3 Access _Port
Interface_5 TRUE 3 Access _Port

Configure the VLAN properties of L3 Switch A as per the below screenshots:

Ver 10.2 78
Run simulation for 10 seconds and observe the throughputs.

Throughput (Mbps)
Application 1 0.58
Application 2 0.58
Application 3 0.58

Ver 10.2 79
 192.168.1.3 192.168.1.4

192.168.1.1 192.168.2.2

192.168.2.1 192.168.1.2
192.168.3.1 192.168.3.2

192.168.2.3 192.168.2.4

• VLAN 3 • VLAN 2

In this case, application1 is in VLAN2, application2 is in VLAN3 and application 3 is in

between VLAN2 and VLAN3. From the above results, the throughput for application 3
(different VLANs) is non zero, because of using L3 switch. So, communication between 2
VLANs is possible using L3 Switch.

3.1.12.5 Part3:

Create a network and edit the properties as per the above screenshot. Edit all the wired
node properties shown below:

Wired Node Wired Node Wired Node Wired Node

Node C D E F
I/f1_Ethernet I/f1_Ethernet I/f1_Ethernet I/f1_Ethernet
IP 192.168.1.3 192.168.1.4 192.168.2.3 192.168.2.4
Address
Default 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.2 192.168.2.1 192.168.2.2
Gateway
Subnet
255.255.255.0 255.255.255.0 255.255.255.0 255.255.255.0
Mask

Edit the L3 Switch A and L3 Switch B properties shown below:

Change subnet mask of all L3 Switch interfaces to 255.255.255.0

I/f1_Ethernet I/f2_Ethernet I/f3_Ethernet

Switch
IP Address IP Address IP Address
L3 Switch A 192.168.1.1 192.168.2.1 192.168.3.1
L3 Switch B 192.168.3.2 192.168.1.2 192.168.2.2

Ver 10.2 80
 L3 Switch A
VLAN Port
Interface ID VLAN Status VLAN ID
Type
Interface_1 TRUE 2 Access _Port
Interface_2 TRUE 3 Access _Port
Interface_3 TRUE 1 Trunk _Port

L3 Switch B
Interface ID VLAN VLAN ID VLAN Port
Status Type
Interface_1 TRUE 1 Trunk _Port
Interface_2 TRUE 2 Access
_Port
Interface_3 TRUE 3 Access
_Port

Click on Configure VLAN and set the properties as per the screenshot shown below and
click on Add

Ver 10.2 81
Similarly add L3 switch B’s 2nd interface to VLAN2

To add another VLAN click on “+” symbol shown below

Ver 10.2 82
Set the properties for VLAN3 properties of L3 Switch A as per the screenshot below and
click on Add:

Similarly add L3 switch B’s 3nd interface to VLAN3

After setting the properties of VLAN2 and VLAN3 click on Accept:

Ver 10.2 83
Go to L3 Switch A properties -> Network_Layer -> Configure Static Route IP. Set the
properties in Static Route IP window as per the screenshot below and click on Add.

Ver 10.2 84
After setting the Static IP Route properties click on Accept:

Note: Disable TCP in Transport Layer in Wired Node C and Wired Node E.

Run simulation for 10 seconds and observe the throughput.

Add one more application from wired node C to wired node F and note down the throughput.

Throughput (Mbps)

Application 1 0.58
Application 2 0.58
Application 3 0.58

The above results concludes that Trunking allows us to send or receive any VLAN
information across the network.

Ver 10.2 85
3.1.13 Public IP Address & NAT (Network Address Translation)

3.1.13.1 Public Address:

A public IP address is assigned to every computer that connects to the Internet where
each IP is unique. Hence there cannot exist two computers with the same public IP address
all over the Internet. This addressing scheme makes it possible for the computers to “find
each other” online and exchange information. User has no control over the IP address
(public) that is assigned to the computer. The public IP address is assigned to the
computer by the Internet Service Provider as soon as the computer is connected to the
Internet gateway.

3.1.13.2 Private Address:

An IP address is considered private if the IP number falls within one of the IP address
ranges reserved for private networks such as a Local Area Network (LAN). The Internet
Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has reserved the following three blocks of the IP
address space for private networks (local networks):

Starting IP Ending IP
Class No. of hosts
address address
A 10.0.0.0 10.255.255.255 16,777,216
B 172.16.0.0 172.31.255.255 1,048,576
C 192.168.0.0 192.168.255.255 65,536

Private IP addresses are used for numbering the computers in a private network including
home, school and business LANs in airports and hotels which makes it possible for the
computers in the network to communicate with each other. For example, if a network A
consists of 30 computers each of them can be given an IP starting from 192.168.0.1 to
192.168.0.30.

Devices with private IP addresses cannot connect directly to the Internet. Likewise,
computers outside the local network cannot connect directly to a device with a private IP. It
is possible to interconnect two private networks with the help of a router or a similar device
that supports Network Address Translation.

If the private network is connected to the Internet (through an Internet connection via ISP)
then each computer will have a private IP as well as a public IP. Private IP is used for
communication within the network whereas the public IP is used for communication over the
Internet.

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3.1.13.3 Network address translation (NAT)

NAT (Network Address Translation or Network Address Translator) is the virtualization of

Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. NAT helps to improve security and decrease the number of
IP addresses an organization needs.

A device that is configured with NAT will have at least one interface to the inside network
and one to the outside network. In a typical environment, NAT is configured at the exit
device between a stub domain (inside network) and the backbone. When a packet leaves
the domain, NAT translates the locally significant source address into a globally unique
address. When a packet enters the domain, NAT translates the globally unique destination
address into a local address. If more than one exit point exists, each NAT must have the
same translation table. NAT can be configured to advertise to the outside world only one
address for the entire network. This ability provides additional security by effectively hiding
the entire internal network behind that one address. If NAT cannot allocate an address
because it has run out of addresses, it drops the packet and sends an Internet Control
Message Protocol (ICMP) host unreachable packet to the destination.

192.168.0.2

192.168.0.3 192.168.0.
192.168.
1(Private IP
0.1(Publi
address)
c IP Interne
t
192.168.0.4
Network
router
(Gateway
192.168.0.5

NAT is secure since it hides network from the Internet. All communications from internal
private network are handled by the NAT device, which will ensure all the appropriate
translations are performed and provide a flawless connection between internal devices and
the Internet.

In the above figure, a simple network of 4 hosts and one router that connects this
network to the Internet. All hosts in the network have a private Class C IP Address,
including the router's private interface (192.168.0.1), while the public interface that's
connected to the Internet has a real IP Address (203.31.220.134). This is the IP
address the Internet sees as all internal IP addresses are hidden.

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3.1.13.4 Working of NAT in NetSim:

Create a scenario as per the below screenshot and set the properties shown below:

Internal Private 12.1.1.1 12.1.1.2 Internal Private

network 13.1.1.2 network
11.1.1.2
Outside I/F
11.1.1.1 13.1.1.1
10.0.0.2 172.16.0.2
10.0.0.1 172.16.0.1
10.0.0.3 172.16.0.3
Inside I/F
Internet cloud
equivalent

10.0.0.4 172.16.0.4

Wired node Properties:

Wired Subnet
IP address
Node mask
G 10.0.0.2 255.0.0.0
H 10.0.0.3 255.0.0.0
I 10.0.0.4 255.0.0.0
J 172.16.0.2 255.255.0.0
K 172.16.0.3 255.255.0.0
L 172.16.0.4 255.255.0.0

Router Properties:

Router Interface IP address Subnet mask

Interface1_WAN 11.1.1.1 255.0.0.0
Router A
Interface2_Ethernet 10.0.0.1 255.0.0.0
Interface1_WAN 11.1.1.2 255.0.0.0
Router B
Interface2_WAN 12.1.1.1 255.0.0.0

Router C Interface1_WAN 12.1.1.2 255.0.0.0

Interface2_WAN 13.1.1.2 255.0.0.0

Router D Interface1_WAN 13.1.1.1 255.0.0.0

Interface2_Ethernet 172.16.0.1 255.255.0.0

Enable Packet trace and run simulation for 10 seconds.

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After simulation open packet trace and filter Packet Id to 1

SOURCE_IP – source node IP (Node)

DESTINATION_IP – gateway IP (Router/ Node)

GATEWAY_IP – IP of the device which is transmitting a packet (Router/ Node)

NEXT_HOP_IP – IP of the next hop (Router/ Node)

Source node 7 (10.0.0.2) wouldn’t know how to route to the destination and hence its default
gateway is Router A with interface IP (10.0.0.1). The first line in the above screenshot
specifies packet flow from Source Node 7 to L2 Switch E with SOURCE_IP (10.0.0.2),
DESTINATION_IP (10.0.0.1), GATEWAY_IP (10.0.0.2) and NEXT_HOP_IP (10.0.0.1).
Since Switch is Layer2 device there is no change in the IPs in second line. Third line
specifies the packet flow from Router A to Router B with SOURCE_IP (10.0.0.2),
DESTINATION_IP (13.1.1.1- IP of the router connected to destination. Since OSPF is
running, the router is looks up the route to its destination from routing table), GATEWAY_IP
(11.1.1.1) and NEXT_HOP_IP (11.1.1.2) and so on.

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3.2 Legacy Networks
3.2.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu select NewLegacy Networks

For example, to arrive Pure Aloha,

In the Main menu select New Legacy NetworksPure Aloha.

3.2.2 Create Scenario

Adding Node:

• Click on the Node icon in the tool bar and click and drop inside the grid. (Note:
This is applicable for Pure Aloha and Slotted Aloha)
• Nodes cannot be connected directly to each other because an intermediate
connecting component (such as Hub or Concentrator) is required. (Note: This is
applicable for CSMA/CD, Token Bus and Token Ring)

Adding Hub:

• Click on the Hub icon in the tool bar and click it onto the environment. By default a
Hub has 24 ports. (Note: This is applicable for CSMA/CD and Token Bus).

Adding Concentrator:

• Click on the Concentrator icon in the tool bar and click it onto the environment. By
default a Concentrator consists of 24 ports. (Note: This is applicable for Token
Ring).

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3.2.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

Set Node Properties:Right Click on the appropriate node and select Properties.

Set the Properties for the devices and links:Right click over the devices and then select
Properties to set the properties of the links and the devices.

3.2.4 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties

On opening an already configured properties of an application the input fields will be frozen
(i.e. the input cannot be changed).To modify these values click on the Modify button in the
screen. Now the input value can be changed.Click on the Accept button, the modified
values will be saved.

This View button is enabled once the Accept Button is clicked. To view the given values,
click on the View button.

3.2.5 Enable Packet Trace (Optional)

Click Packet Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer section
6.5respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics and click OK.

(Note: Logging of packet trace and event trace in token bus/ring simulations is possible only
with the 64-bit build of NetSim. In addition, this must be run with a > 8GB RAM configuration
system. This is because of a large number of token transmission and hence the packet trace
requires very large amounts of memory.).

3.2.6 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK

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3.3 Advanced Wireless Networks – MANET & Wi-Max
3.3.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu select New Advanced Wireless Networks

For example, to arrive Single MANET,

In the Main menu select NewAdvanced Wireless Networks Single MANET

3.3.2 Create Scenario

Adding Wireless Node(Note: This is applicable for MANET)

• Click on the Node icon in the tool bar, select Wireless Node and click and drop it
inside the grid. One must be aware that TCP is disabled by default. (Note: A Node
cannot be placed on another Node. A Node cannot float outside of the grid.)

Adding Base Station and Subscriber (Note: This is applicable for Wi-MAX)

• Click on the Base Station icon in the tool barand click it onto the environment.
• Click on the Wi-MaxSubscriber icon after clicking Node icon in the tool bar. Click
and drop it onto the environment.

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3.3.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements.

• Global Properties: Certain properties are global in nature, i.e changing properties in
one node will automatically reflect in the others in that network. In case of Wi-Max,
Routing Protocol in Application Layer of router and all user editable properties in
DataLink Layer and Physical Layer of Access Point and Wireless Node are Global
• In case of MANET, in Wireless Node, Routing Protocol in Network Layer and all
user editable properties in DataLink Layer, Physical Layer and Power are Global
• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

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3.3.4 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties

On opening an already configured properties of environment, the input fields cannot be

changed.To modify these values click on the Modify button in the screen. Now the input
value can be changed.Click on the Accept button, the modified values will be saved.

3.3.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.3.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

MANET Example Simulations

Example 1: Node Range

Range of a wireless node depends on Transmitter power, RF propagation losses, Distance,

Receiver sensitivity, Frequency etc. Radio range option is available in NetSim. To enable
this option, right click on the device, select Display RadioRange->This Device->ON. Users
can also enable Radio Range for all the devices in the network by selecting Display
RadioRange->All Device->ON

Users can see the variation in range of a node by changing the following parameters.

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Transmitter Power:

Increase in transmitter power increases the received power when all other parameters are
constant. Increased received power leads to higher SNR and hence higher Phy Data rates
and lesser error.

Open the scenario which is available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\MANET\Transmitter_power”

Settings done in example config file:

1 TCP (Transport Layer) -> Disable in all wireless nodes

2 CBR applications with default generation rates
3 Distance between 2 wireless nodes = 200m
4 Channel Characteristics -> Pathloss only, Pathloss model -> LOG DISTANCE, Pathloss
exponent -> 4.5
5 Transmitter power = 10mW
6 Simulate for 10 seconds and note down the Application_throughput
7 Similarly do the experiment by changing Transmitter power as per the following

Sample Transmitter Power (mW) Application_Throughput (Mbps)

1 10 0.05
2 20 0.52
3 30 0.58
4 40 0.58

RF Propagation Losses:

Path Loss or attenuation of RF signals occurs naturally with distance. Losses can be
increased by increasing the path loss exponent (η). This option is available in channel
characteristics. Users can compare the results by changing the path loss exponent (η) value.

Distance:

As the distance between two devices increases the received signal power reduces as
propagation loss increases with distance. As the received power reduces, the underlying
Phy rate the channel can handle also drops.

Receiver sensitivity:Receiver sensitivity is the lowest power level at which the receiver can
detect an RF signal and demodulate data. Improving the sensitivity on the receiver (making it

Ver 10.2 95
more negative) will allow the radio to detect weaker signals, and can increase the
transmission range.

3.3.7 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar. Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

Note on MANET implementation in NetSim:

• If user wants to implement HTTP application among Nodes, TCP must be enabled
in Source Node as TCP is set to disable by default.
• OLSR is a proactive link-state routing protocol, which uses hello and topology
control (TC) messages to discover and then disseminate link state information
throughout the mobile ad hoc network.
• Individual nodes use this topology information to compute next hop destinations for
all nodes in the network using shortest hop forwarding paths. For topology control
(TC) messages to disseminate throughout, it requires 5 or more seconds
depending upon the network size. In general, it is (5.5 secs + Tx_Time * network
size).
• Hence, when simulating OLSR in MANET the Application Start Time must be
greater than 5s (preferably greater than 10s) because in OLSR Topology Control
(TC) messages start at 5s. Once the TC messages are sent, some further time will
be required for OLSR to find the route. This can be done by setting the “Starting
time” parameter in Application.

What does the radio range of a MANET node represent?

The standard defines the range of a node is the distance at which the PER (packet error
rate) of a 1024B packet is 10 %. This means that nodes even beyond the range will be able
to communicate, but they may do so with high error.

Ver 10.2 96
The factors which affect range are:

a. Transmitter power (More Tx power implies higher range)

b. Path loss (Higher path loss exponent leads to lower range)
c. Receiver sensitivity (Lower Rx sensitivity leads to higher range. Rx sensitivity
is in negative dB, hence lower means more negative).

3.3.8 Link Layer Acknowledgements and Network Layer

Acknowledgements in DSR

Route Maintenance is the mechanism by which a source node S is able to detect, while
using a source route to some destination node D, if the network topology has changed such
that it can no longer use its route to D because a link along the route no longer works.

Using Link-Layer Acknowledgements

If the MAC protocol in use provides feedback as to the successful delivery of a data packet
(such as is provided for unicast packets by the link-layer acknowledgement frame defined by
IEEE 802.11), then the use of the DSR Acknowledgement Request and Acknowledgement
options is not necessary. If such link-layer feedback is available, it SHOULD be used instead
of any other acknowledgement mechanism for Route Maintenance, and the node SHOULD
NOT use either passive acknowledgements or network-layer acknowledgements for Route
Maintenance.

When using link-layer acknowledgements for Route Maintenance, the retransmission timing
and the timing at which retransmission attempts are scheduled are generally controlled by
the particular link layer implementation in use in the network. For example, in IEEE 802.11,
the link-layer acknowledgement is returned after a unicast packet as a part of the basic
access method of the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) MAC protocol;
the time at which the acknowledgement is expected to arrive and the time at which the next

Ver 10.2 97
retransmission attempt (if necessary) will occur are controlled by the MAC protocol
implementation.

Using Network-Layer Acknowledgements

When a node originates or forwards a packet and has no other mechanism of

acknowledgement available to determine reachability of the next-hop node in the source
route for Route Maintenance, that node SHOULD request a network-layer acknowledgement
from that next- hop node. To do so, the node inserts an Acknowledgement Request option
in the DSR Options header in the packet. The Identification field in that Acknowledgement
Request option MUST be set to a value unique over all packets recently transmitted by this
node to the same next-hop node.

When using network-layer acknowledgements for Route Maintenance, a node SHOULD use
an adaptive algorithm in determining the retransmission timeout for each transmission
attempt of an acknowledgement request. For example, a node SHOULD maintain a
separate round-trip time (RTT) estimate for each node to which it has recently attempted to
transmit packets, and it should use this RTT estimate in setting the timeout for each
retransmission attempt for Route Maintenance.

3.3.9 Multiple MANETs

How to configure multiple MANETs:

To open Multiple MANET, Click on New->Multiple MANET

Click and drop wireless nodes and Bridge Node onto the grid environment

Ver 10.2 98
Right click on Grid Environment and select Configure Multiple MANET. It would display the
window shown below:

Select Device Name as Wireless Node A and then click on Add. Similarly add Wireless Node
B, Wireless Node C and Wireless Node D. Then select Device Name as Bridge Node I and
Interface ID as 1 and click on Add

Ver 10.2 99
To add MANET-2, click on add button present in the left bottom corner of the Multiple
MANET window shown below:

Select Device Name as Wireless Node E and then click on Add. Similarly add Wireless Node
F, Wireless Node G and Wireless Node H. Then select Device Name as Bridge Node I and
Interface ID as 2 and click on Add

Ver 10.2 100

After configuring Multiple MANETs, click on Accept, then the device colours of MANET-1
and MANET-2 will get changed as per the below screenshot:

Bridge node:

Bridge Node acts as a bridge/interface/gateway between multiple MANETs. Packets coming

from MANET-1 are router to MANET-2 via the Bridge Node. Each Bridge Node has 24
interfaces. If the bridge node is connected via a wired interface then the velocity in mobility
model is automatically set to 0 and cannot be modified. The radio range option is not
available for a bridge node since it would have multiple interfaces (radios).

Wireless Link configuration:

User can configure Wireless link properties for each and every MANET. To configure, right
click on Grid and select Configure Multiple MANET. Click on Configure Link Properties as
shown in the screenshot below:

Ver 10.2 101

It opens a new window P2P Wireless Link MANET_1

Ver 10.2 102

3.4 BGP
3.4.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu select New BGP Networks

3.4.2 Create Scenario

Adding Border Router:

• Click and drop the Border Router icon from the tool bar. (Note: Maximum you can
have 3 Autonomous systems in a single scenario.)

Adding Internal Router:

• Click on the Internal Router icon in the tool bar and drop the Internal Router onto
the Autonomous systems created. By default a Router has eight ports.

Establishing Connections

The steps for connecting devices in BGP networks are as follows,

• The connections between two wired nodes cannot be made in the network.
• The connection possibilities are
• Wired Node to Internal Router
• Internal Router to Border Router
• Border Router to Border Router

3.4.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

• Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements. Routing Protocol in Application Layer of
router and all user editable properties in DataLink Layer and Physical Layer of
Access Point and Wireless Node are Global i.e. changing properties in one node
will automatically reflect in the others in that network.

Ver 10.2 103

 • Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

3.4.4 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties

On opening an already configured properties of an application the input fields will be frozen
(i.e. the input cannot be changed). To modify these values click on the Modify button in the
screen. Now the input value can be changed. Click on the Accept button, the modified
values will be saved.

This View button is enabled once the Accept Button is clicked. To view the given values,
click on the View button.

3.4.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

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3.4.6 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

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3.5 Cellular Networks– GSM/CDMA
3.5.1 New Experiment

In the Simulation menu select NewCellular Networks

For Example, to arrive CDMA

In the Simulation menu select NewCellular NetworksCDMA

3.5.2 Create Scenario

Adding Base Transceiver Station (BTS) - Click on the BTS icon in the toolbar and click it
onto the environment.

Adding Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) - Click and drop MSC in the environment.

Adding Mobile Station (MS) -

• Click on the Mobile Station icon in the tool bar, click and drop it on the Base
Station coverage area.
• Mobile Station cannot be placed on another Mobile Station. It has to be clicked
and placed on the Base Station coverage area.

3.5.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

• Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements.

• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select

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 Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.
• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

3.5.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.5.5 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on Simulate.

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3.5.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder“<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

Cellular - Example Simulations

Example 1: GSM Handover

Handoverrefer to the process of transferring an ongoing call or data session from one
channel connected to the core network to another channel.

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\Cellular\GSM\GSM_handover”.

Settings done in sample network:

1 Network grid settings is set as 1000 * 1000 by default.

2 Place BTSA be at (300, 200) and the BTSB be at (500, 200).
3 Place MS D at (300, 300) and set mobility to 20m/s.
4 Place MS E at (500, 300) set mobility to 0m/s.
5 Generate traffic from MS D to MS E and set the following properties.

i. Call Inter arrival time = 1s

ii. Call duration = 1000 s

6 Run simulation for say 250 seconds.

7 Check packet animation you are likely to see the mobile undergoing hand over between
the two BS's.

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8 As in the simulation results window, under the cellular metrics users can find information
about Handover Requests that were send by Mobile Station (MS).
9 Open the packet trace and users see that hand over request packets will be shown at
this time.

Note: In GSM hand over is based on distance (hard hand over), while in LTE it is based on SNR (soft
hand over)

Example 2: CDMA – Call Blocking Probability

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\Cellular\CDMA\call_blocking_probability”.

Settings done in sample network:

1 A sample network is created with 60 MS, 1 BTS and 1MSC.

2 All the MS are placed in the range of BTS B (default 1 Km).
3 BTS B is connected via Wired Link to MSC A.
4 In BTS properties, under interface1_CDMA, Voice activity factor is set as 1 by default
5 30 applications are created as follows:

Application 1: Source id -3 and Destination id -4,

Application 1: Source id - 5 and Destination id - 6,
Application 1: Source id - 7 and Destination id - 8,
Application 1: Source id - 9 and Destination id - 10,

Likewise totally add 30applications up to Source id - 61 to Destination id– 62 and accept

default properties.(We have considered MSC to be device ID 1, and BTS as device ID 2)

6 Run simulation for 500 seconds.

7 Save the experiment and change the voice activity factor to 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6…..0.1 and
run the simulations.

Result: In the metrics window, Cellular Metrics Channel metrics, the channel count is
mentioned.Users can see that when the system Voice activity factor decreases from 1.0 to
0.1, the number of channels increases from 43 to 427.

In MS metrics, the call dropping probability and call blocking probability is shown for each
MS.

When voice activity factor is decreased the number of channels available increases. Thus
the system has more number of channels to handle the same number of calls (Note -

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Number of MS is constant and their properties are same across all experiments. So, they
generate approximately same number of calls throughout). As the number of channels
increases the call blocking probability decreases.

Example 3: CDMA Handover

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\Cellular\CDMA\CDMA_handover”.

Settings done in sample network:

1 Network grid settings is set as 1000 * 1000 by default.

2 Place BTSA be at (300, 200) and the BTSB be at (500, 200).
3 Place MS D at (300, 300) and set mobility to 20m/s.
4 Place MS E at (500, 300) set mobility to 0m/s.
5 Generate traffic from MS D to MS E and set the following properties.
6 Call Inter arrival time = 1s
7 Call duration = 1000 s
8 Run simulation for 250 seconds.
9 Check packet animation, you are likely to see the mobile undergoing hand over between
the two BS's.
10 As in the simulation results window, under the cellular metrics users can find information
about Handover Requests that were send by each Mobile Station (MS).
11 Also using packet trace, users can analyze the detailed information about the handover
request packets

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3.6 Wireless Sensor Network
NetSim Wireless Sensor Network library is based on IEEE802.15.4 standard also known as
Zigbee. This protocol works on MAC and Physical Layer, while MANET protocol runs in the
network layer, and UDP in the transport layer.

IEEE 802.15.4 uses either Beacon Enabled or Disabled Mode for packet transmission. In
Beacon Enabled Mode nodes use slotted CSMA/CA algorithm for transmitting packets else
they use Unslotted CSMA/CA

In NetSim WSN simulations, sensors sense “agents” and forward the sensed data to the
“Sink” node.

3.6.1 Devices in NetSim:

The Devices that are involved in WSN are:

1 Sink node: Sink node is the principal controller in WSN. It is to this sink node that all
sensors send their data. In NetSim, users can drop only one sink node in a WSN.
2 Sensor: Sensors sense agents and then pass this sensed data through the network to
Sink node. Therefore the sensors act as both sensors and routers. Sensors in NetSim
are abstract in terms of what they sense, and NetSim focuses on the network
communication aspects after sensing is performed. In Netsim Standard version, tje
maximum number of sensors that can be placed in environment is 500. Sensor range is
0-100 meters and sensing interval is 0-5000 milliseconds.
3 Agent: Agent is an abstraction for physical phenomenon like temperature, pressure,
humidity, sound, etc. The “sensors” sense the agent within its sensing range and upon
sensing application (or information) packets are generated automatically by NetSim. In
Netsim standard version, a maximum of 5 agents are allowed.

3.6.2 Designing WSN Networks

In the Simulation menu, select Simulation  New  Wireless Sensor Networks.

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3.6.3 Procedure

In Grid Setting and Sensor Placement window, Side length of grid Environment can be
changed which should be in a multiples of 50 m.

For automatic sensor placement, users can either chose from uniform placement or random
placement options. In random placement users can drop up to 500 sensors

In uniform placement number of sensors should be a square number since they are placed
equally along the area of a square.

Users can click and drop sensors in the grid environment by chosing, “via click & drop”
option.

Based on the user’s sensor placement strategy (in this example, uniform placement is
chosen), sensors are placed in the grid environment as shown in below figure. Sensors are
uniformly placed according to given inputs in the grid environment.

• Click and drop the sink node to the grid environment in our desired location.
• Click and drop the agent in desired location (Users can drop upto a maximum of 5
agents).

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3.6.4 Model features

GENERAL PROPERTIES –

Right click on any sensor and click on properties.The general properties of the sensor is
shown:-

• Device name is the name of sensor which is editable and will reflect in the GUI before
and after simulation.
• X /Lat and Y/Lon are the coordinates of a particular sensor
• Z coordinate by default will be zero (this is reserved for future use)

Interface count is 1 since sensors share the wireless Multipoint-to-Multipoint medium.

Mobility Models: Mobility models represent the movement of the sensor and how their
location and velocity. The mobility models provided in NetSim are:

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 1. Random Walk mobility model: It is a simple mobility model based on random
directions and speeds.
2. Random Waypoint Mobility Model: It includes pause time between changes in
direction and/or speed.
3. Group mobility: It is a model which describes the behaviour of sensors as they
move together. i.e. the sensors having common group id will move together.

TRANSPORT LAYER – In transport layer, by default UDP is enabled in Transport layer. To

run with TCP, users have to enable TCP protocol.

NETWORK LAYER- NetSim supports the following MANET routing protocols:

1 DSR (Dynamic source routing): Note that in wireless sensor neworks, by default Link
Layer Ack is enabled. If Network Layer ack is enabled users must setDSR_ACK in
addition to Zigbee_ACK in MAC layer.

2 AODV (Ad-hoc on demand distance vector routing)

3 ZRP (Zone routing protocol): For interior routing mechanism Netsim uses OLSR
protocol.

Hello interval describes the interval in which it will discover its neighbour routes.

Refresh interval is the duration after which each active node periodically refresh routes to
itself.

TC Interval is a Topology control messages are the link state signalling done by OLSR.
These messages are sent at TC interval every time.

Zone radius: After dividing the network range of the divided network will be based on zone
radius. It is the number of hop for one node to another.

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4 OLSR (Optimized link State Routing): Except zone radius all the parameters are
similar to ZRP.

DATALINK LAYER – 802.15.4 (Zigbee Protocol) runs in MAC layer. In the sink node or pan
coordinator properties users can configure the Beacon frames and the superframe structure.

SuperframeOrder – It describes the length of the active portion of the Superframe, which
includes the beacon frame. Range is from 0-15.

Beacon Order- Describes the interval at which coordinate shall transmit its beacon frames.
Range is from 1-15.

GTS Mode (Guaranteed Time Slot) – If it is enabled it allows a device to operate on the
channel within a portion of the super frame that is dedicated (on the PAN) exclusively to the
device.

Battery life Extension subfield is 1 bit in length and shall be set to one if frames
transmitted to the beaconing device.

Superframe Duration is divided into 16 equally sized time slots, during which data
transmission is allowed. The value of supreframe duration by default is 15.36ms.

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Max CSMA Backoff is the CSMA-CA algorithms will attempts before declaring a channel
access failure. Having range 0-5.

Minimum CAP length is the minimum number of symbols forming the Contention access
period. This ensure that MAC commands can still be transferred to devices when GTSs
(Guaranteed time slots) are being used.

Max and Min backoff exponent values of CSMA-CA algorithms having range 3-5.

Max frame retries: is the total number of retries after failed attempts.
Unit Backoff period is the number of symbol forming the basic time period used by the
CSMA-CA algorithms.

PHYSICAL LAYER- The frequency band used in NetSim WSN simulations is 2.4 GHz.

Data rate is the number if bits that are processed per unit of time. The data rate is fixed at
250 kbps per the 802.15.4 standard

Chip Rate: A chip is a pulse of direct-sequence spread spectrum code, so the chip rate is
the rate at which the information signal bits are transmitted as pseudo random sequence of
chips.

Modulation technique: O-QPSK (Offset quadrature phase shift keying) sometimes called
as staggered quadrature phase shift keying is a variant of phase-shift keying modulation
using 4 different values of the phase to transmit.

MinLIFSPeriod is minimum long inter frame spacing Period. It’s a time difference between
short frame and long frame in unacknowledged case and time difference between short
frame and Acknowledged in acknowledge transmission.

SIFS(Short inter frame Symbol) is generally the time for which receiver wait before
sending the CTS(Clear To Send) & acknowledgement package to sender, and sender waits
after receiving CTS and before sending data to receiver. Its main purpose is to avoid any
type of collision. Min SIFS period is the minimum number of symbols forming a SIFS period.

Phy SHR duration is the duration of the synchronization header (SHR) in symbol for the
current PHY.

Phy Symbol per Octet is number of symbol per octet for the current PHY.

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Turn Around Time is transmitter to receiver or receiver to transmitter turnaround time is
define as the shortest time possible at the air interface from the trailing edge of the last
chip(of the first symbol) of a transmitted PLCP protocol data unit to the leading edge of the
first chip(of the first symbol) of the next received PPDU.

CCA (Clear Channel assessment) is carrier sensing mechanisms in Wireless Network.

Here is the description:-

• Carrier Sense Only: It shall report a busy medium only upon the detection of a
signal complaint with this standard with the same modulation and spreading
characteristics of the PHY that is currently in use by the device. This signal may be
above or below the ED threshold.
• Energy Detection: It shall report a busy medium upon detecting any energy above
the ED threshold.
• Carrier Sense with Energy Detection: It shall report a busy medium using a
logical combination of detection of a signal with the modulation and spreading
characteristics of this standards and Energy above the ED threshold, where the
logical operator may be AND or OR.

Receiver sensitivity is the minimum magnitude of input signal required to produce a

specified output signal having a specified signal-to-noise ratio, or other specified criteria. It’s
up to our calculation what we want a receiver sensitivity.

Receiver ED threshold is intended for use by a network layer as part of a channel selection
algorithms. It is an estimate of the received signal power within the bandwidth of the
channel. No attempt is made to identify or decode signal on the channel. If the received
signal power is greater than the ED threshold value then the channel selection algorithms
will return false.

Transmitter Power is the signal intensity of the transmitter. The higher the power radiated
by the transmitter’s antenna the greater the reliability of the communication system. And
connection medium is Wireless.

Power can be battery or main line. In case of battery following parameters will be
considered:-

• Recharging current is the current flow during recharging. Range is from 0-1mA.
• Energy Harvesting is the process by which energy is derived from external
source, captured, and stored

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 • Initial Energy is the battery energy range is from 0 to 1000mW.
• Transmitted current for the transmitting the power. Range 0-20mA.
• Idle mode is the current flow during the ideal mode range is between 0-20mA.
• Voltage is a measure of the energy carried by the charge Range is from 0-10V.
• Received current of the current required to receive the data having range from 0-
10mA.
• Sleep mode current is current flowing in sleep mode of battery range is from 0-
20mA.

3.6.5 Set Link / Agent Properties

• Right click on the appropriate sensor or link (environment) and select Properties.
Then modify the parameters according to the requirements. In Sensor Node,
Routing Protocol in Network Layer and all user editable properties in DataLink
Layer, Physical Layer and Power are Global i.e. changing properties in one node
will automatically reflect in the other sensors in that network.
• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

The following table shows the local and global properties of sensor and Agent in NetSim.

1 Sensor Properties

Global properties
General properties Default values
Device name Sensor ID
X / lat Wherever placed by user
Y /long Wherever placed by user
Velocity(m/s) 0
pause time(s) 1
Mobility model Random_way_point
Network layer
Routing protocol DSR
ACK _Type LINK_LAYER_ACK
Data link layer
ACK request Enable
Max Csma BO 4
Max Csma Exponent 5
Min Csma Exponent 3
Max frame retires 3
Physical layer

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 phySHRduration(symbols) 3
Physymbolperoctet 0.4
CCA mode CARRIER_SENSE_ONLY
Reciever sensitivity(dbm) -85
EDT threshold (dbm) -95
Transmitter power(dbm) 1
Power
Power source Battery
Energy harvesting ON
Recharging current (mA) 0.4
Initial energy (mw) 1000
Transmitting current(mA) 8.8
idle mode current(mA) 3.3
Voltage (v) 3.6
Receiving current(mA) 9.6
sleep mode current (mA) 0.237
Sensor
Sensor range (m) 100
Sensor interval(ms) 1000

2. Agent properties:

Local Properties
General Properties Default values
Device name Agent A
X /lat 16.0
Y /long 8.0
Mobility Model
Mobility model Random_walk
Velocity (m/s) 10
Calculation_Interval (s) 1

3.6.6 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics(Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace iconin the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

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3.6.7 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

3.6.8 Results window in WSN

After completion of simulation various performance metrics will be generated.

Network Metrics:

• Simulation time is the virtual time duration for the network which is simulated.
• Packets Transmitted is the total number of packets transmitted from the source.
• Bytes transmitted is equal to the sum of ‘Payload_ Transmitted’ and ‘Overhead_
Transmitted’ in the link.
• Total number of errored and collided packets during the simulationis also specified
in the network metrics.
• Payload transmittedis the useful data transmitted

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Queue Metrics-Displays the values of the queue metrics for the devices containing buffer
queue like routers, access points etc.

IP Metrics - IP metrics provide node to node reception and transmission of the packet. IP
metrics of a WSN network with 16 sensors and one sink is shown in the following figure.

DSR Metrics-Goto sensor properties In the Network layer users can see various protocols
such DSR, AODV, OLSR & ZRP. Based on the protocol enabled, users can observe the
respective metrics. Since DSR protocol is enabled here, metrics for DSR is obtained.

Users can observe the Route Error Packet sent, Route reply packet, Route Request
Forwarded, Route Reply Forwarded packets by intermediate nodes, Route Breaks by node,
Total number of Packets originated, transmitted, dropped and received by the node.

IEEE 802.15.4 Metrics- IEEE802.15.4 is the standard for Local Personal Area Network
Zigbee for MAC and Phy Layer of the sensor. The 802.15.4 metrics are

Sensor Metrics -

• Agent Sensed Count is the total number of times the sensor senses the agent.
This depends on the sensor interval and simulation time.

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 • Packet generated is the total number of Packets generated by the sensor.
• X and Y are the coordinates of the agent when sensed.
• Timeat which the agent is sensed

Energy_Metrics

• Transmission Energy consumed – It is the energy consumed by the respective

sensor for transmitting data
• Receiving Energy consumed - It is the energy consumed by the respective
sensor for receiving data
• Idle Energy consumed - When the sensor is active and ready but not currently
receiving or transmitting data packets, it is said to be in an idle state. This metrics
calculates the energy consumed by the sensor in idle state
• Sleep Energy consumed – This is the energy consumed when the respective
sensor is in an inactive mode
• Total Energy consumed – This is the total energy consumed by the respective
sensor.

3.6.9 The IEEE 802.15.4 Protocol implementation in NetSim

IEEE802.15/TG4 formulated the IEEE802.15.4 for lowrate wireless personal area network,
i.e. LR-WPAN. The standard gives priority to low-power, low-rate and lowcost. The group
devotes to the standard of the physical layer of WPAN network, i.e. PHY, and media access
layer.

In NetSim 802.15.4 is implemented with the following features:

• Data rates of 250 kbps.

• Addressing modes: 16-bit IEEE addressing.
• 16 channels in the 2.45 GHz ISM band,
• Support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance, CSMA-CA.

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 • Power management to ensure low power consumption.
• GTS
• Support of contention-free and contention-based periods.
• The MAC protocol supports two operational modes that may be selected by the
coordinator:
• Non Beacon-enabled mode: In Non-Beacon-enabled mode, the devices can
simply send their data by using Unslotted CSMA/CA. There is no use of a
superframe structure in this mode.
• Beacon-enabled mode: Beacons are periodically generated by the
coordinator to synchronize attached devices and to identify the PAN. A
beacon frame is the first part of a superframe, which also embeds all data
frames exchanged between the nodes and the PAN coordinator. Data
transmissions between nodes are also allowed during the superframe
duration.

3.6.10 CSMA/CA Implementation in NetSim

• In both Slotted and Unslotted CSMA/CA cases, the CSMA/CA algorithm is based
on backoff periods, where one backoff period is equal to aUnitBackoffPeriod
Symbols = 20 symbols.
• This is the basic time unit of the MAC protocol and the access to the channel can
only occur at the boundary of the backoff periods. In slotted CSMA/CA the backoff
period boundaries must be aligned with the superframe slot boundaries where in
unslotted CSMA/CA the backoff periods of one device are completely independent
of the backoff periods of any other device in a PAN.
• The CSMA/CA mechanism uses three variables to schedule the access to the
medium:
• NB is the number of times the CSMA/CA algorithm was required to backoff
while attempting the access to the current channel. This value is initialized to
zero before each new transmission attempt.
• CW is the contention windows length, which defines the number of backoff
periods that need to be clear of channel activity before starting transmission.
CW is only used with the slotted CSMA/CA. This value is initialized to 2 before
each transmission attempt and reset to 2 each time the channel is assessed
to be busy.
• BE is the backoff exponent, which is related to how many backoff period a
device must wait before attempting to assess the channel activity.

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 • In beacon-enabled mode, each node employs two system parameters: beacon
order (BO) and Superframe Order (SO).
• The parameter BO decides the length of beacon interval (BI), where
BI = aBaseSuperframeDuration × 2BO symbols and 0 ≤ BO ≤ 14; while the
parameter SO decides the length of superframe duration (SD), where
SD = aBaseSuperframeDuration × 2SO symbols and 0 ≤ SO ≤ BO ≤ 14.
• The value of aBaseSuperframeDuration is fixed to 960 symbols. The format of the
superframe is defined as shown in the following figure:-

• Furthermore, the active portion of each superframe consists of three parts: beacon,
CAP, and CFP, which is divided into 16 equal length slots. The length of one slot is
equal to aBaseSlotDuration × 2SO symbols, where aBaseSlotDuration is equal to 60
symbols.
• In CAP, each node performs the CSMA/CA algorithm before transmitting data
packet or control frame. Each node maintains three parameters: the number of
backoffs (NB), contention window (CW), and backoff exponent (BE).
• The initial values of NB, CW, and BE are equal to 0, 2, and Min Backoff Expo,
respectively, where Min Backoff Expo is by default 3 and it can be set upto 8.
• For every backoff period, node takes a delay for random backoff between 0 and
2BE-1 Unit backoff Time (UBT), where UBT is equal to 20 symbols (or 80 bits).
• A node performs clear channel assessment (CCA) to make sure whether the
channel is idle or busy, when the number of random backoff periods is decreased
to 0.
• The value of CW will be decreased by one if the channel is idle; and the second
CCA will be performed if the value of CW is not equal to 0. If the value of CW is
equal to 0, it means that the channel is idle; then the node starts data transmission.
• However, if the CCA is busy, the value of CW will be reset to 2; the value of NB is
increased by 1; and the value of BE is increased by 1 up to the maximum BE (Max
Backoff Expo), where the value Max Backoff Expo is by default 5 and can be set
upto 8.

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 • The node will repeatedly take random delay if the value of NB is less than the
value of Max CSMA BO (macMaxCSMABackoff), where the value of Max CSMA
BO is equal to 4; and the transmission attempt fails if the value of NB is greater
than the value of Max CSMA BO.

3.6.11 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

WSN Example Simulations

Example 1: Beacon time Calculation

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\WSN\beacon_time”

Settings done in example config file

1 Beacon mode -> Enable in SinkNode , Superframe Order (SO) -> 10 and Beacon Order
(BO) -> 12
2 Channel characteristics -> Path Loss only, Path Loss Model -> Log Distance and path
loss exponent -> 2
3 Packet Trace->Enable
4 Simulation time -> 200 sec

Steps to calculate Beacon Time theoretically:

1 Beacon Interval(BI)= Super Frame duration (Active Period) + Inactive Period(IP)

i. BI = abasesuperframe duration*2 ^BO = 15.36ms * 2^12 = 62914.56ms ~ 62s

ii. SD = abasesuperframe duration*2 ^SO = 15.36ms * 2^10 = 15728.64ms

iii. To find Inactive period, IP = BI – SD = 62914.56ms - 15728.64ms =

47185.92ms

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 iv. Super Frame duration is divided into 16 slots (1st slot is allocated for beacon
frame)

v. Each slot time = 15728.64ms / 16 = 983.04ms

2 Open packet trace and filter Control_Packet_Type to Zigbee_Beacon_Frame, users

should get four zigbee_beacon_frames at 0, 62.9, 126, 189 secs, because the time
interval between two beacon frames is 62 seconds.
3 4 beacons were transmitted, so beacon time = 983.04ms * 4 = 3932.16ms (since 1
beacon = 1 time slot). Check this beacon time in 802.15.4 metrics

Example 2: CAP Time Calculation

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\WSN\CAP_time”

Settings done in example config file:

1 Beacon mode -> Enable in SinkNode , Superframe Order (SO) -> 10 and Beacon
Order (BO) -> 12
2 Channel characteristics -> Path Loss only, Path Loss Model -> Log Distance and
path loss exponent -> 2
3 Packet Trace->Enable
4 Simulation time -> 100 sec

Steps to calculate CAP Time theoretically:

1 To find CAP time, BI is 62914.56ms -> So in 100s, two beacon frames should be
transmitted at 0 & 62s
2 Check no. of beacon frames transmitted in 802.15.4 metrics
3 Here CFP = 0 because there is only 1 sensor.
4 CAP Time = SD – beacon time = (15728.64ms) – (983.04ms) = 14745.6ms
5 Open packet trace and filter Control_Packet_Type to Zigbee_Beacon_Frame, users
should get four zigbee_beacon_frames at 0, 62.9secs, because the time interval
between two beacon frames is 62 seconds.
6 Since two Beacon frames are transmitted, CAP time = 2 * 14745.6ms = 29491200µs
7 Check and compare the theoretical CAP time with NetSim simulation results in 802.15.4
metrics in Results Windows

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3.7 Internet of Things
3.7.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu select NewInternet of Things

3.7.2 Introduction

Internet of Things (IoT) is an ecosystem of connected physical objects that are accessible
through the internet. It is the network of physical objects that can communicate, sense or
interact with their internal states or the external environment.

The ‘thing’ in IoT could be a person with a heart monitor or an automobile with built-in-
sensors, i.e. objects that have been assigned an IP address and have the ability to collect
and transfer data over a network without manual assistance or intervention.

NetSim IOT is modeled as a wireless sensor network that can connect to the internet via a
6LowPAN Gateway. The default protocols in the WSN section is AODV with IPv6 addressing
in L3 and 802.15.4 MAC & PHY. This WSN sends data to a LowPAN Gateway which has a
Zigbee (802.15.4) interface and a WAN Interface. The Zigbee interface allows wireless
connectivity to the WSN while the WAN interface connects to the internet.

Any WSN comprises of two parts, the sensing part and the network communication part.
NetSim is "agnostic" to the sensing and this sensing is abstracted as an Agent (also known
as Agent based modeling). Whatever is sensed is finally converted to a "packet" and it is
from this point on that NetSim simulation actually starts.

3.7.3 Create Scenario

Total Grid Length (m) settings allows the user to set the total environment length of IOT
Networks containing sensors, LoWPAN gateway, wired nodes, routers, switches, access
point, wireless nodes.

Sensor Grid Settings (m) allows the user to set the environment length for placing the
sensors uniformly or randomly.

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Users can manually create the scenario by selecting “Via click and drop”, or place the
sensors automatically in an uniform or random manner.

Adding Sensor - Click on Sensor Node icon in toolbarand click and drop inside the grid.

Adding LoWPAN gateway- LoWPAN is an acronym of Low power Wireless Personal Area
Networks. The LoWPAN IoT gateway functions as a border router in a LoWPAN network,
connecting a wireless IPv6 network to the Internet. Designed to send IPv6 packets over
IEEE802.15.4-based networks and implementing open IP standards including TCP, UDP,
HTTP and more, the standard offers end-to-end addressable nodes, allowing a router to
connect the network to IP.

Click on the LoWPAN gateway icon in the toolbar and click and drop inside the grid.

Users can also add devices as shown in Internetworks scenario.

3.7.4 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

• User need not connect the sensors with LoWPAN gateway using wireless links.
• Interconnection among other devices is same as in Internetworks.
• LoWPAN gateway can be connected with router using wired links.
• Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements.
• Routing Protocol in Application Layer of router and all user editable properties
in DataLink Layer and Physical Layer of Access Point and Wireless Node are
Global i.e. changing properties in one node will automatically reflect in the
others in that network.
• In Sensor Node, Routing Protocol in Network Layer and all user editable properties
in DataLink Layer, Physical Layer and Power are Global i.e. changing properties in
one node will automatically reflect in the others in that network.

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 • Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.
• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between the
Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select Properties.
Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in Application properties.

• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

3.7.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics(Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.7.6 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

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Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

3.7.7 RPL protocol in IOT

Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy Nertworks (RPL) Overview

Low-power and Lossy Networks consist largely of constrained nodes (with limited processing
power, memory, and sometimes energy when they are battery operated). These routers are
interconnected by lossy links, typically supporting only low data rates that are usually
unstable with relatively low packet delivery rates. Another characteristic of such networks is
that the traffic patterns are not simply point-to-point, but in many cases point-to-multipoint or
multipoint-to-point.

RPL Routing Protocol works in the Network Layer, and uses IPv6 addressing. It runs a
distance vector routing protocol based on Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph
(DODAGs).

Terminology of RPL routing protocol:

• DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph): A directed graph having the property that all
edges are oriented in such a way that no cycles exist. All edges are contained in
paths oriented toward and terminating at one or more root nodes
• DAG root: A DAG root is a node within the DAG that has no outgoing edge.
Because the graph is acyclic, by definition, all DAGs must have at least one DAG
root and all paths terminate at a DAG root. In NetSim, only single root is possible.
i.e. the 6LowPAN Gateway
• Destination-Oriented DAG (DODAG): A DAG rooted at a single destination, i.e.,
at a single DAG root (the DODAG root) with no outgoing edges
• Up: Up refers to the direction from leaf nodes towards DODAG roots, following
DODAG edges. This follows the common terminology used in graphs and depth-
first-search, where vertices further from the root are "deeper" or "down" and
vertices closer to the root are "shallower" or "up"
• Down: Down refers to the direction from DODAG roots towards leaf nodes, in the
reverse direction of DODAG edges. This follows the common terminology used in

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 graphs and depth-first-search, where vertices further from the root are "deeper" or
"down" and mvertices closer to the root are "shallower" or "up"
• Rank: A node's Rank defines the node's individual position relative to other nodes
with respect to a DODAG root. Rank strictly increases in the Down direction and
strictly decreases in the Up direction
• RPLInstanceID: A RPL Instance ID is a unique identifier within a network.
DODAGs with the same RPLInstanceID share the same Objective Function
• RPL instance: When we have one or more DODAG, then each DODAG is an
instance. A RPL Node may belong to multiple RPL Instances, and it may act as
router in some and as a leaf in others. Any sensor can be configured as a Router
or Leaf. Leaf nodes doesn’t take part in RPL routing
• DODAG ID: Each DODAG has an IPV6 ID. This ID is given to its root only. And as
the root doesn’t change ID also don’t change
• Objective Function (OF): An OF defines how routing metrics, optimization
objectives, and related functions are used to compute Rank. Furthermore, the OF
dictates how parents in the DODAG are selected and, thus, the DODAG formation

The objective function in NetSim RPL seeks to find the route with the best link quality.

Link quality calculations, available in Zigbee Prorject 802.15.4 C file with function get_link_quality ( ):

1−𝑝𝑝
Lq =
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

Where,

p = received power (dBm) and, rs = Receiver sensitivity (dBm)

And,

Final Link Quality = (𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 +2 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞)

The rank calculations are done in Neighbour.c in RPL project and is

Rank = (Max_increment - Min_Increment) * (1 - Lq) ^ 2 + Min_Increment

The link quality in this case is based on received power and can be modified by the user to
factor in distance, delay etc.

Topology Construction: NetSim IOT WSNs do not typically have predefined topologies, for
example, those imposed by point-to-point wires, so RPL has to discover links and then
select peers sparingly. RPL routes are optimized for traffic to or from one or more roots that

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act as sinks for the topology. As a result, RPL organizes a topology as a Directed Acyclic
Graph (DAG) that is partitioned into one or more Destination Oriented DAGs (DODAGs), one
DODAG per sink.

RPL identifiers:RPL uses four values to identify and maintain a topology:

• The first is an RPLInstanceID. An RPLInstanceID identifies a set of one or more

Destination Oriented DAGs (DODAGs). A network may have multiple
RPLInstanceIDs, each of which defines an independent set of DODAGs, which
may be optimized for different Objective Functions (OFs) and/or applications. The
set of DODAGs identified by an RPLInstanceID is called a RPL Instance. All
DODAGs in the same RPL Instance use the same OF
• The second is a DODAGID. The scope of a DODAGID is a RPL Instance. The
combination of RPLInstanceID and DODAGID uniquely identifies a single DODAG
in the network. A RPL Instance may have multiple DODAGs, each of which has an
unique DODAGID
• The third is a DODAGVersionNumber. The scope of a DODAGVersionNumber is a
DODAG. A DODAG is sometimes reconstructed from the DODAG root, by
incrementing the DODAGVersionNumber. The combination of RPLInstanceID,
DODAGID, and DODAGVersionNumber uniquely identifies a DODAG Version
• The fourth is Rank. The scope of Rank is a DODAG Version. Rank establishes a
partial order over a DODAG Version, defining individual node positions with
respect to the DODAG root

DIS (DODAG Information Solicitation) transmission:

Root sends DIS message to the Router/Leaf which are in range. The Router in turn
broadcasts its further and so on.

DIO (DODAG Information Object) transmission:

RPL nodes transmit DIOs using a Trickle Timer. This message is multicasted downwards in
a DODAG. With DIO child parent relationship and siblings relationship is established.

DODAG Construction

• Nodes periodically send link-local multicast DIO messages

• Stability or detection of routing inconsistencies influence the rate of DIO messages
• Nodes listen for DIOs and use their information to join a new DODAG, or to
maintain an existing DODAG

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 • Nodes may use a DIS message to solicit a DIO. RPL established the following
graph:

DIO DIS

DIO DIS

DIO DIS

• Rank is then established. Rank is decided based on the DIS message received
from the Root and the link quality

• Based on information in the DIOs the node chooses parents to the DODAG root
• As a Result, the nodes follows the upward routes towards the DODAG root.
• If the destination is unreachable then the root will drop the packet.

RPL_log file:

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Once simulation is completed, users can find rpl_log file inside the temp path. This file
contains information about the DODAG formation. An example rpl_log file is shown below:-

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Explanation of the log file:

Step 1:

• Node 5 receives a DIO msg from Node 6 (i.e root).

• Node 5 found the DODAG id
• Based on the DIO message received from Node 6, Node 5 choses its “Parent as
Node 6” and establishes its “New Rank = 17”. It doesn’t have any siblings.

Step 2:
• Node 1 receives a DIO msg from Node 6 (i.e root).
• Node 1 found the DODAG id
• Based on the DIO message received from Node 6, Node 1 choses its “Parent as
Node 6” and establishes its “New Rank = 17”. It doesn’t have any siblings.

Step 3:

• Node 6 receives as DAO message from Node 1 with the new route information
about the destination and the Gateway.

Step 4:

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 • Node 2 receives a DIO msg from Node 1 (i.e Sensor which is configured as
Router).
• Node 2 found the DODAG id
• Based on the DIO message received from Node 1, Node 2 choses its “Parent as
Node 1” and establishes its “New Rank = 33” since it is in the next Rank level. It
doesn’t have any siblings.

Likewise DODAG formation throughout the simulation is logged inside the rpl_log file

Limitations in NetSim IOT Library:

• NetSim currently supports only single root.

• NetSim GUI supports only one RPL instance. Mutiple RPL instance can be created
by manually editing the config file.

3.7.8 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

IOT – Example Simulations:

Example 1: Energy Consumption

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\IOT\Energy_model”

Settings done in sample network:

1 Grid length ->100m*100m

2 Beacon mode -> enable, Beacon Order -> 10, Superframe order -> 10

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3 Simulate for 100 sec.
4 Check the Energy model metrics in metrics window, users should get zero value for
Sleep energy consumed.
5 Click on edit Network.
6 Enable Beacon mode in PAN Coordinator and set Superframe Order (SO) and Beacon
Order (BO) as 10 and 12 (0 <= SO <= BO <= 14).
7 Simulate for 100 sec.
8 Check the Energy model metrics in metrics window, users should get non-zero value for
Sleep energy consumed.

Inference:

In sample 1, users can observe sleep energy consumed value will be zero in energy model
metrics in the Results Window since sensor is in active state all the time. i.e., if SO=10 and
BO=10, there won’t be any inactive portion of the Superframe.

In sample 2, sleep energy consumed will be non-zero since sensor goes to sleep mode
during the inactive portion of the Superframe.

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3.8 Zigbee (802.15.4)
3.8.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu selectNew ZigBee Networks

3.8.2 Create Scenario

Adding Node :

• Click on the ZigBee icon in the toolbar and click and drop it inside the grid (i.e.
Visibility Range - The systems can move and communicate in this range only).
• A Node cannot be placed on another Node. A Node cannot float outside the grid.

Adding PAN Coordinator:

Click on the PAN Coordinator icon in the toolbar and click and drop inside the grid.

Set Environment Properties

Right click in side of the on the Environment and clickProperties.

3.8.3 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties

On opening an already configured properties of environment, the input fields will be frozen
(i.e. the input cannot be changed).To modify these values click on the Modify button in the
screen. Now the input value can be changed.Click on the Accept button, the modified
values will be saved.

3.8.4 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

• Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements. In Zigbee Node, Routing Protocol in Network
Layer and all user editable properties in DataLink Layer, Physical Layer and Power are
Global i.e. changing properties in one node will automatically reflect in the others in that
network.

• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select Properties.
Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in Application properties.

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Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

3.8.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.8.6 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

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3.9 Cognitive Radio (802.22)
Cognitive Radio Network simulation is available from v7 of NetSim. Cognitive Radio
Networks allows you to connect, if required, with Ethernet, Wireless LAN, IP Routing, TCP /
UDP and allows users to log packet and event (in NetSim standard version only) traces.

3.9.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu select NewCognitive RadioNetworks.

3.9.2 Create Scenario

Adding Devices –

• Cognitive Radio Networks comes with the palette of various devices like Cognitive
Radio CPE, Cognitive Radio Base Station, Switch, Router, Wired Node, Wireless Node,
Access point, Incumbent etc.
• Select the desired devices in the toolbar and click and drop on the environment.
• To remove devices, right click on the particular device and then click Remove.

Connect the devices

Select the appropriate link in the toolbar and connect the devices by clicking on the device 1
and device 2.

3.9.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

• Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements. Routing Protocol in Application Layer of
router and all user editable properties in DataLink Layer and Physical Layer of
Access Point and Wireless Node are Global i.e. changing properties in one node
will automatically reflect in the others in that network.
• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

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 • Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

3.9.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.9.5 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar. Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

Ver 10.2 140

3.9.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

Cognitive Radio – Example Simulations

Example 1: Keepout Distance

Settings done in example config file:

1 Grid length->500m*500m
2 Distance between Incumbent and CRCPE should be more than 100m.
3 Base station Properties: Operational Freq Start -> 54 MHz, Operational Freq End -> 60
MHz in both Incumbent and physical layer properties.
4 Channel bandwidth -> 6
5 ON duration -> 10
6 OFF Duration -> 0
7 Keepout distance -> 100m
8 Simulation time -> 100s

Results:

1 In results windows open CR Incumbent metrics and check the operational time(100s)
and idle time(0s)
2 Then open Application Metrics, you should get non-zero throughput value, because
there will be no Interference if distance between incumbent and CR CPEs is more than
the keepout distance.

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Example 2: PU / SU spectrum usage

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\CR\PU_SU_SpectrumUsage”

Settings done in sample network:

1 Open Base Station properties -> select interface_CR -> change Operational Freq Start
as 54 MHz and Operational Freq End as 60 MHz in both Incumbent and physical layer
properties.
2 Channel bandwidth = 6
3 On_Duration = 10s
4 Off_Duration = 10s
5 Keepout distance = 100m
6 Disable TCP
7 Ensure that the distance between incumbent and CR CPEs should be less than 100m
(keepout distance)
8 In application properties, select CBR application
9 Enable packet Trace and Simulate for 100s
10 Open packet trace and check at what time data packets are transmitting (Check
PHY_Layer_START time)
11 First 10s CPE should use the channel and next 10s Incumbent should use the channel
alternatively.

20- 30- 40- 50- 60- 70- 80- 90-

0-10s 10-20
Time 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100
(OI) (OT)
(OI) (OT) (OI) (OT) (OI) (OT) (OI) (OT)
User CPE Inc. CPE Inc. CPE Inc. CPE Inc. CPE Inc.

Notes on Cognitive Radio implementation in NetSim:

• CR BS allocates max one symbol per CPE. If the generation rate is more than the
data filled in one symbol then allocation fails and it results in zero throughput.
• The first symbol is reserved for CR control frames or any broadcast PDU
• Operational frequency: It is the frequency band at which the incumbent operates.
It ranges from 54 MHz to 862 MHz.
• Operational interval(s): It is the time gap between two successive incumbent
operations. It ranges from 0-10.
• Operational time(s): It is the active period of the incumbent. i.e. If the operational
interval is set to 5s, then incumbent operates with an interval of every 5s. If the
operational interval is set to 0s, then the incumbent remains active.

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For Operational Time(s) = 4, Operational interval=9

The timing is Incumbent --- 0s to 10s (OFF), 10s to 14s (ON), 14s to 24s (OFF), 24s to 28s
(ON) ... and so on.

NetSim provides App layer throughput which is lesser than that of MAC layer throughput
because of

• TCP connection establishment

• ARP set-up
• Service flow creation CPE-BS and BS-CPE
• BW request
To avoid the above effects
• Generate custom traffic
• Set DL/UL Ratio as 1:1 so that the BS transmits whatever it receives
• Run UDP in transport layer
• Use static ARP
• Run Simulation for more than 100 sec

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3.10 LTE/LTE-A
3.10.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu select NewLTE/LTE-A Networks (LTE/LTE-A, Femto cell, D2D)

3.10.2 Create Scenario

Adding MME- Click on the Router icon in the tool bar, click and drop the MME (Mobility
Management Entity) onto the environment.

Adding ENB - Click on the Evolved node B (ENB) icon in the toolbar and click it onto the
environment.

Adding Relay - Click on the Relay icon in the toolbar and click it onto the environment.

Adding UE – Click on the UE (User Equipment) icon from the Node icon in the toolbar,
click and drop it on the ENB coverage area.

Connect the devices - Select the appropriate link in the toolbar and connect the devices by
clicking on the device 1 and device 2.

3.10.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

• Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements. Routing Protocol in Application Layer of
router and all user editable properties in DataLink Layer and Physical Layer of
Access Point and Wireless Node are Global i.e. changing properties in one node
will automatically reflect in the others in that network. Transmission Mode Index of
ENB, Relay and UE are also global properties.
• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

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 • Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

3.10.4 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.10.5 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

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3.10.6 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

LTE – A Example Simulations

Example 1: MIMO

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\LTE\MIMO”.

Settings done in sample network:

1. Select UDP in all devices in Transport Layer

2. Change all wired link speeds by 10 Gbps
3. Create 4 CBR applications from Wired Node to UEs with generation rate
300Mbps(Packet size=1460, IAT=37micro sec)
4. Set the channel bandwidth of carriers to 20MHz in Interface1_LTE properties
5. Set Channel characteristics to Pathloss only, Pathloss model to LOG_DISTANCE
and Pathloss exponent to 2
6. Simulate for 10 seconds

Transmission mode index (Tx mode,

Application_Throughput (Mbps)
Tx. Antenna Count, Rx. Antenna Count)

0(1, 1, 1) 37.27, 37.27, 37.26, 37.26

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 1(2, 2, 2) 37.27, 37.27, 37.26, 37.26

2(3, 2, 2) 74.08, 74.08, 74.07, 74.07

3(3, 4, 2) 74.08, 74.08, 74.07, 74.07

4(5, 4, 2) 148.16, 148.16, 148.16, 148.16

4(5, 8, 2) 148.16, 148.16, 148.16, 148.16

4(5, 16, 2) 148.16, 148.16, 148.16, 148.16

Transmission mode 1:SISO => uses only 1 Transmit antenna. Since Round Robin
scheduling is running all applications see equal throughput.

Transmission mode 2:MIMO Tx. Diversity => Sends copies of same information via
multiple antennae. This will lead to higher reliability but the throughput will remain the same.

Transmission mode 3:MIMO Spatial Multiplexity Open Loop => used to achive high data
rates. Here the data is divided and sent via various antennae. You can see an increase in
throughput.

Transmission mode 4: MU-MIMO => In multi user the data is sent and received through
multiple antennae. You can see a further increase in throughput.

3.10.7 Physical speed of the LTE Air Interface

The theoretical calculation for the LTE Air Interface is as follows:

One Resource block can have 12 subcarriers (each carrier is 15 kHz) in frequency domain
and 0.5ms (7 symbols) in time domain.

Thus, total number of symbols per resource block = 12 * 7 = 84

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Each symbol can accommodate certain number of bits based on the modulation scheme as
per the table below

Modulation Bits per

scheme symbol
QPSK 2
16-QAM 4
64-QAM 6

The table below shows the number of resource blocks available for different LTE channel
bandwidths.

Channel 5 10 15 20
Bandwidth (MHz)
Resource Blocks
25 50 75 100
(RB)
No. of subcarriers
300 600 900 1200
(RB*12)
Occupied bandwidth
4.5 9 13.5 18
(MHz)

Note: In LTE 10% of total bandwidth is used for guard band. For example if the channel bandwidth is
20MHz, then 2MHz is used for guard band. Thus, if 180 kHz has 1 RB, 18 MHz will have 100 RBs

Given below is the calculation for PHY rate:

In LTE for 20MHz, there are 100 Resource blocks and each Resource block has 12*7 = 84
symbols

Example: PHY rate calculation for 20MHz band, using 64-QAM and 4*4 Tx Rx antennae

• For 20 MHz there are 100 Resource blocks

• Each resource block has 12*7 = 84 symbols
• 100 resource blocks have 8400 symbols
• 1 sub frame = 1 ms = 2 time slots
• 16800 symbols per subframe (or per ms)
• 64-QAM can transmit 6 bits per symbol
• 1 subframe using 64-QAM modulation can transmit 100800 bits/ms
• 100.8*10^6 bits per second or 100.6 Mbps
• This is for a 1*1 Tx Rx antenna and for 4*4 Tx Rx antennae 100.8*4 = 403.2 Mbps

The above note explains the theoretical method of calculating the LTE PHY Data rate, where
there are no channel (propagation) losses.

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However in the real world there is signal attenuation due to propagation losses. Thus the
calculation for PHY Data rate in NetSim is based on the Transport Block Size which is
specified in the standard. This calculation is as follows

1 Any signal received at the receiver has a SNR (signal to noise ratio).
2 Based on the SNR a CQI value is calculated.
3 The SNR - CQI Table is available in LTE.h in NetSim and is per the LTE standard
4 Based on the SNR and the CQI an MCS value is calculated
5 The SNR CQI MCS table is available in LTE.h in NetSim and is per the LTE standard
6 Based on the MCS the TBS Index is calculated, again from a table available in LTE.h
which is per the LTE Standard
7 Based on the TBS Index the TBS Table is looked up and the transport block size is
retrieved.

Approximately 25% of overhead is used for controlling and signalling. And hence effective
PHY data rate is 300 Mbps.

3.10.8 Carrier Aggregation

Carrier aggregation is used in LTE-Advanced in order to increase the bandwidth, and

thereby increase the bitrate. Each aggregated carrier is referred to as a component carrier,
CC. The component carrier can have a bandwidth of 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15 or 20 MHz and a
maximum of five component carriers can be aggregated, hence the maximum aggregated
bandwidth is 100 MHz.

In FDD the number of aggregated carriers can be different in DL and UL as shown in the
figure above. However, the number of UL component carriers is always equal to or lower
than the number of DL component carriers. The individual component carriers can also be of

Ver 10.2 149

different bandwidths. For TDD the number of CCs as well as the bandwidths of each CC will
normally be the same for DL and UL.

3.10.9 LTE Operating Bands:

The table below describes the LTE frequency bands defined in 3GPP that was referred for
our implementation.

FDD LTE BANDS & FREQUENCIES

LTE UPLINK DOWNLINK WIDTH DUPLEX BAND
BAND (MHZ) (MHZ) OF SPACING GAP
NUMBER BAND (MHZ) (MHZ)
(MHZ)
1 1920 – 1980 2110 - 2170 60 190 130
2 1850 – 1910 1930 - 1990 60 80 20
3 1710 – 1785 1805 -1880 75 95 20
4 1710 – 1755 2110 - 2155 45 400 355
5 824 – 849 869 - 894 25 45 20
6 830 – 840 875 - 885 10 35 25
7 2500 – 2570 2620 - 2690 70 120 50
8 880 – 915 925 - 960 35 45 10
9 1749.9 - 1784.9 1844.9 - 1879.9 35 95 60
10 1710 – 1770 2110 - 2170 60 400 340
11 1427.9 - 1452.9 1475.9 - 1500.9 20 48 28
12 698 – 716 728 - 746 18 30 12
13 777 – 787 746 - 756 10 -31 41
14 788 – 798 758 - 768 10 -30 40
15 1900 – 1920 2600 - 2620 20 700 680
16 2010 – 2025 2585 - 2600 15 575 560
17 704 – 716 734 - 746 12 30 18
18 815 – 830 860 - 875 15 45 30
19 830 – 845 875 - 890 15 45 30
20 832 – 862 791 - 821 30 -41 71
21 1447.9 - 1462.9 1495.5 - 1510.9 15 48 33
22 3410 – 3500 3510 - 3600 90 100 10
23 2000 – 2020 2180 - 2200 20 180 160
24 1625.5 - 1660.5 1525 - 1559 34 -101.5 135.5
25 1850 – 1915 1930 - 1995 65 80 15
26 814 – 849 859 - 894 30 / 10
40
27 807 – 824 852 - 869 17 45 28
28 703 – 748 758 - 803 45 55 10

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 29 n/a 717 - 728 11
30 2305 – 2315 2350 - 2360 10 45 35
31 452.5 - 457.5 462.5 - 467.5 5 10 5

Note: NetSim supports FDD currently. Also Downlink only configurations (bands 29 and 32) are not
supported.

3.10.10 LTE PHY layer parameters:

Channel Bandwidth(MHz) 1.4 3 5 10 15 20
No. of Resource Block(NRB) 6 15 25 50 75 100
No. of occupied subcarriers 73 181 301 601 901 1201
IFFT(Tx) /FFT size(Rx) 128 256 512 1024 1536 2048
No. of sampling frequency
1.92 3.84 7.68 15.36 23.04 30.72
(sampling rate)
samples per slot 960 1920 3840 7680 11520 15360

3.10.11 CA Configurations:

CA combinations are divided into intra-band (contiguous and non-contiguous) and inter-band
non-contiguous. Intra-band contiguous and inter-band combinations, aggregating two
Component Carriers (CCs) in downlink, are specified from Release 10. The Intra-band
contiguous CA configuration refers to contiguous carriers aggregated in the same operating
band. The Intra-band non-contiguous CA configuration refers to non-contiguous carriers
aggregated in the same operating band. The Inter-band CA configuration refers to
aggregation of component carriers in different operating bands, where the carriers
aggregated in each band can be contiguous or non-contiguous.

3.10.12 CA Bandwidth Classes:

Following table shows Carrier Aggregation Bandwidth Class in terms of total number of RBs
used by aggregated carrier.For example, CA Bandwidth Class 'B' says N_RB,agg <= 100. It

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means that total aggregated RB should be less than 100 and aggregated Tx Bandwidth for
Class A cannot be greater than 20MHz, limited to 1 component carrier(CC) in the band.

Class ATBC Maximum

NRB,agg MHz number of CC

A N <= 100 20 1
B 25 < N <= 100 20 2
C 100 < N <= 200 40 2
D 200 < N <= 300 60 3
E 300 < N <= 400 80 4
F 400 < N <= 500 100 5
I 700 < N <= 800 160 8

ATBC - Aggregated Transmission Bandwidth Configuration, CC - Component Carrier, RB -

Resource Block, NRB,agg - Number of the aggregated RBs within the fully allocated
Aggregated Channel bandwidth

Note: NetSim currently supports CA Bandwidth classes A, B and C.

3.10.13 CA Configuration naming conventions:

To understand the naming conventions of a CA configuration and the bandwidth combination

set usage, let us relate to CA_1C configuration. This CA configuration states that the UE can
operate on Band 1, with two continuous components carriers, with a maximum of 200 RBs.
The bandwidth combination set then states that the allocation of those 200 RBs can be
either 75 RBs on both CCs or 100RBs on both CCs.

3.10.14 CA Configuration in NetSim:

Carrier Aggregation is supported in NetSim’s LTE devices such as ENB, HNB and Relay. In
the LTE_Interface of these devices i.e., in the interface connected to the UE’s CA can be
configured.Users can choose the carrier aggregation type.

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Based on the selected carrier aggregation type, CA configurations available in the drop
down to choose from varies dynamically.

Currently users can configure two Component Carriers (CCs) using NetSim’s GUI. However
users can go up to 5 carriers for experimentation using NetSim’s CLI mode by editing the
Configuration.netsim/Configuration.xml file.

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Further the bandwidth for each CC can be chosen from the list of allowed bandwidths, based
on which the PHY layer parameters as shown in a table in section ??(write section number
assigned for LTE PHY parameters)

Ver 10.2 154

3.11 VANETs
Note: It is available only in standard and pro version.

3.11.1 Introduction

802.11p has been developed as amendment to IEEE 802.11 standard specifications in order
to support ad-hoc communication between vehicles and, between vehicle and infrastructure
network. There are changes made to PHY (Physical) and MAC layers for the same.

IEEE 802.11p is also known by names such as WAVE (Wireless Access for Vehicular
Environments) and DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication).

The main objective of 802.11p compliant devices is to improve traffic efficiency and have
safety in the traffic flow (i.e. to prevent accidents). The network formed by 802.11p compliant
devices is known as VANET.

3.11.2 IEEE802.11p DSRC/WAVE Protocol Stack:

It consists of IEEE 1609 standard and IEEE 802.11p standard. 802.11p standard defines
PHY and MAC layers while upper layers are defined by IEEE1609.

Following are the functions performed by each of the layers in IEEE 802.11p protocol
stack:

• IEEE 1609-2 defines security services for application messages and management
messages in WAVE.
• IEEE 1609-3 defines connection set up and management of WAVE compliant
devices.
• IEEE 1609-4 sits on top of 802.11p layers. It enables upper layer operational
aspects across multiple channels without knowledge of Physical layer parameters.
• IEEE 802.11p PHY layer takes care of modulation/demodulation, error correction
technique etc. Physical layer has been changed. It supports 10 MHz bandwidth,
improved performance in WAVE compliant receiver and improvement in the power
transmission mask.
• IEEE 802.11p MAC layer takes care of messages to establish and maintain
connection in harse vehicular environment. It also defines signalling techniques
and interface functions. Stations communicate directly without need to
communicate or join with BSS in 802.11p.

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3.11.3 Implementation of 802.11p protocol in NetSim
• 802.11p protocol stack covering physical layer and mac layer
• 802.11p is also known as WAVE or DSRC
• FCC has allocated spectrum having 75 MHz bandwidth from 5850 to 5925 MHz for
vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communication.
• Supports bandwidth of 10 MHz instead of 20MHz used in 802.11a.
• It supports half of the bit rates as compare to 802.11a i.e. 3/4.5/6/9/12/18/24/27
Mbps
• Transmission type - OFDM
• Slot time - 9µs
• SIFS - 16µs

There are two types of channels in DSRC: CCH and SCH

• Control channel (CCH): A single radio channel, not a service channel, intended
for the exchange of management information, including Wireless Access in
Vehicular Environments (WAVE), Service Advertisements, and WAVE Short
Messages.
• Service channel (SCH): Any channel that is not the control channel, intended for
management frames and higher layer information exchanges (Wireless Access in
Vehicular Environments [WAVE] Short Message [WSMs].
• Guard interval: A time interval at the start of each control channel (CCH) interval
and service channel (SCH) interval during which devices that are switching
channels do not transmit.
• BSM Application:
• DSRC protocol runs with BSM (Basic Safety Message) applications
• BSM is a broadcast packet transmitted regularly at a regular interval, and it
can be classified as a beacon style transmission.
• Broadcast packet is a packet destined for all nodes (vehicles) to receive, a
beacon is a continuous broadcast.
• The BSM Application class sends and receives the IEEE 1609 WAVE
(Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments) Basic Safety Messages (BSMs).
The BSM is a 20-byte packet that is generally broadcast from every vehicle at
a nominal rate of 10 Hz.

Working of 802.11p protocol:

Ver 10.2 156

 • IEEE 802.11p uses a Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol based on the Carrier
Sense Multiple Access protocol with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA).
• This means that when a node wants to send a message, the channel has to be idle
for a duration of SIFS. If the channel is idle it starts transmission.
• When it finds the channel busy, it chooses a random backoff time from the interval
[0, CW] and transmits only when the backoff timer has elapsed.
• The variable CW represents the size of the Contention Window.
• When the SCH is used and a node does not receive an acknowledgement for a
message, it concludes that the message has collided and is lost, so the value of
CW is doubled and it will retry transmission.
• In the CCH however, beacons are broadcast in the channel and no
acknowledgments are sent. This means that the value of CW is never doubled in
the CCH.

3.11.4 Introduction to NetSim – SUMO interfacing for VANET simulation

• NetSim’s VANET module allows users to interface with SUMO which is an open
source road traffic simulation package designed to handle vehicular & road
networks.
• The road traffic simulation is done by SUMO while NetSim does the network
simulation along with RF propagation modelling in the physical layer.
• While SUMO Simulates the road traffic conditions and movements, NetSim
Simulates the communication occurring between the Vehicles.
• NetSim and SUMO are interfaced using ‘pipes’. A pipe is a section of shared
memory that processes use for communication. SUMO process writes information
to pipe, then NetSim process reads the information from pipe.
• On running the Simulation, SUMO determines the positions of vehicles with
respect to time as per the road conditions. NetSim reads the coordinates of
vehicles from SUMO (through pipes) in runtime and uses it as input for vehicles
mobility.
• Users will notice an inversion along X axis in the NetSim GUI, since origin (0, 0) in
SUMO is at the left bottom, while origin is at the left-top in NetSim.
• VANET operates in wireless environment and hence RF channel loss occurs. The
amount of loss can be configured by users. To modify the Wireless channel
characteristics users can right click on the grid environment and modify the
channel characteristics as per the requirement.

3.11.4.1 New Experiment

• In the Main menu select  New VANETs

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 • A dialogue box appears as shown below, in that browse the Sumo Configuration
File path. The general format of such file is “*.Sumo.cfg”.

• NetSim VANET module is designed to interface directly with SUMO.

• A SUMO configuration file is required as an input to NetSim.
• Sample SUMO configuration files are available inside ““C:\Program Files\NetSim
Standard\Docs\Sample_Configuration\VANET” folder.
• If users wish to run VANET without interfacing with SUMO then they can do so via
File  New  Advanced Wireless networks  MANET.
• Users can either use a Sumo configuration file which is provided inside NetSim’s
installation directory or use a different user specified SUMO configuration file. This
.cfg file contains the path of NETWORK file and VEHICLES file.
• Further help on how to create SUMO configuration files is available at
http://sumo.dlr.de/wiki/Networks/Building_Networks_from_own_XML-descriptions.

3.11.4.2 Create Scenario

After selecting the Sumo configuration file name, the scenario is opened, with nodes placed
at their respective starting positions (tracked form Sumo). Roads and Traffic Lights are also
placed exactly as present in SUMO Configuration file.

3.11.4.3 Set Node, Link and Application Properties

• Right click on the appropriate node or link and select Properties. Then modify the
parameters according to the requirements.

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 • Routing Protocol in Network Layer and all user editable properties in Data Link
Layer, Physical Layer and Power are Global.
• In the Global properties, Mobility Model is set to SUMO and it is non-Editable. This
signifies that the Node movements will be traced from SUMO.
• File name gives the path to Sumo Configuration file that was given by the user.
• Step Size is taken from the Sumo Configuration file specified which tells the
amount of time paused in sumo corresponding to single step of SUMO Simulation.
• In interface_wireless properties, under Physical layer, by default Standard is set to
IEEE 802.11p in case of VANET.
• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

3.11.4.4 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties

On opening an already configured properties of environment, the input fields will be frozen
(i.e. the input cannot be changed). To modify these values click on the Modify button in the
screen. Now the input value can be changed. Click on the Accept button, the modified
values will be saved.

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3.11.4.5 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace& Dynamic metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.11.5 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.Simulation Time is set from the
Configuration File of Sumo. The simulation has three options

• Record animation - which runs Sumo in background. Users can view animation
after completion of Simulation.

• Play & Record animation – Opens NetSim GUI and Sumo GUI in parallel with
parameters being continuously passed between the two Simulators.
• Don’t play/record animation – runs Sumo in Backend. Animation is not recorded.

On running the Simulation by selecting Play & Record option, users can view NetSim
Packet animation and SUMO simulation simultaneously.

SUMO determines the positions of vehicles with respect to time as per the road conditions.
NetSim reads the coordinates of vehicles from SUMO (through pipe) during runtime and
uses it as input for vehicles mobility.

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Animation is also synchronized to match the simulation speed in SUMO and NetSim as
shown in above figure. Users can see the movement of vehicles in SUMO and observe
equivalent movement in NetSim.

Here users can notice an inversion of nodes in the GUI, since origin (0, 0) in SUMO is at the
left bottom, while origin is at the left-top in NetSim.

But when users select Record animation only option, NetSim and SUMO run separately
and also users can find that the animation in SUMO is much faster than that of NetSim. This
is because, NetSim has to animate the flow of packets between the vehicles in addition to
the vehicle movement.

Features of VANET implematation in NetSim

• IEEE 802.11p
• Layer 3 Routing – AODV,DSR,OLSR,ZRP
• PHY Layer RF Propagation
• Pathloss(log distance)
• Shadowing
• Fading
• Source C Code
• Automatic import of road network and vehicles from SUMO
• Wide range of output metrics including Delay, Throughput, Error, Retransmission,
etc.
• Interfacing between SUMO & NetSim via Traffic control interface (TraCI).

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Source C Code:

• Source code related to interfacing of SUMO and NetSim is available in

Sumo_interface.c file inside mobility folder/project.
• VANET runs MANET routing protocols in Layer 3. These are AODV, DSR, OLSR,
and ZRP.
• The following dlls are executed when VANET simulations run:
• libMobility.dll
• libAODV.dll (or) libDSR.dll (or) libZRP.dll
• libIEEE802.11.dll
• IEEE 1609
• DSRC – J2735

3.11.6 How to create your own network using SUMO and run through
NetSim

Step 1: Create a node file using any code editor (like notepad, notepad++ etc) and the file
extension will be .nod.xml. It represents the junctions in the road. Each of these attributes
has a certain meaning and value range: node_id means unique name of each junction, x-y is
the positions of node and type can be "priority", "traffic_light", "rail_crossing", “rail_ signal”
etc. (Refer: http://www.sumo.dlr.de/userdoc/Networks/Building_Networks_from_own_XML-
descriptions.html#Node_Descriptions)

Step 2: Create an edge file that describes how the junctions or nodes are connected to each
other. The extension of this file is .edg.xml. Each edge is unidirectional and starts at the
"from"-node and ends at the "to"-node. For each edge, some further attributes should be
supplied, being the number of lanes the edge has (numLanes), the maximum speed allowed
on the edge speed. Furthermore, the priority may be defined optionally. (Refer:
http://www.sumo.dlr.de/userdoc/Networks/Building_Networks_from_own_XML-
descriptions.html#Edge_Descriptions)

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Step 3: Open Command Prompt and change the directory to the binary folder of sumo using
cd command. “cd C:\sumo-0.25.0\bin”

Step 4: Generate Network file by using NETCONVERT command. Make a folder named like
VANET_Example and place the .nod.xml and .edg.xml files i.e. NODES.nod.xml and
EDGE.edg.xml respectively.

netconvert --n “<path where the .nod.xml file is present>\<filename>.nod.xml” --e “<path
where the .edg.xml file is present>\<filename>.edg.xml” --o “<path where both input files are
present>\<filename>.net.xml”

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Step 5: Create a .rou.xml file that describes the direction of the vehicle’s movement.

Step 6: Create a sumo configuration file file using any code editor (like notepad, notepad++
etc) and the extension is .sumo.cfg. Place the file inside the same folder where the network
file (i.e. NETWORK.net.xml) and route file (i.e. VEHICLES.rou.xml) are present.

Step 7: Now open “New  VANET”. Choose the Configuration.cfg.xml from the specified
folder.

Step 8: Set Application Properties as follows

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 Application Properties

Application Type BSM

Source Id 2

Destination Id 5

Packet Size Distribution Constant

Value (bytes) 20

Inter Arrival Time Distribution Constant

Packet Inter Arrival Time (µs) 50000

Run the scenario and choose “Play & record animation (Simulation will slow down
significantly)” option.

Output: During simulation, NetSim will open sumo. NetSim operates the communication part
in between the vehicles and sumo performs the road traffic.

At 11 s -- In NetSim In SUMO

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 At 36s -- In NetSim In SUMO

3.11.7 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

VANET – Example Simulation

Example 1: CCH

Open the scenario available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\VANET\EX2”.

Settings to be done in the sample network:

• In Interface1_ wirelessData Link Layer, CCH_TIME_INTERVEL – 30000 µs

• No. of Lanes – 3
• No. of Vehicles - 3
• SCH_time – 100000 microseconds by default.
• Guard_interval – 100ms by default
• Application is set as BSM with 3Mbps generation rate.
• Packet size – 100 B
• IAT – 266 µs
• Run simulation and note down the number of data packets transmitted and
throughput for sample 1.
• Modify the CCH_TIME_INTERVEL to 50000, 70000 microseconds for sample 2
and 3.

Output

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 CCH_Time No.of Packet transmitted Throughput
(micro seconds) (Basic Safety Messages) (Mbps)
30000 198837 0.913
50000 218437 1.005
70000 225687 1.03

Inference:

As we are increase the CCH time, throughput increases. Larger the service time greater the
throughput.Here, the delivered packets are considered to be the safety type, which are
simulated for the CCH interval -> 30000 µs, 50000 µs, 70000µs.

To analyse this users can open packet trace and filter the data packets. Number of safety
messages. i.e BSM messages are more when the CCH time is increased.

In DSRC protocol, the duration is dynamic, and the channel can be adjusted dynamically to
transmit the packets.

Example 2: Guard Interval

Guard interval: A time interval at the start of each control channel (CCH) interval and
service channel (SCH) interval during which devices that are switching channels do not
transmit.

• Goto the path “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration \VANET\EX1” and

open “Configuration1.sumo” in notepad. Change the simulation time to 10 seconds
and save.
• Open the scenario inside “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration
\VANET\EX1”

Settings done in the sample network:

• In Interface1_ wireless Data Link Layer, CCH_TIME_INTERVEL - 100000micro

seconds by default.
• SCH_time – 100000 microseconds by default.
• Guard_interval – 100microseconds by default.
• Generate traffic with Node 2 to Node 3 with BSM application.
• Change the CCH_TIME_INTERVEL and SCH_TIME_INTERVEL to 10 ms i.e.
10000 us in GUI.
• Click and drop application icon and have to create one application from node 2 to
node 3.

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 • Simulate for 10 sec that is provided by user in “Configuration1.sumo” file.
• Increase the guard interval by 200, 300 and 400 micro seconds will result in
decrease in throughput.

Inference:

As we are increase the Guard_interval time, throughput decreases. If Guard interval is more,
service time will be less which leads to decrease in throughput.

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3.12 Military Radio – TDMA link 16
Note: It is available only in pro version.

3.12.1 New Experiment

In the Main menu, Select NewAdvanced Wireless NetworksSingle MANET

3.12.2 Create Scenario

Click on the Node icon in the Toolbar, and then click on Wireless Node. Next, click on the
environment where you want to drop it inside the grid. (Note: A Node cannot be placed on
another Node. A Node cannot float outside of the grid.)

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3.12.3 Set Node Properties
• Right click on the appropriate node to select Properties.

• In Interface1_Wireless, go to DATALINK_LAYER and PHYSICAL_LAYER

section and change the Protocol to TDMA. In Wireless Node, Routing Protocol in
Network Layer and all user editable properties in DataLink Layer, Physical Layer
and Power are Global i.e. changing properties in one node will automatically reflect
in the others in that network.
• In Interface1_Wireless properties, under network layer, Link layer ack should be
selected as “Network LayerAck” .

3.12.4 Set Environment Properties

• Right click anywhere on the Environment Grid and select Properties.
• Select the Channel Characteristics and set the parameters accordingly.

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3.12.5 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties

On opening an already configured properties of environment, the input fields will be frozen
(i.e. the input cannot be changed).To modify these values click on the Modify button in the
screen. Now the input value can be changed.Click on the Accept button, the modified
values will be saved.

3.12.6 Set Application Properties

• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

Note: Maximum Packet Size in TDMA is 48 bytes.

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3.12.7 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics(Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK.

3.12.8 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

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3.13 Military Radio – DTDMA
(Note: DTDMA is featured as part of the MAC and PHY layer of MANET radios and it is available only in
pro version.)

3.13.1 New Experiment

In the Mainmenu, Select NewAdvanced Wireless NetworksSingle MANET

3.13.2 Create Scenario

Click on the Node icon in the Toolbar, and then click on Wireless Node. Next, click on the
environment where you want to drop it inside the grid. (Note: A Node cannot be placed on
another Node. A Node cannot float outside of the grid.)

3.13.3 Set Node Properties

• Right click on the appropriate node to select Properties.

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 • In Interface1_Wireless, go to DATALINK_LAYER and PHYSICAL_LAYER section
and change the Protocol to DTDMA.
• Note that in a Wireless Node, Routing Protocol in Network Layer and all user
editable properties in DataLink Layer / Physical Layer / Power model are Global i.e.
changing properties in one node will automatically reflect in the others in that
network.

In the Datalink Layer/Physical Layer, we can select the DTDMA protocol as shown in figure
below.

Furthermore, in Physical layer, we can select the frequency bands (HF/VHF/UHF). Users
can modify the lower frequency range and the Bandwidth. The sum of the Lower
frequency and Bandwidth gives the Upper frequency. Users can also select the modulation
techniques such as QPSK/16-QAM/64-QAM and, an option to turn ON/OFF frequency
hopping is also provided.

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3.13.4 Set Environment Properties
• Right click anywhere on the Environment Grid and select Properties.
• Select the Channel Characteristics and set the parameters accordingly.

3.13.5 Modifying/Viewing/Accepting Properties

On opening an already configured properties of environment, the input fields will be frozen
(i.e. the input cannot be changed).To modify these values click on the Modify button in the
screen. Now the input value can be changed.Click on the Accept button, the modified
values will be saved.

3.13.6 Set Application Properties

• Select the Application Button on the ribbon and click on the empty region between
the Grid Environment and the ribbon. Now right click on Application and select
Properties. Multiple applications can be generated by using add button in
Application properties.

• Set the values according to requirement and click Accept.

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3.13.7 Enable Packet Trace, Event Trace & Dynamic Metrics (Optional)

Click Packet Trace / Event Trace icon in the tool bar. To get detailed help, please refer
section 6.4 and 6.5 respectively. Select Dynamic Metrics icon for enabling Dynamic Metrics
and click OK

3.13.8 Run Simulation

Click on Run Simulation icon on the top toolbar.

Set the Simulation Time and click on OK.

3.13.9 Example Configuration files in NetSim

Sample configuration files for all networks are available inside the folder “<NetSim Install
Dir>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration”. These files provide examples on how NetSim can be
used – the parameters that can be changed and the typical effect it has on performance.

DTDMA – Example Simulations:

In Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), each time interval is divided into time slots.
Together, all the time slots in the interval are called a "frame". So for example if a network

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has 6 nodes, then each frame consists of 6 slots. The slot allocation is done in increasing
order of Node ID, and in the form of a round robin.

In DTDMA devices can leave / enter the network. For example a network has 5 nodes.
Assume that all nodes are present in the network initially. Node 1 uses slot 1, Node 2 uses
slot2 and so on till Node 5 uses slot 5. Let us say Node 2 leaves the network, then the frame
is split into 4 slots. Node 1 uses slot 1, Node 3 uses slot 2, node 4 uses slot 3 and node 5
uses slot 4.

The above example is based on demand based slots allocation with devices having traffic to
send will be allocated slots. Users can also input upto 100 slots per device.

Apart from demand based allocation, round robin slot allocation can also be chosen by the
user. In such cases all devices will get 1 slot.

Example 1: Packet Size and Slot Allocation Analysis

Open the scenario which is available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\DTDMA\packet_size & slot_allocation”

Settings done in example config file:

In DTDMA, time is divided into slots. In between 2 slots there is a guard interval of 100µs

1 Grid length ->500m * 500m

2 DTDMA -> enabled in MAC and PHY layers
3 Packet size -> 1000Bytes
4 Inter arrival time -> 20000µs
5 Slot Duration -> 2ms
6 Guard interval -> 100µs
7 Bits per slot -> 3000 bits
8 Overhead per slot -> 600 bits
9 Maximum slots per device -> 5

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10 Packet trace -> enable
11 Run simulation for 10 seconds

Output:

Users can observe how the slots are allocating for each device in detail in Packet trace. In
this case, packet size is 1000 bytes = 1000*8 = 8000bits and1 slot is allocated for each
device = 1*3000bits = 3000 bits. So, the packet size won’t fit in one slot.

Thus fragmentation happens in PHY layer. Users can observe this in Packet trace by filtering
the CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME to APP1_CBR. Packets of any greater size are
fragmented.Fragmentation also takes into account the number of bits remaining in the
allocated slot to improve slot utilization.

Example: For a slot size of 3000 bits, two 1040Bytes packets will be fragmented as

Slot 1 - 300 bytes

Slot 2 - 300 bytes

Slot 3 - 300 bytes

Slot 4 - 140 + 160 bytes(2nd packet)

Slot 5 - 300 bytes

Slot 6 - 300 bytes

Slot 7 - 280 bytes

……….

In packet trace, filter column of PACKET_TYPE to CBR. Node-1 and Node-5 are generating
traffic, so time slots are allocated for Node-1 and Node-5 as shown below

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Example 2: Round Robin

Open the scenario which is available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\DTDMA\round_robin”

Settings done in example config file:

1 Grid length ->500m * 500m

2 DTDMA -> enabled in MAC and PHY layers
3 Packet size -> 1000Bytes
4 Inter arrival time -> 2000µs
5 Slot Duration -> 2ms
6 Guard interval -> 100µs
7 Bits per slot -> 3000 bits
8 Overhead per slot -> 600 bits
9 Slot allocation technique -> ROUND_ROBIN
10 Packet trace -> enable
11 Run simulation for 10 seconds

Output:

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Open packet trace and filter PACKET_TYPE to CBR. ROUND_ROBIN allocates slots to
each and every device present in the networkregardless of whether the nodes are
generating traffic or not. The slot duration is 2ms = 2000µs. In between 2 slots there is a
guard interval of 100µs.In this scenario Nodes 1, 3 and 5 are generating traffic and users
can notice that the PHY_LAYER_END time between Source node-1 and Source Node-3 is
56600µs-52400µs = 4200µs = 2slots (including guard interval). So that slot1 belongs to
Node-1 and slot2 belongs to Node-2. Observe this in packet trace screenshot given below.

Example: How Slots are allocated in between 38200µs to 71800µsin ROUND_ROBIN slot
allocation technique.

Node ID Node- Node-6 Node-1 Node- Node- Node- Node- Node-

5 2 3 4 5 6
Application ID CBR-3 N/A CBR-1 N/A CBR-2 N/A CBR-3 N/A
PHY_LAYER_END_ 48200 50300 52400 54500 56600 58700 60800 62900
TIME µs µs µs µs µs µs µs µs

Node- Node- Node- Node- Node- Node- Node- Node- Node- Node-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4
CBR-1 N/A CBR-2 N/A CBR-3 N/A CBR-1 N/A CBR-2 N/A
65000 67100 69200 71300 73400 75500 77600 79700 81800µ 83900
µs µs µs µs µs µs µs µs s µs

Compare the above table with packet trace by filtering Packet_Type to CBR

Example 3: Node Join and Node Leave

Open the scenario which is available in “<NetSim Install Dir>\Docs\Sample_Configuration

\DTDMA\node_join&node_leave”

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Node join - It is the time at which the node joins the network.

Node leave - It is the time at which the node leaves the network.

Settings done in example config file:

1 Grid length->500m*500m
2 DTDMA -> enabled in MAC and PHY layers
3 TCP -> Disable
4 Packet trace -> enable
5 Packet size = 1000 Bytes
6 Inter arrival time = 100000µs
7 Simulate for 10 seconds and save the network
8 In edit and rerun, Node Leave (Node-2) -> 5s (present in global properties)
9 Simulate for 10 seconds

Output:

In case1, Node-1 transmits the packets throughout the simulation time, but in case-2, it will
transmit upto 5 seconds since Node-2 left the network at 5th second. To observe this, open
packet trace and filter PACKET_TYPE to CBR. In the below figure, NODE-1 has transmitted
the packets upto 10th second

But in case2 Node-2 is leaving the network at 5th second. So packet transmission will takes
place upto 5th second only.

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3.13.10 DTDMA Packet size

It is important to set packet size (of any application running over DTDMA) to be lower than
the Max packet Size setting indicated below. If the packet size exceeds the Max Packet Size
setting then DTDMA would not be able to transmit that packet.
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂−𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂
Maximum Packet size (bytes) =
8

By default,

Bits per slot (bits) – 3000, Overhead per slot (bits) - 600

Users can also edit the values of Bits per slot and Overhead per slot in the GUI.

Assuming default values are chosen for Bits per slot and Overhead per slot, DTDMA packet
size is calculated for different protocols as shown below:

i. For DSR protocol (if TCP is enabled),

DSR overhead (one hop) - 12 bytes which is added with Network layer overheads,
plus IP overhead of 20 plus TCP Overhead of 20, totaling 52 bytes (416 bits).

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−416

Max Packet size (bytes) = 8
= 248 bytes

ii. For DSR protocol (if UDP is enabled),

DSR overhead (one hop) - 12 bytes which is added with Network layer overheads, plus IP
overhead of 20 plus UDP Overhead of 8, totaling 40 bytes (320 bits).
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−320
Max Packet size (bytes) = 8
= 260 bytes

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 iii. For AODV,ZRP,OLSR protocol (if TCP is enabled),

Here AODV, ZRP, OLSR overhead – 0 (no overhead is added) plus IP overhead of 20 plus
TCP Overhead of 20, totaling 40 bytes (320 bits)
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−320
Max Packet size (bytes) = 8
= 260 bytes

iv. For AODV,ZRP,OLSR protocol (if UDP is enabled),

Here AODV, ZRP, OLSR overhead – 0 (no overhead is added) plus IP overhead of 20 plus
UDP Overhead of 8, totaling 40 bytes (224 bits)
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−224
Max Packet size (bytes) = 8
= 272 bytes

3.13.11 Node Join / Leave

Node join(s) - It is the time at which the node join the network and accesses the
communication channel.

Node leave (s) – It is the time at which the node leaves the network.

Dynamic metrics will be shown only for the period in which the node is present in the
network. For example, if node join = 0, node leave = 5, even if the simulation time = 100s,
the dynamic metrics will be shown only for 5s.

Use case:Fields can take multiple inputs separated by comma as shown below:

Node join - 0, 10

Node leave - 5, 100

In this case, the node joins the network at 0s and leaves at 5s and the node joins the
network again at 10s and leaves at 100s.

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3.14 Propagation models in NetSim
Propagation models are used to model signal attenuation for all wireless links. These include
WLAN – 802.11, Zigbee / IOT / WSN – 802.15.4, LTE / LTE – A and Wi-Max.

3.14.1 Propagation Loss

Three different and mutually independent propagation phenomena influence the power of
the received signal: path loss, shadowing and multipath fading.

The different models available in NetSim are

1 Pathloss Models

• Friis Free Space Propagation (Default option in GUI)

• Log Distance
• HATA Suburban
• HATA Urban
• COST 231 HATA Suburban
• COST 231 HATA Urban
• Indoor Office
• Indoor Factory
• Indoor Home
• No Path Loss

2 Shadowing Models

• No shadowing
• Constant
• Lognormal

3 Fading Model

• No fading
• Rayleigh
• Nakagami

3.14.2 Path Loss

Path loss is the reduction in power density of an electromagnetic wave as it propagates

through space. Path loss may be due to many effects, such as free reflection, aperture-
medium coupling loss, and absorption. The general formula by which pathloss is calculated
is

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 RXpower = TXpower + GainTX + GainRX – PL1Meter – 10 log Dn

Where n is the path loss exponent, whose value is normally in the range of 2 to 5. In NetSim,
the default value for path loss exponent is 2 and D is the distance between transmitter and
the receiver, usually measured in meters.

And PL1Meter is the path loss at reference distance (here taken as 1m). This value varies
depending on the radio and is a user input available in the PHY layer of the radios. For
802.11b this value is 30dB

And the Gain represents the transmit and receive antenna gains

An example: Let us say the transmit power of a radio is 20 mW (or 13 dBm), with zero gains
for the tx and rx antenna, and let us say the distance between transmitter and receiver is
100m and the path loss exponent n = 3. Then Received power in dB is

RXpower = 10 log (20) + 0 + 0 – 30 – 10 log (100) 3

= 13 – 30 – 60

= - 77 dBm

The default value for reference distance d0 and pathloss at reference distance PL_d0 are

1 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / p

• 2.4 GHz : Default d0 = 1m and PL_D0 = 40dB

• 5 GHz: Default d0 = 1 m and PL_D0 = 47 dB

2 802.15.4 - Default d0 = 8m and PL_D0 = 58.5 dB

3 In LTE the calculation is done for each carrier for uplink and download. Default d0 = 1m
and PL_D0 = 32 dB

The code for calculating the Path loss is included inside the function
propagation_calculate_logdistancepathloss () which is available in the path NetSim
Standard\src\Simulation\IEEE802_11.

3.14.3 Shadowing

Slow shadowing in wireless network is the attenuation caused by buildings or any obstacles
between a transmitter and a receiver. In the model with shadowing, the shadowing value Xσ,
typically defined in dB, is added to (or subtracted from) the average received power. Xσ is a
zero means Gaussian distributed random variable with standard deviation σ.

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The Probability Density Function (PDF) of the lognormal distribution is:

The default value for standard deviation is chosen as 5 dB.

The code for calculating the shadow loss is present inside the function
propagation_calculate_lognormalshadow () and the file is available insideNetSim
Standard\src\Simulation\IEEE802_11.

3.14.4 Fading

In wireless communications, fading is deviation of the attenuation affecting a signal over

certain propagation media. The fading may vary with time, geographical position or radio
frequency, and is often modelled as a random process.

In NetSim, the Rayleigh Fading, which follows Rayleigh Probability Distribution with mean of
1, is used. The code for calculating fading loss is present in the file IEEE802_11_Phy.c, and
path for the file is NetSim Standard\src\Simulation\IEEE802_11.

3.14.5 SINR Calculation

Analogous to the SNR used often in wired communications systems, the SINR is defined as
the power of a certain signal of interest divided by the sum of the interference power (from all
the other interfering signals) and the power of some background noise.
The interference power is the difference between the total power received by the receiver
and the power received from one particular transmitter.

The background thermal noise in dBm at room temperature is given by:

P (in dBm) = −174 + 10 × 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙10 (𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥)

Where Δf is the Bandwidth in Hertz. For 802.15.4, Δf = 2 MHz. For 802.11a, b, g, Δf = 20

MHz, and for 802.11n, Δf = 20 MHz or 40 MHz.
𝑃𝑃 (𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖)
P (in mW) = 10� 10
�

Therefore, SINR in dBm is calculated as:

𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 (𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚)
SINR (in dBm) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙10 � �
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 (𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚) + 𝑇𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 (𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚)

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3.14.6 Bit Error Rate (BER) Calculation

The bit error rate (BER) is the number of bit errors divided by the total number of transferred
bits during a studied time interval. The BER calculation is calculated using as SNR – BER
tables for different modulation schemes. These tables are closed and not available for user
modification. In the case of LTE an SNR-BER table is looked up for each MCS.

Ver 10.2 187

4 Traffic generator (Application models)

NetSim allows users to model and simulate the applications:

1 CBR
2 Custom
3 Database
4 FTP
5 Email
6 HTTP
7 PEER_TO_PEER
8 Video
9 Voice
10 Sensor App
11 Erlang Call
12 BSM
13 Emulator (Only if Emulator Add-on is present)

To set up the application click and drop the application icon from the tool bar as shown
below.

Right click on the application icon and select properties

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This properties window allows you to set the traffic. You can add (or) delete one or more
applications.

4.1 Common properties for all the traffic types

Application ID

This property represents the unique identification number of the application.

Start time

This property represents the start time of the application in seconds.

End time

This property represent the end time of the application in seconds.

Note: Suppose Start time is 1 and end time is 10 then application starts generating traffic at 1st second
and ends at 10th second.

Source Count

This property represents number of sources for the application. Voice, Video, FTP, Database
and Custom applications have only one source.

Source ID

This property represents the unique identification number of the source.

Destination Count

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This property represents number of destinations for the application. Voice, Video, FTP,
Database and Custom applications have only one destination.

Destination ID

This property represents the unique identification numbers of the destination. And to model,
Broadcast application users can select ‘0’ as the Destination ID.

4.2 CBR
Packet Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution is

Constant

Packet Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen
distribution. By default 1460 bytes is entered.

Inter Arrival Time

This indicates the time gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution is

• Constant

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between packets. A lower inter-
arrival time would lead to a higher generation rate and vice versa. By default 20000 Micro
Sec is entered.

4.3 Custom
Packet Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Packet Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen
distribution. By default 1460 bytes is entered

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Inter Arrival Time

This indicates the time gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between packets. A lower inter-
arrival time would lead to a higher generation rate and vice versa. By default 20000 Micro
Sec is entered.

4.4 Voice
Codec

Codec is the component of any voice system that translates between analog speech and the
bits used to transmit them. Every codec transmits a burst of data in a packet that can be
reconstructed into voice.

Five different standards of voice codec’s are given which can be selected depending on the
variations required. Packet size and Inter-arrival time value will vary depending on the codec
value chosen.

Packet Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Packet Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen
distribution. By default 160 bytes is entered.

Inter Arrival Time

This indicates the time gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Ver 10.2 191

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between packets. A lower inter-
arrival time would lead to a higher generation rate and vice versa. By default 20000 Micro
Sec is entered.

Service Type

• CBR - CBR stands for Constant Bit Rate. Packets of constant size are generated
at constant inter arrival times.
• VBR - VBR stands for Variable Bit Rate. The two types of Suppression Model that
can be selected are,
• Deterministic
• Markov Chain

4.5 Video
Model Type

• Continuous Normal VBR – This model is the simplest of all models. It uses
Normal Distribution for the generation of bits per pixel. In this model, consecutive
packet sizes are independent of each other.
• Frames per second – Number of frames arriving per second. This is in the
range of 10 – 50.
• Pixels per frame -Number of pixelsin each frame. This is in the range of
10000 – 100000.
• Bits per pixel (µ)– Mean value of the normal distribution used to generate the
value of bits per pixel.
• Bits per pixel (Σ) – Standard Deviation of the normal distribution used to
generate the value of bits per pixel.
o The generation rate for video application can be calculated by using the
formula Generation Rate (bits per second) = fps * ppf * bpp
where, fps = frames per second, ppf = pixel per frame, bpp (µ) = bits per pixel
(mean)
o Users can set the above-mentioned parameters in the Application Properties.
o For example, if we set frames per second = 20, pixels per frame = 10000, bits
per pixel = 0.52 then the generation rate would be, Generation rate (bits per
second) = fps*ppf*bpp = 20*10000*0.52 = 104000 bits per second = 0.1040
Mbps

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 • Continuous State Autoregressive Markov –This model incorporates the
autocorrelation between the frames. Also, current packet size depends on the
previous packet size via the first order autoregressive Markov process.
• Frames per second – Number of frames arriving per second. This is in the
range of 10 – 50.
• Pixels per frame - Number of pixels in each frame. This is in the range of
10000 – 100000.
• Constants A, D– First order autoregressive Markov processλ(n) can be
generated by the recursive relation λ(n)=aλ(n-1)+bw(n).
• Eta– The steady-state average E(λ)and discreet auto covariance C(n) are
given byE(λ) = (b / (1-a) ) η C(n)=(b2/(1-a2))an where η is the Gaussian
parameter.
• Quantized State Continuous Time Markov –In this model the bit rate is
quantized into finite discrete levels. This model takes uniform quantization step as
A bits/pixel. There are M + 1 possible levels (0, A, ….., MA).Transitions between
levels are assumed to occur with exponential rates that may depend on the current
level. This model is approximating the bit rate by a continuous time process λ(t)
with discrete jumps at random Poisson time.
• Frames per second – Number of frames arriving per second. This is in the
range of 10 – 50.
• Pixels per frame - Number of pixels in each frame. This is in the range of
10000 – 100000.
• No of Multiplexed Sources– This model considers the aggregate
instantaneous input rate λN (t) instead of the single source bit rate λ (t). The
total rate is the sum of N independent random processes each with mean E
(λ) and variance C (0) at steady state.Therefore, the steady state- mean of
λN (t) will be E (λ N) =N x E (λ) bits/pixel.
• Quantization Level– This model takes uniform quantization step as A
bits/pixel. There are M + 1 possible levels (0, A, MA). Transitions between
levels are assumed to occur with exponential rates that may depend on the
current level.
• Simple IPB Composite Model–In this model, the frames are organized as
IBBPBBPBBPBBIBBPBB… i.e., 12 frames in a Group of Pictures(GOP).Generate
X0 from a Gaussian distribution N(0, y 0).Set initial value N0= 0, D0 = 1.

For k = 1, 2,…, N-1, calculate Φkj , j = 1, 2,…,k iteratively using the following formulae

Ver 10.2 193

 Nk = r(k) – j=1Σk-1Φk-1,j r(k-j)

Dk = Dk-1 –(N2k-1/Dk-1)

Φkk = Nk / Dk

Φkj = Φk-1, j-ΦkkΦk-1,k-j j=1,….,k-1

mk = j = 1ΣkΦkjXk-j

y k = (1- Φ2kk) yk-1

Finally, eachXk is chosen from N (mk, y k). Thus we get a process X with ACF
approximating to r (k).

The auto correlation function can be calculated in a recursive way as follows:

r(0) = 1, r(k+1) = ((k+d)/(k+1))r(k)

Where d= H-0.5.

H is called the Hurst parameter k-β is used as the ACF of a self-similar

process.We get the value of H parameter for a self-similar process using the relationship,

Β = 2 – 2H

Distribution of these data is Gaussian. For data to be Beta distributed, the following mapping
is being used.

Yk = F-1β (FN(Xk)), k>0

Xk: Self-similar Gaussian process,

FN: The cumulative probability of normal distribution,

F-1β: The inverse cumulative probability functions of the Beta model.

• Frames per second – Number of frames arriving per second. This is in the
range of 10 – 50.
• Gamma I – Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.
• Gamma B– Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.
• Gamma P– Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.
• Eta I – Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.
• Eta B – Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.
• Eta P– Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.

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 • Beta I – Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.
• Beta P– Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.
• Beta B– Refer i-button help of Simple IPB Composite Model.

4.6 FTP
File Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

File Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen distribution.
By default 100000 bytes is entered.

NOTE: Devices must have TCP enabled in Transport layer for implementing FTP application successfully.

File_Inter Arrival Time

This indicates the time gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between packets. A lower inter-
arrival time would lead to a higher generation rate and vice versa. By default 5 Sec is
entered.

4.7 Database
Transaction Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Packet_Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen
distribution. By default 10000 bytes is entered.

Transaction Inter Arrival Time

Ver 10.2 195

This indicates the time gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between packets. A lower inter-
arrival time would lead to a higher generation rate and vice versa. By default 1000000 Micro
Sec is entered.

4.8 Peer to Peer

A pure peer-to-peer network does not have the notion of clients or servers but only
equal peer nodes that simultaneously functioning as both "clients" and "servers" to the other
nodes on the network.

NOTE: Devices must have TCP enabled in Transport layer for implementing peer to peer application
successfully.

File Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Value (Bytes): This represents the size of the file in bytes.

Piece size (Bytes): Each file is divided into equal sized pieces and then the piece of the
data is transmitted. This property represents the size of each piece.

4.9 HTTP
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is a protocol that utilizes TCP to transfer its information
between computers (usually Web servers and clients). Hence in NetSim, it is imperative that
TCP is enabled in the Source Node.

Http_request_interarrival_time

This indicates the time gap between the pages.

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

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 • Constant
• Exponential

Inter Arrival Time (micro sec): This represents the rate at which client sends the requests.

Page_property

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Page Count: This represents the number of pages received from the server.

Page Size (Bytes): This represents the size of each page that is received from the server.

4.10Email
Email_Receive

This represents the rate at which emails are received.

Duration_Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Duration: Time gap between two successive receiving emails in seconds.

Email_Size_Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential
Email_Size: It represents the size of the email that is received.

Email_Send

This represents the rate at which emails are sent.

Duration_Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Duration: Time gap between two successive sending emails in seconds.

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Email_Size_Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Email_Size: It represents the size of the email that is sent.

4.10 Sensor App

Packet Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant

Packet Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen
distribution. By default 50 bytes is entered.

Inter Arrival Time

This indicates the time gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between packets. A lower inter-
arrival time would lead to a higher generation rate and vice versa. By default 1000000 Micro
Sec is entered.

4.12 Erlang Call

Packet Size

Distribution: The options available for distribution is

• Constant
• Exponential

Packet Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen
distribution. By default 160 bytes is entered.

Inter Arrival Time

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This indicates the time gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution is

• Constant
• Exponential

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between packets. A lower inter-
arrival time would lead to a higher generation rate and vice versa. By default 20000 Micro
Sec is entered.

Call

Duration Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Duration: The options available

Inter Arrival Time: Enter the average inter-arrival time between calls. A lower inter-arrival
time would lead to a higher call rate and vice versa. By default 60 Sec is entered.

IAT Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Service Type:

• CBR - CBR stands for Constant Bit Rate. Packets of constant size are generated
at constant inter arrival times.
• VBR- VBR stands for Variable Bit Rate. The two types of Suppression Model that
can be selected are,
• Deterministic
• Markov Chain

Success ratio: Sets the ratio of the packets that are not silenced during VBR calls.

4.13 BSM
NOTE- Available only with VANET component

Ver 10.2 199

Duration Distribution: The options available for distribution are,

• Constant
• Exponential

Packet Size (Bytes): Sets the size of the packets being generated by the chosen
distribution. By default 20 bytes is entered.

Inter Arrival Time:

This indicates the time available for distribution is Constant gap between packets.

Distribution: The options available for distribution is

• Constant
• Exponential

4.14 Emulator
NOTE- Will be present only when Emulator Add-on is installed

Emulation

Source Real IP: Specifies the real IP Address of source device in Emulation

Source Port: Specifies the Port no used for transmission by Application running in source
device

Destination Real IP: Specifies the real IP Address of destination device in Emulation

Destination Port: Specifies the Port no used for reception by Application running in
destination device

Application Type Priority Value Priority QoS Class

Voice – One way 8 High RTPS
Voice – Two way 8 High UGS
Video 6 Medium nRTPS
FTP 2 Low BE
Database 2 Low BE
Custom 2 Low BE

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4.15 Priority and QoS of Applications
The various application traffic generated in NetSim have the following priority and QoS
values:

Note: Priority of “Normal” has a Priority Value of 4 and “nRTPS” QoS Class. Ex: Video
over TCP.

4.16 Modelling Poisson arrivals in NetSim

What’s a Poisson process, and how is it useful?

Any time you have events which occur individually at random moments, but which tend to
occur at an average rate when viewed as a group, you have a Poisson process.

For example, we can estimate that a certain node generates 1200 packets per minute.
These are randomly generated throughput the hour throughput the 60 seconds, but there are
on average 1200 packets per minute. If 1200 packets generated per minute that, on
average, one packet is generated every 60 / 1200 = 0.05 seconds. So, let’s define a variable
λ = 1/ 0.05 = 20 and call it the rate parameter. The rate parameter λ is a measure of
frequency: the average rate of events (packets) per unit of time (in this case, seconds).

Knowing this, we can ask questions like, what is the probability that a packet will be
generated within the next second? What’s the probability within the next 10 seconds?
There’s a well-known function to answer such questions. It’s called the cumulative
distribution function for the exponential distribution, and it looks like this:

F(x) =1−e−λx

Basically, the more time passes, the more likely it is that, a packet is generated. The word
“exponential”, in this context, actually refers to exponential decay. As time passes, the

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probability of having no packets generated decays towards zero – and correspondingly, the
probability of having at least one packet generated increases towards one.

Plugging in a few values, we find that:

• The probability of generating a packet within the next 0.05 seconds is F(0.05)≈
0.63
• The probability of generating a packet within 1 second is F(1)≈ 0.999999998

In particular, note that after 0.05 seconds – the prescribed average time between packets –
the probability is F(0.05)≈ 0.63 .

Generating Poisson arrivals in NetSim

We simply write a function to determine the exact amount of time until the next packet. This
function should return random numbers, but not the uniform kind of random number
produced by most generators. We want to generate random numbers in a way that follows
our exponential distribution.

Given that the inverse of the exponential function is ln, it’s pretty easy to write this
analytically, where U is the random value between 0 and 1:

Next Time when a packet is generated =−ln(1- RandNo) / λ

This is exactly the code used in NetSim, and this is available in the source C file in
../NetSim_Standard/Simulation/Application/Distribution.c. In the case exponential
distribution, you would see

case Distribution_Exponential: /*Exponential Distribution Function*/

fFirstArg = args[0];

nRandOut = fnRandomNo(10000000, &fRand, uSeed, uSeed1);

fRandomNumber = (double) (fRand);

fFirstArg = 1 / fFirstArg;

*fDistOut = (double) -(1 / fFirstArg)* (double) logl(1 - fRandomNumber);

The simple way of selecting this via the UI is to selecting exponential distribution for inter-
arrival time when modelling application properties.

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5 Running Simulation via CLI

5.1 Running NetSim via CLI

Advanced users can model their simulation via a configuration file (which can be created
without the NetSim GUI) and run the simulation from command line. This is typically done in
cases where very large networks are to be simulated (it takes too long to create it in the
GUI), or to run a series of simulations automatically. The configuration file contains all
required information to run the simulation including the network topology, devices, links,
traffic, statistics, traces etc. To run Simulation in NetSim through command line interface
(CLI), the following steps have to be followed.

Step 1: Note the Application Path

Application path is the file location in the system in which NetSim has been installed.The app
path can be found out by right clicking the NetSim Shortcut in the desktop and selecting
Open file location (Windows 7/8/10). The app path will be something like “C:\Program
Files\NetSim Standard\bin”, depending on where NetSim is installed. Note thatit is the path
to the bin folder of the application install directory.

Step 2: Note the IO Path

IO path (Input/output Path) is the path where the input and output files of an application is
written. This is similar to the temp path of windows OS. For NetSim, the IO path can be got
by Start Run %temp%/NetSim. Once you reach this folder, the user can notice that the
path would be something like “C:\Users\Ram\AppData\Local\Temp\NetSim”

The IO path is the path where the Configuration.NetSim (NetSim Configuration file) of the
scenario, that will be simulated, should be present.

App path and IO path can also be same, i.e., Configuration.NetSim can be placed inside the
app path (if the app path has write permission). Otherwise, users can create a folder for IO
path and Configuration.NetSim can be placed inside that folder.

Note: Sample configuration.NetSim files are available in the <NetSim installed Directory>/Docs/
Sample_Configurations folder of the NetSim install directory inside the respective protocol folder names.

Step 3: Running NetSim through command line for Simulation

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To run NetSim through command line, copy the app path where NetSimCore.exe is present
and paste it in the command prompt.

>cd <app path>

Note: File path should be always added in the command prompt within double quotes. For example,

>cd “C:\Program Files (x86)\NetSim Standard\bin”

For floating/roaming licenses, type the following in the command prompt.The type of license
can be seen by clicking on NetSim Help  About NetSim

>NetSimCore.exe<space> -apppath<space><app path><space>-

iopath<space><io path><space>-license<space>5053@<Server IP Address>

Where,

• <app path> contains all files of NetSim including NetSimCore.exe

• <iopath> contains Configuration.NetSim and Configuration.xsd (Configuration.xsd
is available in bin folder). Refer section 5.2.4 to know about configuration.xsd file.
• 5053 is the port number through which the system communicates with the license
server i.e the system in which the dongle is running (for floating license users)
• <Server IP Address> is the ip address of the system where NetSim license server
(dongle) is running. Please contact your network administrator / lab in charge to
know the IP address of the PC where the NetSim license server is running.

The following screenshot is the example of running NetSim through CLI where the ip
address of the NetSim license server is 192.168.0.2

For node-locked licenses, type the following in the command prompt

>NetSimCore.exe<space> -apppath<space><app path><space>-

iopath<space><io path><space>

Where,

• <app path> contains all files of NetSim including NetSimCore.exe

• <iopath> contains Configuration.NetSim and Configuration.xsd

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The following screenshot is the example of running NetSim through CLI for the node locked
license.

Simulation will be completed successfully and the text files that are requested by the end
user in Configuration.NetSim will be written in the <iopath>.

Note: If the folder name contains white space, then mention the folder path within double quotes while
specifying the folder name in the command prompt. For example, if app path contains white space, then
the app path must be mentioned within double quotes in the command prompt as given below.

>cd <app path>

>NetSimCore.exe -apppath <”app path”> -iopath <io path>-license 5053@<License

Server IP Address>

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To know more about the options that are available to run NetSim via CLI, type the following
in the command prompt.

>cd <app path>

>NetSimCore.exe -h

Running CLI via Quick edit mode:

With Quick Edit mode, you can copy text between a command window and Windows-based
programs, and you can also paste text into a command window by using a right-click
operation. To use Quick edit mode in command prompt users can run the command prompt
-> Right Click the icon in the upper-left corner of the Command Prompt window, and then
Click Properties ->In the options, enable Quick Edit mode -> and select ok.

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5.2 Understanding Configuration.NetSim file
Let’s see under the hood to know how NetSim is working.

Using UI

GUI
Using CLI

Configur
Metrics.t
ation.Net
xt
Sim

Protocol
Engine +
Stack +
Kernel

Fig.1. NetSim Architectural Overview

To model a scenario in order to generate metrics in NetSim, GUI will write all the details
about the devices used in the scenario and its properties, the links used and their properties,
the properties of the environment being used, etc. in Configuration.NetSimjust when the
user performs the simulation.

The back-end engine that contains dlls and NetSimCore.exe will read this
Configuration.NetSim, execute the simulation and write output metrics files (in .txt format) to
the IO path. Then, the GUI will display the metrics based on the text files written by the
backend.

In order to run NetSim through command line (CLI), the user has to create the
Configuration.NetSim furnishing all the details about the devices, links and the environment
of the desired scenario.

5.2.1 How to use Visual Studio to edit the Configuration file?

In Visual Studio, XML view provides an editor for editing raw XML and provides IntelliSense
and color coding.After you type the element name and press the CTRL+ SPACE, you will be

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presented with a list of attributes that the element supports. This is known as “IntelliSense”.
Using this feature, you can select the options that are required to create the desired
scenario.

Color coding is followed to indicate the elements and the attributes in a unique fashion.

The following screenshot displays the Configuration.NetSim which is opened through the
Visual Studio.

To reformat it, click on “Reformat Selection” icon.

5.2.2 Sections of Configuration file

These are the different sections in Configuration.NetSim:

• EXPERIMENT_INFORMATION
• GUI_INFORMATION
• NETWORK_CONFIGURATION
• SIMULATION_PARAMETER
• PROTOCOL_CONFIGURATION
• STATISTICS_COLLECTION

EXPERIMENT_INFORMATION:

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This section contains the details about the user credentials, such as the user mode (Admin
or Exam or Practice), experiment name, date on which the experiment is created and the
comments about the experiment. This section plays a significant role while running NetSim
through GUI.

GUI_INFORMATION:

This section contains the GUI information like the environment length, view type etc. and the
network name which is desired to be run.

NETWORK_CONFIGURATION:

This section is used to configure the devices and the links of the desired network at the each
layer of the TCP/IP stack. It consists of DEVICE_CONFIGURATION, CONNECTION and
APPLICATION_CONFIGURATION. DEVICE_CONFIGURATION configures the devices in
the desired network while the CONNECTION configures the links in the desired network and
APPLICATION configures the Applications.

SIMULATION_PARAMETER:

Simulation time and seed values are described in this section.

PROTOCOL_CONFIGURATION:

IPV4 and static ARP are enabled or disabled in this section. The text files illustrating the
static routing and static ARP can be obtained by enabling the corresponding tags in the
Configuration.NetSim.

STATISTICS_COLLECTION:

The packet trace and the event trace can be observed in the text files which are created by
enabling the tags in this section. The required fields of the packet trace can be enabled in
the PACKET_TRACE while the event trace can be enabled in the EVENT_TRACE of this
section.

5.2.3 Sample Configuration file

Sample “Configuration.NetSim” file will be installed in user system along with the software at
<NetSim installed Path>\Docs\ Sample_Configuration\ <Network Technology>.User can
open and edit these files using Visual Studio 2015 or any XML editor. The purpose of
providing the sample “Configuration.NetSim” file is to assist the user in writing a network
scenario manually by analyzing the format for that specific network technology.

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5.2.4 Configuration.xsd file

Configuration.xsd is a XML schema Definition file which is present in the path

<NetSim_Installation_Directory>/bin

Configuration.xsd file can be placed inside the <iopath> along with the configuration.NetSim
file to verify the contents in the configuration.NetSim file. This file checks and validates the
structure and vocabulary of a configuration.NetSim document against the grammatical rules
of the appropriate XML language.

It is not mandatory to place the configuration.xsd file along with the Configuration.NetSim file
in the iopath. But if it is done, then it will be easier to check & validate changes that are done
to the Configuration.NetSim file.

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6 Results and Analysis

6.1 Performance Metrics

NetSim provides distinct quantitative metrics at various abstraction levels such as Network
Metrics, Queue metrics, TCP Metrics, Application Metrics, etc., at the end of simulation. With
the help of metrics, users can analyze the behavior of the modeled network and can
compare the impact of different algorithms on end-to-end behavior.

After simulation of a scenario is performed, NetSim Performance Metrics are shown on the
screen as shown below:-

Prints metric

Under Simulation Results clicking

on particular metrics will display the
respective metrics window

Displays the remaining properties.

Opens packet traceand

event trace

Restores to original view with fours

windows

The Performance metrics can be further subdivided into sections

• Network metrics: Here users can view the values of the metrics obtained based
on the overall network and also displays the values of the metrics pertaining to
each link
• Link_ Id-It is the unique Id for the link.
• Link_ throughput_ graph – It is the total bytes transmitted over the link with
respect to the simulation time.

Calculation:

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 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 ∗ 8
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑇𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝(𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀) =
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠)

Total Bytes transmitted includes data packets and control packet.

By data packet, we mean the total bytes the packet has at the phy layer, which would
include app layer payload plus the overheads of all layers.

Both successful, error and collision packets are included in this calculation (or) only
successful packets are counted and error / collision are not counted in this metrics.

To plot Time average

To edit chart title and view

Change Plot properties

Vary X - axis properties

Vary Y – axis properties

Zoomgraph

Reset Zoom to default

Change plot line color

Moving Average: This is the average of the metric up until the current time and is defined
as
1 𝒕𝒕
���
𝜃𝜃(t) = ∫𝟎𝟎 𝒓𝒓(𝒖𝒖)𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅
𝑡𝑡

Time Average: This is the average of the metric up to end of simulation current time

• Packets_ Transmitted - It is the total number of packets transmitted in the link.

Along with data packets, it includes protocol control packets like ARP Request,
ARP Reply, TCP_ACK, TCP_SYN, RTS, CTS, WLAN_ACK, OSPF_ HELLO, RIP
packets etc.

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 • Packets_ errored -Total number of packets error in the link inclusive of data and
control packets.
• Packets_ collided -Total number of packets collided in the link including data and
control packets.
• Bytes_ Transmitted-It is the total number of bytes transmitted in the link. It is
equal to the sum of the ‘Payload_ Transmitted’ and ‘Overhead_ Transmitted’
transmitted in the link.
• Payload_ Transmitted- It is the total payload transmitted in the link.
• Overhead_ Transmitted- It is the total overhead transmitted in the link. It includes
the layer wise overheads and all control packets in the link.
• Queue Metrics: Displays the values of the queue metrics for the devices containing
buffer queue like routers, access points etc.
• Device Id-Unique id number of the device.
• Port Id-Unique id number of the port of the device. This is also called as
interface id.
• Queued Packet-Number of packets queued at a particular port of a device.
• Dequeued Packet-Number of packets removed from the queue at a particular
port of device .
• Dropped Packet-Number of packets dropped at a particular port of a device.
• Protocol metrics: Displays the protocol based metrics which are implemented in
Network scenario. Metrics will vary depending upon the type of network simulated.

• Device metrics: Displays device related metrics like ARP table, IP forwarding
tables. This is also dependent upon the type of network
• Application Metrics: Displays the various metrics based on the Application
running in the network scenario.
• Application Id- It is the unique Id of the application running at the source.
• Application_ throughput_ graph: it is the total payload delivered to destination to
the simulation time.
• Application Name - It is unique name of the application running.
• Source Id-It is the unique Id of the device running that particular application.
• Destination Id-It is the unique Id of the destination device.
• Packets Transmitted-It is the total number of packets generated and transmitted
from the source.
• Packets Received-It is the total number of packets received at the destination.

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 • Payload Transmitted-It is the total payload transmitted in bytes. It is equal to the
product of ‘Packets Transmitted’ and ‘Packet Size’.
• Payload Received-It is the total payload received at the destination in bytes.
• Throughput-Total user data (or) payload delivered to their respective destination
every second.

Calculation:
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏) ∗ 8
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑇𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝(𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀) =
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠)

• Delay-It is the average amount of time taken calculated for all the packets to reach
the destination from the source.

Note about metrics: The metrics are calculated at each layer and might not be equivalent
to the same metric calculated at a different layer. For exactness and precision we
recommend users also verify the results with the event trace & packet trace generated by
NetSim.

Note about packet transmission:The Network Stack forms the core of NetSim’s
architecture. The Stack consists of five IN and OUT events: PHYSICAL_IN, MAC_IN,
NETWORK_IN, TRANSPORT_IN, APPLICATION_IN and APPLICATION_OUT,
TRANSPORT_OUT, NETWORK_OUT, MAC_OUT, PHYSICAL_OUT. All the packets when
transferred between devices go through the above events in order. IN events occur when the
packet is entering a device and all the OUT events occur when packet leaves a device.

The following table lists the various files that will be written in the NetSim install directory/ IO
path on completion of simulation.

S. No File Contents
Contains the metrics of the network that
1 Metrics.xml
is simulated recently.
Contains the information of captured
2 Node.pcap
packets that is recently simulated.
Contains the status of the
3 LicenseErrorLog.txt communication between the NetSim
dongle and the client.
This file will be written while reading the
Configuration file.
4 ConfigLog.txt
Provides errors if there are errors in the
configuration file.
Contains the logs as the control flows
5 LogFile.txt across various layers in the Network
Stack
Contains the detailed packet information.
6 PacketTrace.csv This file will be written only when Packet
Trace is enabled.

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 Contains the information about each
7 EventTrace.csv event. This file will be written only when
Event Trace is enabled.
Contains the information about the flow
8 Animation.txt
of the packet.
Contains the information about the
9 Static ARP.txt dropped devices like Ip address and mac
address.

If NetSim runs via the UI, then the metrics will be displayed automatically at the end of
simulation with illustrative tables.

If NetSim runs via CLI, then the metrics will be written into Metrics.txt and MetricsGraph.txt.

6.2 Packet Animation

NetSim provides the feature to play and record animations to the user. Packet animation
enables users to watch traffic flow through the network for in-depth visualization and
analysis.User has the following options before running simulation:

• Don’t play/ record animation,

• Record the animation and
• Play and record animation while running simulation.

The packet animation would then be recorded and the user can view the animation from the
metrics screen as shown below:

While viewing packet animation, user can see the flow of packets as well as the type of
packet. Blue color packet denotes control packet, green color is used for data packet and

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red color is error/collided packet. Packet Animation table is also provided for users to see the
flow of packets along with packet animation.

6.2.1 Example on how to use NetSim packet animation feature:

Case 1: ARP PROTOCOL- WORKING

• Create a scenario with 3 wired nodes, 2 switches and 1 router and connect it
based on the following scenario.
• Disable TCP in all the wired nodes.
• Select Application button and click on the gap between grid environment and
ribbon. Right click on application, select properties and set Source_Id and
Destination_Id as 1 and 2 respectively.
• Set Simulation time = 100s. After clicking on Run Simulation, edit IP and ARP
Configurationtab by setting Static ARP as Disable. Click on OK button to
simulate.

Now click on packet animation and analyse the following:

• NODE-1 sends ARP_Request which is then broadcasted by SWITCH-4.

• During the process the devices that receive the ARP_Request packet (Switch,
Router, and Node-2) will update their ARP table or the switch table.

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 • NODE -2 sends the ARP_Reply to NODE-1 via SWITCH-4.
• Now NODE-1 updates its ARP table with the MAC address of NODE-2 on
receiving the ARP_Reply.
• After this step, NODE-1 starts sending data packets to NODE-2 since the source
now has both IP and MAC addresses of destination.

Case 2: Across-Router-IP-forwarding

• Follow all the steps till Step 2 and perform the following sample.
• To run the simulation, drop the Application icon and set the Source_Id and
Destination_Id as 1 and 3 respectively.
• Click on Run Simulation and set Simulation time as 100 sec.
• Then go to IP and ARP Configuration tab and set Static ARP as Disable. Click on
OK button to simulate.

Click on packet animation to analyse the following:

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 • NODE-1 transmits ARP_Request which is further broadcasted by SWITCH-4.
ROUTER-6 sends ARP_Reply to NODE-1 which goes through SWITCH-4. Then
NODE-1 starts to send data to NODE-3.
• If the router has the address of NODE-3 in its routing table, ARP protocol ends
here and data transfer starts that is PACKET_ID 1 is being sent from NODE-1 to
NODE-3.
• In other case, Router sends ARP_Request to appropriate subnet and after getting
the MAC ADDRESS of the NODE-3, it forwards the packet which it has received
from NODE-1.
• When a node has to send data to a node with known IP address but unknown MAC
address, it sends an ARP request. If destination is in same subnet as the source
(found through subnet mask) then it sends the ARP (broadcast ARP message)
request, otherwise it forwards it to the default gateway.
• Former case happens in case of intra-LAN communication. The destination node
sends an ARP response which is then forwarded by the switch to the initial node.
Then data transmission starts.
• In latter case, a totally different approach is followed. Source sends the ARP
request to the default gateway and gets back the MAC address of default gateway.
(If it knows which router to send then it sends ARP request to the corresponding
router and not to Default gateway).
• When source sends data to default gateway (a router in this case), the router
broadcasts ARP request for the destined IP address in the appropriate subnet. On
getting the ARP response from destination, router then sends the data packet to
destination node.

6.3 Packet Trace

NetSim allows users to generate trace files which provide detailed packet information useful
for performance validation, statistical analysis and custom code de-bugging. Packet Trace
logs a set of chosen parameters for every packet as it flows through the network such as
arrival times, queuing times, departure times, payload, overhead, errors, collisions etc.

By providing a host of information and parameters of every packet that flows through the
network, packet trace provides necessary forensics for users to catch logical errors without
setting a lot of breakpoints or restarting the program often. Window size variation in TCP,
Route Table Formation in OSPF, Medium Access in Wi-fi, etc, are examples of protocol
functionalities that can be easily understood from the trace.

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Note: Turning on Packet Trace will slow down the simulation significantly. By default packet
tracing option is turned off.

6.3.1 How to set filters to NetSim trace file

Step 1: Open the trace file. (In this example packet trace is opened)

Step 2: Go to Data menu and click on filter icon to enable the auto filter.

Step 3: Click the arrow in the header of the column you want to filter. In the list of text or
numbers, uncheck the (Select All) box at the top of the list, and then check the boxes of the
items you want to show.

For example, click on arrow of SOURCE_ID and uncheck the “Select all” check box and
select NODE 2 then click on ok

All the rows which are having NODE 2 as source id will be shown.

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Typically filters can be set to observe “Errored/Collided/Successful “packets, packets of
destination and packets of source.

6.3.2 Observing packet flow in the Network through packet trace file

Open the packet trace file, Set the filter, Click the arrow in the header of the column
PACKET_ID and uncheck the “Select all” check box and select the packet id which you want
to observe, for example 1, and then click on ok.

Scenario is as shown below and traffic flow is from Wired Node 1 to Wired Node 2.

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Flow of packet 1 can be observed from the packet trace as shown below.

Note: In the trace file device IDs are shown not device names. Wired Node 1’s ID is 2 so it is Shown as
NODE-2, Wired Node 2’s ID is 3 so it is shown as NODE -3, Router-1’ ID is 1 so it is shown as ROUTER-1.
Device IDs are shown on the top of the device icon in the above scenario.

In a scenario source and destinations are fixed but transmitter and receiver are changed. For
example in the above scenario NODE-2 is the source and NODE-3 is the destination, but
when NODE- 2 sending the packet to the ROUTER-1 then NODE-2 is the transmitter and
ROUTER-1 is the receiver. When ROUTER-1 sending the packet to the NODE-3, ROUTER-
1 is the transmitter and NODE-3 is the receiver.

6.3.3 Analysing Packet Trace using Pivot Tables

NetSim Packet trace is saved as a spread sheet. This file can be converted to an Excel table
to make the management and analysis of data easier. A table typically contains related data
in a series of worksheet rows and columns that have been formatted as a table. By using the
table features, you can then manage the data in the table rows and columns independently
from the data in other rows and columns on the worksheet

PivotTables are a great way to summarize, analyse, explore, and present your data, and you
can create them with just a few clicks. PivotTables are highly flexible and can be quickly
adjusted depending on how you need to display your results. You can also create Pivot
Charts based on PivotTables that will automatically update when your PivotTables do.
Steps to analyse the packet trace using pivot tables (using Excel 2013)

1 Click on a cell and then click on Format as Table

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Excel would ask you for the range of the data set and in general Excel would automatically
choose till the last row, as shown below:

Click Ok and then the spread sheet will be converted to a table as shown below

Next, from the Insert tab, click the PivotTable command.

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The Create PivotTable dialog box will appear. Click on OK

A blank PivotTable and Field List will appear on a new worksheet.

Once you create a PivotTable, you'll need to decide which fields to add. Each field is simply
a column header from the source data. In the PivotTable Field List, check the box for
each field you want to add.

Packet Transmitted / Received Analysis

1 If you want to analyse packets sent from all sources to all destinations, then check
SOURCE_ID, DESTINATION_ID and CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME.

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2 The selected fields will be added to one of the four areas below the Field List. Click
SOURCE_ID, hold it and drag to the ROW field. Similarly, DESTINATION_ID to
COLUMNS and CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME VALUES

3 The PivotTable will calculate and summarize the selected fields. In this example, the
PivotTable shows the packets sent from all sources to all destinations.

4 The above example shows all the packets which including data packets and control
packets.
5 If you wish to know how many Data and how many were control packets then, check the
PACKET_TYPE and drag it to the ROWS field.

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6 This will look like

7 Further, if you wish to know how many packets got errored and how many were
successful, check the PACKET_STATUS field and drag it to the ROWS field.

Delay analysis:To explain how users can do the delay analysis, we have chosen the packet
trace generated per the following network scenario

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Create a network scenario with 1 router and 6 wired nodes. Create 3 applications as per the
following

Application Destination Packet Size Inter arrival time

Source Id
Type Id (Bytes) (μs)
CBR 2 3 1460 20000
VOICE 4 5 1500 20000
CUSTOM 6 7 1200 20000

Enable Packet Trace and simulate thescenario for 10 seconds. Open packet trace and
convert the spread sheet to table (explained earlier):-

1 After creating table, Insert 1 column after PHY_LAYER_END_TIME, then select the
whole column and calculate delay for each and every packet by using the formula
PHY_LAYER_END_TIME – APPLICATION_LAYER_ARRIVAL_TIME

2 Then Press CTRL + ENTER. This will calculate delay for the whole column shown
below

3 Name the column as DELAY

4 Drag and drop DESTINATION_ID, RECEIVER_ID, PACKET_STATUS and
CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME to FILTERS field shown below

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5 Filter RECEIVER_ID to Node-3 by clicking on the drop down and select OK

6 Similarly filter CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME to APP1_CBR,

DESTINATION_ID to NODE-3 and PACKET_STATUS to Successful

7 Drag and drop DELAY value that we have calculated earlier to ROWS and VALUES
field

Ver 10.2 227

8 Click on Count of DELAY drop down and select Value Field settings, then Select SUM
and click on OK.

9 Again Drag and drop DELAY to VALUES field.

Ver 10.2 228

10 Select one cell and calculate the Application Delay, which is the average delay faced by
a packet by using the formula

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 =
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃

11 Compare the obtained value with the DELAY in Application Metrics

12 To calculate DELAY for VOICE application, filter DESTINATION_ID to Node-5,

RECEIVER_ID to Node-5, CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME to APP2_VOICE
and PACKET_STATUS to Successful

Ver 10.2 229

13 Similarly calculate and compareDELAY for other applications by following the above
procedure

Throughput analysis:To explain how users can perform Throughput Analysis, we have
used same network design example as was used for Delay analysis above.

1 After creating Pivot table, Drag and drop SOURCE_ID, RECEIVER_ID,

CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE / APP_NAME and PACKET_STATUS to FILTERS field.
2 Similarly drag and drop APP_LAYER_PAYLOAD to ROWS field and VALUES field
3 Filter SOURCE_ID to NODE-2, CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE / APP_NAME to
APP1_CBR, PACKET_STATUS to Successful and RECEIVER_ID to NODE-3
4 Click on Count of APP_LAYER_PAYLOAD drop down and select Value Field settings,
then Select Sum and click on OK.
5 The pivot table would look like

6 Select 1 cell and calculate the throughput by using the formula

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 (𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵) ∗ 8

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀) =
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 (𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 )

7 Now compare the throughput calculated using pivot table with the Application Metrics
throughput

Ver 10.2 230

8 To calculate THROUGHPUT for VOICE application, filter SOURCE_ID to Node-4,
RECEIVER_ID to Node-5, CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME to APP2_VOICE
and PACKET_STATUS to Successful
9 Similarly calculate and compareTHROUGHPUT for other applications by following the
above procedure.

Plotting with Pivot Charts

In a pivot table, you can create a new field that performs a calculation on the sum of
other pivot fields.
1 Drag and drop SOURCE_ID, RECEIVER_ID and PACKET_STATUS to FILTERS field,
then CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME, APP_LAYER_PAYLOAD to ROWS field
and APP_LAYER_PAYLOAD to VALUES field as shown below

2 Filter SOURCE_ID to Node 2, Node 4 and Node 6, then RECEIVER_ID to Node 3,

Node 5 and Node 7 and PACKET_STATUS to successful

Ver 10.2 231

3 Filter CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE/APP_NAME to APP1_CBR, APP2_VOICE and
APP3_CUSTOM
4 Select a cell in the pivot table, and on the Excel Ribbon, under the PivotTable Tools tab,
click the Options tab (Analyse tab in Excel 2013).
5 In the Calculations group, click Fields, Items, & Sets, and then click Calculated Field.

6 Type a name for the calculated field, Application Throughput

7 Then click on ADD to save the calculated field.

8 Click on Formula text box and then select APP_LAYER_PAYLOAD in the Fields list and
click on Insert Field
9 Calculate the throughput by using the following formula shown below and click on OK

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 (𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵) ∗ 8

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀) =
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 (𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 )

Ver 10.2 232

10 This would look like

SCREEN SHOT FOR COMPARISON

11 Select a cell in the pivot table, and on the Excel Ribbon, under the PivotTable Tools tab,
click the Options tab (Analyze tab in Excel 2013).
12 In the Tools group, click Pivot chart and select OK.

13 This will display a pivot chart shown below

Packet Trace Fields:

GENERAL FIELDS DESCRIPTION

PACKET_ID Specifies the ID of the Data Packets.
For control packets this value is set to 0
SEGMENT_ID Specifies the ID of the segment of the Data Packet. Segmentation is
done in transport layer. If the packet size (generated in the APP layer)
is greater than the maximum segment size in TRANSPORT layer,
packet will get segmented.
For control packets it is N/A

Ver 10.2 233

PACKET_TYPE Specifies the type of application that generates the packet.
It can be Control Packet, Custom, CBR, Peer_to_peer, E-Mail,
DataBase, FTP, Video, Voice, HTTP.
CONTROL_PACKET_TYPE Specifies the type of Control Packet transmitted.
Following are the Protocol specific control packets
WLAN: WLAN_ACK, WLAN_BlockACK
OSPF: OSPF_HELLO, OSPF_D-D, OSPF_LSR, OSPF_LSU,
OSPF_LSA
RIP: RIP_Message
BGP: BGP_KEEPALIVE, BGP_OPEN, BGP_UPDATE
GSM: GSM_Channel_Request, GSM_Channel_Granted,
GSM_Call_Request, GSM_Channel_Request_For_Incoming,
GSM_Call_Accepted
CDMA: CDMA_Channel_Request, CDMA_Channel_Granted,
CDMA_Call_Request, CDMA_Channel_Request_For_Incoming,
CDMA_Call_Accepted
DSR, AODV, ZRP, OLSR: RREQ, RREP, NDP_HELLO_MESSAGE,
OLSR_TC_MESSAGE
Zigbee: Zigbee_BEACON_FRAME, Zigbee_ACK
Cognitive Radio: SCH, FCH, DS-MAP, US-MAP, UCD, DCD,
BW_REQUEST, UCS_NOTIFICATION
LTE:LTE_Measurement_Report,
LTE_RRC_CONNECTION_SETUP,LTE_RLC_SDU,
LTE_RRC_CONNECTION_REQUEST,
LTE_RRC_CONNECTION_SETUP_COMPLETE, LTE page, LTE Ack
etc.
SOURCE_ID Specifies the Node ID of the source set in the application
DESTINATION_ID Specifies the Node ID of the destination set in the application.
If the application is a broadcast application the destination field will
show 0
TRANSMITTER_ID Specifies the current node which is transmitting the packet.
The difference between a Source node and a Transmitter, is that when
the Source remains constant across the entire packet transmission
whereas the transmitter ID changes with each hop of the packet.
RECEIVER_ID Specifies the current node which is receiving the packet.
The difference between a Destination node and a Receiver, is that
when the Destination remains constant across the entire packet
transmission whereas the receiver ID changes with each hop of the
packet.
APP_LAYER_ARRIVAL_TI Specifies the time at which packet is at the Application_Layer of
ME (μs) Source_ID (or Transmitter_ID). This is usually the time at which the
packet is generated at Source_ID
TRX_LAYER_ARRIVAL_TI Specifies the time at which packet reaches the Transport_layer from
ME (μs) the application layer. This will usually be the same as
Application_layer_Arrival_Time unless there are TCP re-transmissions
NW_LAYER_ARRIVAL_TIM Specifies the time at which packet reaches the Network_Layer of
E (μs) Transmitter_ID if this is a Router (or) Time at which packet reaches the
Network_layer of previous Router / Source_ID (immediate previous
Layer 3 or higher device) if current device is Switch / Access Point.
MAC_LAYER_ARRIVAL_TI Specifies the time at which packet reaches MAC_Layer of
ME (μs) Transmitter_ID
PHY_LAYER_ARRIVAL_TI Specifies the time at which packet reaches PHY_layer of
ME (μs) Transmitter_ID

PHY_LAYER_START_TIME Specifies the time at which packet starts betting transmitted in the link
(μs) between Transmitter_ID and Receiver_ID

PHY_LAYER_END_TIME Specifies the time at which packet reaches Phy_Layer of Receiver_ID

(μs)

Ver 10.2 234

APP_LAYER_PAYLOAD Specifies the size of the Payload at Application Layer
(Bytes)
TRX_LAYER_PAYLOAD Specifies the size of the Payload at Transport Layer
(Bytes)
NW_LAYER_PAYLOAD Specifies the size of the Payload at Network Layer
(Bytes)
MAC_LAYER_PAYLOAD Specifies the size of the Payload at Data Link Layer
(Bytes)
PHY_LAYER_PAYLOAD Specifies the size of the Payload at Physical Layer
(Bytes)
PHY_LAYER_OVERHEAD Specifies the size of the overhead in Physical layer
(Bytes)
PACKET_STATUS Specifies whether the Packet is Successful, Collided or Errored
LOCAL_ADDRESS Specifies the Port Number at Source Node. Port Numbers are chosen
randomly by NetSim.
FOREIGN_ADDRESS Specifies the Port Number at Destination Node. Port Numbers are
chosen randomly by NetSim.
CWND (bytes) Specifies the current size of the TCP congestion window
SEQ_NO If TCP is enabled, it specifies the TCP Sequence number of the packet
ACK_NO If TCP is enabled, it specifies the TCP Acknowledgement number of
the packet

RTT (seconds) Specifies the Round Trip Time for the packet
RTO (seconds) Specifies the Retransmission Timeouts
CONNECTION_STATE Specifies the state of TCP connection

NOTE:
Each line in the packet trace represents one hop of one packet.
The packet trace is logged in ascending order of time as measured in Phy_Layer_End_Time.

6.4 Event Trace (only in Standard/Pro Version)

6.4.1 NetSim Network Stack

NetSim’s Network Stack forms the core of NetSim and its architectural aspects are
diagrammatically explained below. Network Stack accepts inputs from the end-user in the
form of Configuration file and the data flows as packets from one layer to another layer in the
Network Stack.

All packets, when transferred between devices move up and down the stack, and all events
in NetSim fall under one of these ten categories of events, namely, Physical IN, Data Link
IN, Network IN, Transport IN, Application IN, Application Out, Transport OUT, Network
OUT, Data Link OUT and Physical OUT. The IN events occur when the packets are
entering a device while the OUT events occur while the packet is leaving a device.

Ver 10.2 235

Every device in NetSim has an instance of the Network Stack shown above. Switches &
Access points have a 2 layer stack, while routers have a 3 layer stack. End-nodes have a 5
layer stack.

The protocol engines are called based on the layer at which the protocols operate. For
example, TCP is called during execution of Transport IN or Transport OUT events, while
802.11b WLAN is called during execution of MAC IN, MAC OUT, PHY IN and PHY OUT
events.

When these protocols are in operation they in turn generate events for NetSim's discrete
event engine to process. These are known as SUB EVENTS. All SUB EVENTS, fall into one
of the above 10 types of EVENTS.

Each event gets added in the Simulation kernel by the protocol operating at the particular
layer of the Network Stack. The required sub events are passed into the Simulation kernel.
These sub events are then fetched by the Network Stack in order to execute the functionality
of each protocol. At the end of Simulation, Network Stack writes trace files and the Metrics
files that assist the user in analyzing the performance metrics and statistical analysis.

Event Trace:

The event trace records every single event along with associated information such as time
stamp, event ID, event type etc in a text file or .csv file which can be stored at a user defined
location.

Apart from a host of information, the event trace has two special information fields for
diagnostics

Ver 10.2 236

 • A log of the file name and line number from where the event was generated
(Please refer “Custom Code in NetSim  Debugging your code  Via CLI”)
and
• Previous event which triggered the current event.

Note: Turning on Event Trace will slow down the simulation significantly

NetSim provides users with the option of turning on "Event Traces".

How to enable Event Trace via GUI?

If NetSim runs via GUI, event trace can be turned on by clicking the Event Trace icon in the
tool bar and selecting the required fields in the event trace.

How to enable Event Trace via CLI?

If NetSim runs via CLI, then the event trace can be turned on by enabling the event trace in
the STATISTICS_COLLECTION tag of the configuration file.

How to import Event Trace to Excel?

Refer Help on “Generating Packet Trace How to import Packet Trace to Excel?”

Event Trace Metrics:

Event_Id Specifies the ID of the Event

Specifies the type of event being performed, for eg - APPLICATION_IN,
Event_Type APPLICATION_OUT, MAC_OUT, MAC_IN, PHYSICAL_OUT,
PHYSICAL_IN,etc
Event_Time Specifies the time(in microseconds) at which the event is being executed
Device_Type Specifies the type of device in which the current event is being executed
Device_Id Specifies the ID of device in which the current event is being executed
Specifies the Interface_Id of device in which the present event is being
Interface_Id
executed.
Application_Id Specifies the ID of the Application on which the specific event is executed
Packet_Id Specifies the ID of the packet on which the current event is being executed
Specifies the ID of the segment of packet on which the current event is being
Segment_Id
executed
Protocol_Name Specifies the Protocol which is presently executed
Specifies the protocol sub event which is being executed. If the sub event value
Subevent_Type is 0, it indicates interlayer communication (Ex: MAC_OUT called by
NETWORK_OUT) or a TIMER_EVENT which has no sub event.
Packet_Size Specifies the size of packet during the current event
Prev_Event_Id Specifies the ID of the event which generated the current event.

Ver 10.2 237

6.4.2 Calculation of Delay, Jitter and Application throughput from event
trace
1 Enable Event trace and after simulation select Event Trace in the Simulation results
window. Event tracing is available only in NetSim standard and Pro versions as of v10.

2 Click on Pivot Table in INSERT tab

3 Then a window named Create Pivot Table pops up which automatically selects the
entire table, then click OK button. In case the entire table isn’t selected please enter the
range such that all rows are selected.

Ver 10.2 238

4 A blank PivotTable and Field List will appear on a new worksheet.

5 Once you create a PivotTable, you'll need to decide which fields to add. Each field is
simply a column header from the source data. In the PivotTable Field List, check the
box for each field you want to add.

6.4.2.1 Application Delay Analysis:

6 Drag and drop the Event_Type, Protocol_Name Fields into FILTERS, Packet_Id into
ROWS and Device_Id into COLUMNS.
7 Drag and Drop Event_Time Field into VALUES twice, then both will show Sum of
Event_Time. Recheck that you have dropped the Event_Time field twice.
8 Click on the second Event_Time field in the VALUES and select the Value Field
Settings.

Ver 10.2 239

9 A window named Value Field Settings opens then select Count option and click OK
button
10 Then finally the Pivot Table Fields will be as shown below.

Ver 10.2 240

11 In the Event_Type select APPLICATION_IN and APPLICATION_OUT,
Protocol_Name select APPLICATION and in Column Labels select the Source_Id
and Destination_Id. In our example source node ID is 1 and destination node ID is 10

And the Pivot Table created will be as shown (1 in the table is Source_Id and 10
is the Destination_Id)

12 Select the entire empty column H then and enter the formular =IF(AND(LEN(A1),
INT(A1)=A1),F1-G1*B1) in function and press CTRL+ENTER
F column is Total Sum of Event_Time, G Column is Total Count of Event_Time, B
Column is Sum of Event_time(µs) of the Source.

Ver 10.2 241

 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
App Delay =
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑑 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Note: If the packet size is > 1500 then fragmentation occurs and the packet is received as multiple
segments. In NetSim the destination counts each segment as different packet.
Then in an empty cell enter
=SUMIF(H:H,">0")/GETPIVOTDATA("Count of Event_Time(US)2",$A$4,"Device_Id",10)
where

GETPIVOTDATA ("Count of Event_Time(US)2",$A$4,"Device_Id",10) gives the total

number of packets received by the destination(in this case 10).This will give the exact
Application Delay

Ver 10.2 242

Compare with the Delay in Application_Metrics_Tables and it would exactly match. There
might be slight difference in the decimals due to Excel’s round offs.

6.4.2.2 Application Jitter Analysis

In NetSim ‘jitter’ is defined as the variance of delay. Variance is statistically defined as the
square of deviation from the mean.

Note: This calculation is only valid only when there is with no packet segmentation. This means that all
Packet Sizes should be less than 1500B
13 For Jitter Calculation Pivot table Fields should be as shown below

FILTERS to have of Event_Type, Protocol_Name, COLUMNS to have Device_Id, ROWS

to have Packet_Id and VALUES to have Event_Time (Note that Event_Time is added only
once and not twice as was done for delay calculation)

14 Then select any cell of Destinationnode column and right click and select Show
Values As option, it dropdown a list in which you select Difference From option.

Ver 10.2 243

Then it opens a window named Show Values As in that select Base Field as Device_Id
Base Item as the Source_Id (1 in this case) and click OK button.

Then the Pivot Table will look like this

And the destination node column shows the delay of each packet.

15 Place the mouse cursor on the top of Destination Id then left click it will automatically
selects the rows of the destination Id, then select the Name Box and name the row.

Ver 10.2 244

Then in an empty cell type the following formula and press enter

=ADDRESS(ROW(Delay)+1,COLUMN(Delay)) &":"& ADDRESS(ROW(Delay)+ROWS(Delay)-

2,COLUMN(Delay)+COLUMNS(Delay)-1)

This will give you the Row Address

Then enter =VAR.S(Row Address), where the Row Address is one that you got in the
previous step.
This will give you the Application Jitter.

Ver 10.2 245

6.4.2.3 Application Throughput Analysis:
16 For Application Throughput drag and drop Event_type, Protocol_Name Fields in
FILTERS, Device_Id in ROWS, Packet_Size(Bytes) into VALUES. Change the Value
Field Settings of Packets_Size(Bytes) to SUM as mentioned in Delay Analysis.

Then Select the Event_Type as APPLICATION_IN, Protocol_Name as APPLICATION and

Device_Id as the Destination (in this case 10).

𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
17 App Throughput =
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆

18 Then in an empty cell type =GETPIVOTDATA("Packet_Size(Bytes)",$A$4)*8/10000000

Ver 10.2 246

This give the Application Throughput in Mbps (Multiplied by 8 to convert Bytes to bits, and
divided by 100000 to convert into Mega)

Compare with the Application throughput in the Application_Metrics_Table

6.5 Packet Capture & analysis using Wireshark

6.5.1 Enabling Wireshark in a node for packet capture

In NetSim, to enable packet capture in Wireshark, Right Click on the device where
Wireshark should capture packets. In the properties, go to Global_Properties and set the
Wireshark parameter as Online

Ver 10.2 247

6.5.2 Viewing captured packets

If enabled, Wireshark automatically starts during simulation and displays all the captured
packets.

To viewthe details of the packetdisplayed,clickon the packet as shown below:

The detail of the contents of the selected packet can be seen in the below panes.

TREE View

BYTE View

In the above figure, the details of the packet are displayed in both tree form and bytes form.
In the tree form, user can expand the data by clicking on the part of the tree and view
detailed information about each protocol in each packet.

6.5.3 Filtering captured packets

Display filters allow you to concentrate on the packets you are interested in while hiding the
currently uninteresting ones. Packets can be filtered by protocol, presence of a field, values
of fields etc. To select packets based on protocol, type the protocol in which you are

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interested in the Filter: field of the Wireshark window and press enter to initiate the filter. In
the figure below,tcp protocol is filtered.

You can also build display filters that compare values using a number of different
comparison operators like ==, != , >, <, <=, etc.Following is an example displaying filtered
packets whose SYN Flag and ACK Flag are set to 1 in a TCP Stream.

6.5.4 Analyzing packets in Wireshark

Analyzing Conversation using graphs

A network conversation is the traffic between two specific end points. For example, an IP
conversation is all the traffic between two IP addresses. In Wireshark, Go to Statistics
Menu Conversations

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Different types of protocols will be available. User can select the specific conversation by
going to the desired protocol. For example, in the following diagram, we have selected TCP.

User can also analyze each of the conversation andcan create graphs by selecting them and
clicking on “Graph”.

The different types of graphs possible are

• Round Trip time

• Throughput
• Time/Sequence (Stevens)
• Time/Sequence (tcptrace)
• Window Scaling

Fig: TCP congestion window Plot

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Comparing the packet lengths

To analyze the packet sizes of all packets transmitted, go to Statistics MenuPacket

lengths.Users can also set filter to analyze a collection of specific packets only. For example,
tcp filter is set to obtain the packet length below:

Creating IO graphs

To get the graph, go to Statistics Menu IO Graph.

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Creating Flow graphs

The flow graph feature provides a quick and easy to use way of checking connections
between a client and a server. It can show where there might be issues with a TCP
connection, such as timeouts, re-transmitted frames, or dropped connections.To access flow
graph, go to Statistics Menu Flow Graph and select the flow type. By default you can see
the flow graph of all the packets.

To get the TCP flow, select TCP flow in “Flow Type” dropdown box and you will obtain the
flow as shown:

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7 Writing Custom Code in NetSim

7.1 Writing your own code

NetSim allows the user to write the custom code for all the protocols by creating a DLL
(Dynamic Link Library) for their custom code and replacing NetSim’s default DLL with the
user’s custom DLL.

There are various important steps in this process, and each of these steps has various
options as explained in the subsequent pages:

7.1.1 Modifying code

DLL is the shared library concept, implemented by Microsoft. All DLL files have a .dll file
extension. DLLs provide a mechanism for sharing code and data to upgrade functionality
without requiring applications to be re-linked or re-compiled. It is not possible to directly
execute a DLL, since it requires an EXE for the operating system to load it through an entry
point.

Note: If the DLL needs to be debugged then build the DLL in “debug” mode or else build in “release”
mode.

Dynamic link libraries (DLLs) can be built using different compilers:

(a) Using Microsoft Visual Studio Compiler

a) Compiler: Microsoft Visual Studio

To create the DLL follow the steps given below.

Note: Make sure that Visual Studio 2015 is installed in your computer

Step 1: Go to “../NetSim Standard/src/Simulation” folder and double click on “NetSim.sln” file

to open the solution in visual studio.

Note: It is recommended to keep a separate copy of the “../NetSim Standard/src/Simulation” folder to

have the backup of the original source code.

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 b)

Note:Sometimes you may get the following warning message. Then click on ok
and proceed.

Step 2: Inside Solution Explorer pane in Visual Studio 2015, double click on TCP. Then
open TCP.C file by double clicking on it. To the right of global space, we have several
functions, we have to choose fn_Netsim_TCP_Init(). Simalarly for all protocols choose
Init( ) fn to add the custom code.

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Step 3: Add fprintf(stderr, "Source is Modified\n"); statement inside the source code of TCP as
shown below to print “Source is modified”.

Note: - Use fprintf(stderr, "Source is Modified\n"); instead of printf ( ) to write to standard out. stdout is
redirected to LogFile.txt which is present in <iopath>. So you can see “Source is Modified” Statement (or
whatever you write inside the printf) inside the LogFile.txt.

Once this is done click to save the changes and overwrite the file (in case of write
protection).

7.1.2 Building Dlls

Step 1: Right Click on the Project (in this case TCP) inside the Solution Explorer pane and
select Build to create DLL file of that specific protocol only.

NOTE: To create DLL file of all the protocols actively displayed inside solution pane, click on
“BuildBuild Solution”

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Check that the build is successful and necessary DLL files have been built.

Step 2: Inside the simulation folder (present on the desktop) a Dll folder will be created and
inside, the DLL’s are built.

It will contain custom DLL’s which have been built per the modifications done.

7.1.3 Building a 64-bit DLL in NetSim

If you are using 64 bit windows OS with a 64 bit build of NetSim installed, then the following steps
explain to build a 64 bit custom DLL in NetSim.

Step 1: Right Click on the Project (in this case TCP) inside the Solution Explorer pane and
select Build to create DLL file of that specific protocol only. Right click on the Solution
Explorer pane & Go to “Configuration Manager”.

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Step 2: In “project contexts”, select the “platform” for each protocol as “x64”.

Step 2:In “configuration Manager…” under “Active solution platform” select new select x64

Step 3: After changing the platform to x64 for each protocol, then click on “close” button.

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Step 4: Right Click on the Project (in this case DSR) inside the Solution Explorer pane and
select “Build” to create DLL file of that specific protocol only.

NOTE: To create DLL file for all the protocols actively displayed inside solution panel, “Debug  Build
Solution”

Check that the build is successful and necessary DLL files have been built.

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Step 7: Inside the simulation folder (present on the desktop) a Dll folder will be created and
inside, the newly built DLL’s would be present.

7.1.4 Linking Dlls

The procedure to link custom dynamic link libraries (DLLs) is explained below. This
procedure is common for any linking of any custom DLL to NetSim.

Now we will link the customized libTCP.dll to the NetSim.

Step 1: Copy the newly created DLL file of customized TCP from “../NetSim
Standard/src/Simulation” folder

Step 2: Go to “NetSim Standardbin” folder. Here one would find default DLLs for
respective protocols as shown in next figure.

Step 3: Rename the default DLL:It is recommended to rename the default DLL as original dll
thereby saving a copy of DLL(simulation folder) in bin path. For example libTCP.dll has been
renamed as libTCP_original.dll as shown below:-

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 Original DLL

Original DLL has been renamed

Step 4: Place the custom DLL obtained from Step 1 inside the “NetSim Standardbin”
folder.

Custom
(your) DLL

Note: Ensure that the name of the DLL which is pasted is exactly the same as the original DLL (before it
was renamed). For the example case of TCP, the DLL must be libTCP.dll

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7.1.5 Running Simulation

User can run the simulation via GUI (Please refer section 3). In this case, user can create a
scenario in any network which involvesTCP protocol. Running the simulation with the custom
DLL will give desired output to the user as shown below.

Press enter then simulation will continue.

7.2 Implementing your code - Examples

7.2.1 Hello World Program

Objective: Print Hello World from TCP protocol.

Implementation:Add fprintf(stderr, “<MESSAGE>”) statement inside the source code of

TCP as shown below to print “Hello World” when custom built dll is executing.

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Create DLL and Link the DLL to the NetSim as explained in Section 7.1. And run the
simulation, you can see the following output on the console.

Press enter then simulation will continue.

7.2.2 Introducing Node Failure in MANET

Objective: Node failure using MANET-DSR using Device Id.

Implementation: Identify the Device ID of the particular node to be failed.

Step 1: Create a file with the name NodeFailure.txt inside the bin folder of NetSim
installation directory. The file will contain two columns: one being the Node ID of the device
to be failed and other being the failure time (in microseconds).

For example, to fail Node Id 2 from10th sec onwards and fail Node Id 1 from 90th sec
onwards, the NodeFailure.txt file will be as follows:

Step 2: Go to DSR.c in DSR protocol.

Step 3:The function fn_NetSim_DSR_Init() will execute before the protocol execution starts.
So in this function, we will read the NodeFailure.txt and save information regarding which
nodes will fail at which time. Add the following code inside the specified function.

int i;

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 FILE *fp1;
char *pszFilepath;
char pszConfigInput[1000];
pszFilepath = fnpAllocateMemory(36,sizeof(char)*50);
strcpy(pszFilepath,pszAppPath);
strcat(pszFilepath,"/NodeFailure.txt");
fp1 = fopen(pszFilepath,"r");
i=0;
if(fp1)
{
while(fgets(pszConfigInput,500,fp1)!= NULL)
{
sscanf(pszConfigInput,"%d %d",&NodeArray[i],&TimeArray[i]);
i+=1;
}
}
fclose(fp1);

Step 4: The fn_NetSim_DSR_Run( ) is the main function to handle all the protocol
functionalities. So add the following code to the function at the start.

int i,nFlag=1;
if(nFlag)
{
for(i=0;i<100;i++)
if((pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId== NodeArray[i])&&(pstruEventDetails->dEventTime >=
TimeArray[i]))
{
pstruEventDetails->nInterfaceId = 0;
pstruEventDetails->pPacket=NULL;
return 0;
}
}

Step 5: Add the following code inside DSR.h header file

//Node failure model

int NodeArray[200];
int TimeArray[200];

Step 6: Create DLL and Link the DLL to the NetSim as explained in Section 7.1.

Step 7: Create a scenario in MANET and run the simulation. User can utilize Packet
Animation to check the node failure (i.e. no packets are forwarded by failed nodes) after the
mentioned time

7.2.3 Transferring file from source to destination in WSN

Objective: Transferring a real file from source node to destination node in WSN

Implementation:The code modifications to transfer file from Sensor to Sink node are
described here:

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1 Open NetSim.sln in Visual Studio and add the following modifications.
2 The modified files are in Zigbee: Sensor.c and 802_15_4.h
3 In 802_15_4.h add the following line of code

#ifndef _NETSIM_802_15_4_H_
#define _NETSIM_802_15_4_H_
#define _FILE_SEND_ //Uncomment to transfer file

4 In Sensor.c, the code must be modified at specified places in red color. Add the
modified code:

#include "main.h"
#include "List.h"
#include "802_15_4.h"
#define MAX_PAYLOAD 70

int fn_NetSim_FindAgentPos(double* dXPos, double* dYPos, int nAgentId,double

dSensingTime,AGENT** pstruAgent);
double fn_Sensor_CalculateDistance(POS_2D* pstruPos1, POS_2D* pstruPos2);

#ifdef _FILE_SEND_
typedef struct file_info
{
char Packet[100];
long len;
int Packet_Id;
_ele* ele;
}FILE_INFO,*PFILE_INFO;
#define FILE_INFO_ALLOC() (PFILE_INFO)list_alloc(sizeof(FILE_INFO),offsetof(FILE_INFO,ele))
PFILE_INFO fileinfo=NULL;
static int nPacketId=0;
char file_name[100][50] = {"send.txt"};
char outfile_name[100][50] = {"receive.txt"};

int fnWriteFile(int PacketId)

{
char *packet;
static FILE *file_receive=NULL;
PFILE_INFO file_rec=fileinfo;
size_t siz;

if(!file_receive)
file_receive = fopen(outfile_name[0],"wb");

while(file_rec)
{
if(file_rec->Packet_Id == PacketId)
{
//fprintf(stderr,"file written. size = %d\n",file_rec->len);
packet = file_rec->Packet;
siz = file_rec->len;
fwrite(packet,sizeof(char),siz,file_receive);
}
file_rec=LIST_NEXT(file_rec);
}
fflush(file_receive);

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 return 0;
}

int fnsendfile(NETSIM_ID nSensorLoop)

{
NetSim_PACKET *PstruPacket;
FILE *file_transfer;
size_t siz;
long file_size;
long n;
PFILE_INFO file;

if(file_name[nSensorLoop-1] && *file_name[nSensorLoop-1])

file_transfer = fopen(file_name[nSensorLoop-1],"rb");
else
return -1;
if(!file_transfer)
{
perror(file_name[nSensorLoop-1]);
return -1;
}
fseek(file_transfer,0,SEEK_END);
file_size = ftell(file_transfer);
rewind(file_transfer);
n = file_size;
while(n>0)
{
char str[MAX_PAYLOAD+10];
fprintf(stderr,"Size left = %d\n",n);
if(n>=MAX_PAYLOAD)
{
siz = fread(str,sizeof(char),MAX_PAYLOAD,file_transfer);

}
else
{
siz = fread(str,sizeof(char),n,file_transfer);
}
n-=siz;

//Add application out to tramit the position

//Generate the packet
PstruPacket = fn_NetSim_Packet_CreatePacket(5);
PstruPacket->dEventTime = pstruEventDetails->dEventTime;
add_dest_to_packet(PstruPacket, GlobalPANCoordinatorId);
PstruPacket->nPacketId = ++nPacketId;
PstruPacket->nPacketStatus = 0;
PstruPacket->nPacketType = PacketType_Custom;
PstruPacket->nPacketPriority = Priority_Low;
PstruPacket->nQOS =(NETSIM_ID)QOS_BE;
PstruPacket->nSourceId = (NETSIM_ID)nSensorLoop;
//Update the Transport layer information
PstruPacket->pstruTransportData->nSourcePort = SOURCEPORT;
PstruPacket->pstruTransportData->nDestinationPort = DESTINATIONPORT;
//Update the Network layer information
PstruPacket->pstruNetworkData->szSourceIP =
IP_COPY(fn_NetSim_Stack_GetFirstIPAddressAsId((NETSIM_ID)nSensorLoop,0));
PstruPacket->pstruNetworkData->szDestIP =

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 IP_COPY(fn_NetSim_Stack_GetFirstIPAddressAsId(get_first_dest_from_packet(PstruPacket), 0));

PstruPacket->pstruNetworkData->nTTL = MAX_TTL;
//Update the Application layer information
//For transferring file from Sensor to sink node
//70 bytes at a time
file =FILE_INFO_ALLOC();
memcpy(file->Packet,str,siz);
file->Packet_Id = PstruPacket->nPacketId;
file->len = siz;
LIST_ADD_LAST((void**)&fileinfo,file);

PstruPacket->szPayload = NULL;
PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dPayload = siz;
PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dOverhead = 0;
PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dPacketSize = PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dPayload
+ PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dOverhead;
PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dArrivalTime = pstruEventDetails->dEventTime;
PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dEndTime = pstruEventDetails->dEventTime;
PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dStartTime = pstruEventDetails->dEventTime;

if(NETWORK->ppstruDeviceList[nSensorLoop-1]->pstruTransportLayer->isUDP)
PstruPacket->pstruTransportData-
>nTransportProtocol=TX_PROTOCOL_UDP;
else if(NETWORK->ppstruDeviceList[nSensorLoop-1]->pstruTransportLayer->isTCP)
PstruPacket->pstruTransportData-
>nTransportProtocol=TX_PROTOCOL_TCP;
else
PstruPacket->pstruTransportData->nTransportProtocol=0;
if(NETWORK->ppstruDeviceList[nSensorLoop-1]->pstruSocketInterface-
>pstruSocketBuffer[0]->pstruPacketlist==NULL)
{
fn_NetSim_Packet_AddPacketToList((NETWORK-
>ppstruDeviceList[nSensorLoop-1]->pstruSocketInterface->pstruSocketBuffer[0]),PstruPacket,3);
pstruEventDetails->dPacketSize=PstruPacket->pstruAppData->dPacketSize;
pstruEventDetails->nDeviceType = SENSOR;
pstruEventDetails->nApplicationId=0;
pstruEventDetails->nProtocolId=PstruPacket->pstruTransportData-
>nTransportProtocol;
pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId=(NETSIM_ID)nSensorLoop;
pstruEventDetails->nInterfaceId=0;
pstruEventDetails->nEventType=TRANSPORT_OUT_EVENT;
pstruEventDetails->nSubEventType=0;
pstruEventDetails->pPacket=NULL;
fnpAddEvent(pstruEventDetails);
}
else
{
fn_NetSim_Packet_AddPacketToList((NETWORK-
>ppstruDeviceList[nSensorLoop-1]->pstruSocketInterface->pstruSocketBuffer[0]),PstruPacket,2);
}
}
fclose(file_transfer);
return 0;
}
#endif
/** In this function the sensors sense the agent, creates a packet and forwards it to sink node.*/

Ver 10.2 266

 int fn_NetSim_Zigbee_SensorEvent(int nSensorLoop,NETSIM_ID nGlobalPANCoordinatorId,AGENT**
pstruAgent,SENSORS* pstru_Sensor,METRICS** pstruMetrics,NetSim_EVENTDETAILS*
pstruEventDetails)
{
int nFlag = 0;
static int nPacketId;
char str[500];
int nAgentLoop;
POS_2D* pstruPos;
double dDistance;
POS_2D* pstruTemppos;
NetSim_PACKET *PstruPacket;

#ifdef _FILE_SEND_
fnsendfile((NETSIM_ID)nSensorLoop);
return 0;
#endif
pstruPos = (POS_2D*)fnpAllocateMemory(sizeof(POS_2D),1);
pstruTemppos = (POS_2D*)fnpAllocateMemory(sizeof(POS_2D),1);
for(nAgentLoop =0;nAgentLoop<MAXAGENT;nAgentLoop++)
{
if(pstruAgent[nAgentLoop] == NULL)
continue;
In 802_15_4.c , the code must be modified at specified places in red
color. Add the modified code:
case MAC_IN_EVENT:
{
.

if(pstruPacket->nControlDataType/100 != MAC_PROTOCOL_IEEE802_15_4)
{
//Prepare the Network in event details
pstruPacket->pstruMacData->dOverhead -= 5;
pstruPacket->pstruMacData->dPacketSize = pstruPacket->pstruMacData->dPayload
+ pstruPacket->pstruMacData->dOverhead;
pstruEventDetails->dPacketSize = pstruPacket->pstruMacData->dPacketSize;
pstruEventDetails->pPacket = pstruPacket;
pstruEventDetails->nEventType = NETWORK_IN_EVENT;
pstruEventDetails->nSubEventType = 0;
pstruEventDetails->nProtocolId =
fn_NetSim_Stack_GetNWProtocol(pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId);
//Add Network in event
fnpAddEvent(pstruEventDetails);
#ifdef _FILE_SEND_
if(pstruPacket->nPacketType == PacketType_Custom)
fnWriteFile(pstruPacket->nPacketId);
#endif
}
else if(pstruPacket->nControlDataType == BEACON_FRAME)
{ ...

Ver 10.2 267

5 Copy the input file (file to be transferred) in NetSim bin folder (“C:\Program
Files\NetSim Standard\bin”) and rename it as send.txt.
6 In Sensor.c, user can optionally edit the name of the input file in file_name[] and output
file in outfile_name[] in the code. For example, currently it isreceive.txt for output file.
7 Build Zigbee (Please refer section 7.1) and link the dll to bin folder of NetSim. Take care
to rename the original libZigbee.dll so as to preserve the original binaries of NetSim
8 Next, to run the code, follow these steps:

In this section we create a sample scenario to transfer file from Sensor to Sink Node in
WSN:

Step 1: Create a scenario in NetSim as follows. Make sure the sensor is dropped first on the
environment

Step 2: Run the simulation. (Make sure the input file to be transferred is present in bin folder
of NetSim).

Step 3: Output file should be present in bin folder of NetSim with the name
receive.txtdefined earlier in outfile_name[] in Sensor.c.

Note: Due to retransmissions and errors, sometimes the output file is not reproduced
correctly. To get exact file, user has to enable TCP (WSN works on UDP).

7.3 Debugging your code

This section is helpful to debug the code which user has written. To write your own code
please refer Section 7.1

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7.3.1 Via GUI

Step 1: Perform the required modification of the protocol source code and add _getch()
(used to hold the program execution until the user enters a character) statement inside init
function of the modified protocol.

Step 2: Build the protocol and replace the dll in bin folder in NetSim. Do not close Visual
Studio.

Step 3: In NetSim, create a network scenario where the protocol is being used and start the
simulation. In the console window user would get a warning message shown in the below
screenshot and the simulation will pause for user input (because of _getch() added in the init
function)

Step 4: In Visual Studio, put break point inside the source code where you want to debug.

Step 5: Go to “DebugAttach to Process” in Visual studio as shown and attach to

NetSimCore.exe.

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Click on Attach.Press enter in the command window.Then control goes to the project and
stops at the break point in the source code as shown below. All debugging options like step
over (F10), step into (F11), step out (Shift + F11), continue (F5) are available.

After execution of the function, the control goes back to NetSim and then comes back to the
custom code the next time the function is called in the simulation.

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To stop debugging and continue execution, press Shift+F5 (key). This then gives the control
back to NetSim, for normal execution to continue.

7.3.2 How to debug and visualize animation simultaneously

• First follow all the 3 steps mentioned in the section 7.3.1 in User Manual but except
in “Step 3” check play and record option in Run and Simulate
• After attaching the Netsimecore.exe, Press enter in the command window. Then
control goes to the project and stops at the break point in the source code as
shown below.
• In watch window add {,,Networkstack.dll}pstruEventDetails and drop down to see
the dEventTime, dEventType. Note that dEventTime is the simulation time. Refer
Section - 7.3.5 Viewing and accessing variables, for more information on how to
get the watch window
• Animation is called only at PHYSICAL_OUT_EVENTs and
PHYSICAL_IN_EVENTs and not at any of the other events. Hence users would
notice a lag between dEventTime shown when debugging and Simulation Time
shown in animation window

FIGURE: 1

FIGURE: 2

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 FIGURE: 3

• All debugging options like step over (F10), step into (F11), step out (Shift + F11),
continue (F5) are available.
• In the example chosen (IOT simulation with RPL protocol) when you can see on
the right window on the image DIO message is copied from Source (Sensor A) to
the Destination (LoWPAN Gateway7) and the details of source name, destination,
packet info, status and simulation time are seen on the bottom of the NetSim
Animation window.
• In FIG: 1 as you can see on the LEFT WINDOW dEventTime = 62517.4 and
dEventType = PHYSICAL_OUT_EVENT
• In FIG: 2 dEventType = PHYSICAL_IN_EVENT on the left window and the
animation is shown for PHYSICAL_OUT of Sensor A and PHYSICAL_IN of
LoWPAN Gateway on the right window and the simulation time is 62517.4 which is
equal to the dEventTime of PHYSICAL_OUT_EVENT.
• In FIG: 3 no animation is seen because another event (NETWORK_OUT_EVENT)
is being processed
• During debugging every time a new packet is transferred the details of the previous
packets will scroll down automatically and the details of the current packet is
displayed on the top.
• To stop debugging press Shift+F5, the control goes to command window again.

7.3.3 Via CLI

Step 1: Open the Command prompt. Press “windows+R” and type “cmd”.

Step 2: To run the NetSim via CLI copy the path where “NetSimCore.exe” is present.

>cd <apppath>

>NetSimCore.exe<space>-apppath<space><apppath><space>-
iopath<space><iopath><space>-license<space>5053@<ServerIP Address><space> -d

Ver 10.2 272

Step 3: Type the following command.

Press enter, now you can see the following screen.

Step 4: Open/Create the Project in Visual Studio and put break point inside the source code.

Step 5: Go to “DebugAttach to Process”

Attach to NetSimCore.exe.

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Click on Attach.

Step 6: Go to command prompt which is already opened in Step 3. Enter the Event Id.

Note: If you don’t want to stop at any event you can specify 0 as event id.

Execution will stop at the specified event.

Press enter then control goes to the project and stops at the break point in the source code
as shown below.

All debugging options like step over (F10), step into (F11), step out (Shift + F11),
continue(F5) are available.

After execution of the function, the control goes back to NetSim and then comes back to the
custom code the next time the function is called in the simulation.

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To stop debugging press Shift+F5. This then gives the control back to NetSim, for normal
execution to continue.

7.3.4 Co-relating with Event Trace

To debug your own (custom) code, it is often helpful to know which section of the code (file
name & line number) generated the event under study. There are 2 ways to enable this
feature.

Procedure 1

Step 1:Open configuration.netsim file and provide the file name, path and set status as
Enable.

Step 2: Run the NetSim via CLI in debug mode (Refer NetSim Help in chapter 5Running
Netsim via CLI) with –d as the fourth parameters

Press enter

Step 3: Enter -1 as the event ID

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Upon running, NetSim will write the file name and line number of the source code that
generated each event.

Note: In the above trace file Event Id 56 is triggered inside the sendbuffer.c file which is present in DSR.c.
Since all the lib files are opaque to the end user, you cannot see the source code of the lib file. However,
Event Id 9 is triggered at line number 69 of routereply.c file and you can find the location of the event by
opening the routereply.c file as shown below.

File Name

Line Number

Procedure 2:

Step 1: Right click on my computer and select Properties.

Step 2: Go to Advanced System setting  Advanced Tab  Environment Variables

Ver 10.2 276

Step 3: Click New. Type “NETSIM_BREAK” as Variable name and any negative integer as
Variable value. Click OK.

Step4: Now perform simulation in NetSim (Enable event trace in

GUI) . Upon running, NetSim will write the file name and line number of the source code that
generated each event.

7.3.5 Viewing & Accessing variables

Viewing variables while debugging code:

To see the value of a variable, when debugging hover the mouse over the variable name in
the code. A text box with variable contents appears. If the variable is a structure and
contains other variables, then click on the plus sign which is there to the left of the text box.

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Users can pin the variable to watch by clicking on the pin icon to the right of that variable in
the text box.

Adding the variable to watch –

Watch the change in the variable as the code progress by right clicking on the variable &
clicking on "add watch" tab. This is useful if to continuously monitor the change in the
variable as the code progresses.

Viewing external variables

During the process of debug users would come acrossvariables that are defined outside the
source file being built as a .dll. Such variables cannot be viewed directly when added in the
watch tab, as this would throw the error

CX0017: Error:symbol “Variable_Name”not found.

Ver 10.2 278

In the call stack window one can find the file in which that variable is situated. Right click on
the dll file name in the call stack window, in this case NetworkStack.dll. Then in the pull
down menu which appears, select "load symbols from" and give the path of the pdb(program
database) file.

A program database (.pdb) file, also called a symbol file, maps the identifiers that a user
creates in source files for classes, methods, and other code to the identifiers that are used in
the compiled executablesof the project. The .pdb file also maps the statements in the source
code to the execution instructions in the executables. The debugger uses this information to
determine: the source file and the line number displayed in the Visual Studio IDE and the
location in the executable to stop at when a user sets a breakpoint. A symbol file also
contains the original location of the source files, and optionally, the location of a source
server where the source files can be retrieved from.

When a user debugs a project in the Visual Studio IDE, the debugger knows exactly where
to find the .pdb and source files for the code. If the user wants to debug code outside their
project source code, such as the Windows or third-party code the project calls, the user has
to specify the location of the .pdb (and optionally, the source files of the external code) and
those files need to exactly match the build of the executables.

The pdb files are usually available in NetSim’s install directory, else write to
[email protected] for the latest copy of these debug files. Go to Tools >
options>debugging>load all symbols.

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Note: If the load symbols menu option is greyed, then it means symbols are already loaded

In the watch window, the variable which the user has to watch should be edited by double
clicking on it and prefixing {,,NetworkStack.dll} to the variable name and pressing enter. (The
name of the respective file in which the variable is defined should be mentioned - in this case
NetworkStack.dll).

Prefixing to the variable name

Accessing External Variables:

In NetSim, while a scenario is simulated, it is possible to access variables which are defined
in one .dll file from another .dll file. An example is given below showing how a IEEE802.11
file variable dReceivedPower_mw can be accessed in the DSR file.

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The user must modify the files present in <Installed Directory>\src\Simulation as specified
below.

The variable dReceivedPower_mw is defined in a structure stru_802_11_Phy_Var. So the

user will have to access a pointer of type stru_802_11_Phy_Var. In the header file where
the structure definition is given, the following line of code must be written –

_declspec(dllexport) IEEE802_PHY_VAR *var1;

In the example, the code line must be written in IEEE802_11_Phy.h file present inside
IEEE802_11 folder.

In the main function where a user wishes to find the dReceivedPower_mw, the variable must
be assigned the respective value. In the above case, the following line of code must be
written inside fn_NetSim_IEEE802_11_PhyIn() function in IEEE802_11_Phy.c file present
inside IEEE802_11 folder.

var1 = DEVICE_PHYVAR(pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId,pstruEventDetails->nInterfaceId);

Note that the parameters given in the macro or any function which assigns a value to the
variable must be defined beforehand in the code. Here nDeviceId and nInterfaceId are
defined beforehand.

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The solution must be built and the resulting <Installed Directory>\src\Simulation
\Dll\libIEEE802.11.dll file which gets created must be copied in to the NetSim standard bin
folder.

The modified IEEE802_11.h file along with other header files on which it depends
(IEEE802_11.h, IEEE802_11_enum.h, IEEE802_11_HTPhy.h, IEEE802_11_Phy.h,
IEEE802_11_PhyFrame.h,and IEEE802_11e.h), present inside <Installed Directory> \src
\Simulation \IEEE802_11\ folder must be copied and pasted in the DSR solution folder
<Installed Directory>\src\Simulation\DSR and must be included in the DSR solution in visual
studio.

The Object file library <Installed Directory>\src\Simulation \Dll\IEEE802_11.lib file which got
created must be copied and pasted in the lib folder located at <Installed
Directory>\src\Simulation.

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The IEEE802_11.h header file which was included in DSR solution must be edited and the
line where _declspec(dllexport) IEEE802_PHY_VAR *var1; was written must be replaced
with _declspec(dllimport) IEEE802_PHY_VAR *var1;

For viewing the variable value in the command prompt, the following lines must be added in
DSR.c.

#include “IEEE802_11_Phy.h”

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if(var1)

fprintf (stderr,"\n Received Power- %lf\n",var1->dReceivedPower_mw);

Now Right click on DSR project  Properties  Linker Input  add IEEE802_11.lib to
the Additional Dependencies.

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The solution must be built and the resulting dll file <Installed Directory>\src\Simulation
\Dll\libDSR.dll must be copied and replaced in the NetSim Standard bin path. When a
scenario is run, the Received Powercan be seen in the command prompt.

7.3.6 Print to console window in NetSim

Users can try printing the Device ID, Application ID, Duplicate Ack Count, Congestion

To print to console: Print node positions in MANET

Open Mobility Project, and in Mobility.c and go to fn_NetSim_Mobility_Run() function. Inside

the default case add following codes

fprintf(stderr,"\n The position of %s at time %.2lfms is X=%.2lf and Y = %.2lf

\n",DEVICE_NAME(pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId),

pstruEventDetails->dEventTime,

DEVICE_POSITION(pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId)->X,

DEVICE_POSITION(pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId)->Y);

_getch();

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Build Mobility project and replace libMobility.dll inside the binary folder of NetSim installation
directory. Create a scenario in MANET and configure the mobility model of the nodes.
During simulation users can notice that the positions of the nodes are displayed in the
console w.r.t. the simulation time.

7.4 Creating a new packet and adding a new event in NetSim

In this example we show how users can create their own packet & event in 802.15.4 Zigbee.
The same methodology can be applied to any network / protocol.

1 Open NetSim.sln file from NetSim installation path <C:\Program Files (x86)\NetSim
Standard\src\simulation for 32-bit NetSim or C:\Program Files\NetSim
Standard\src\simulation for 64-bit NetSim using Microsoft visual studio 2015.
2 Therefore, go to ZigBee project and Open 802_15_4.h file and add a subevent called
“MY_EVENT” inside enum_IEEE802_15_4_Subevent_Type as shown below:

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3 To add a new packet in NetSim first user has to initialize their new packet name inside
802_15_4.h file. Let us assume the new packet be “MY_PACKET” and it is a control
packet. So user has to define it inside the following enum as shown below:

4 We assume that MY_PACKET has the same fields as a Zigbee Ack and hence we are
adding the following ack frame to 802_15_4.h file(Add this code just above the enum
enum_IEEE_802_15_4_ControlPacket_Type{} defenition):

struct stru_My_Frame
{
int nBeaconId;
int nSuperFrameId;
int nBeaconTime;
double dPayload;

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 double dOverhead;
double dFrameSize;
};

typedef struct stru_My_Frame MY_FRAME;

enum enum_IEEE_802_15_4_ControlPacket_Type
{

5 Open 802_15_4.c file, go to the case TIMER_EVENT and add the following code to the
subevent type :-

case SUBEVENT_GETLINKQUALITY:
{
--------------------------
}
break;
case MY_EVENT:
{
//my event//
fprintf(stderr, "My_event");
pstruEventDetails->dEventTime = pstruEventDetails->dEventTime + 1 * SECOND;
pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId = nGlobalPANCoordinatorId;
pstruEventDetails->nInterfaceId = 1;
pstruEventDetails->nEventType = TIMER_EVENT;
pstruEventDetails->nSubEventType = MY_EVENT;
pstruEventDetails->nProtocolId = MAC_PROTOCOL_IEEE802_15_4;
fnpAddEvent(pstruEventDetails);
fn_NetSim_WSN_MY_PACKET();
//my event//
}

break;

Here we are adding a new event inside the timer event, and this event will occur every 1
second in the GlobalPANCoordinator. i.e sink node. In this event,
fn_NetSim_WSN_MY_PACKET() is called as explained in step 5.

6 Inside 802_15_4.c file, add the following code at the end of the file for sending ack
(broadcast):

int fn_NetSim_WSN_MY_PACKET()
{
double dTime;
NETSIM_ID nDeviceId = pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId;
NETSIM_ID nInterfaceId = pstruEventDetails->nInterfaceId;
IEEE802_15_4_MAC_VAR *pstruMacVar = DEVICE_MACVAR(nDeviceId,
nInterfaceId);

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 IEEE802_15_4_PHY_VAR *pstruPhyVar = DEVICE_PHYVAR(nDeviceId,
nInterfaceId);
NetSim_PACKET *pstruPacket = pstruEventDetails->pPacket;
NetSim_PACKET *pstruAckPkt;
MY_FRAME *pstruAck;
dTime = pstruEventDetails->dEventTime;

// Create MY_Frame
pstruAckPkt = fn_NetSim_Packet_CreatePacket(MAC_LAYER);
pstruAckPkt->nPacketType = PacketType_Control;
pstruAckPkt->nPacketPriority = Priority_High;
pstruAckPkt->nControlDataType = MY_PACKET;
pstruAck = fnpAllocateMemory(1, sizeof(MY_FRAME));

// Update packet fields

pstruAckPkt->nSourceId = nDeviceId;
pstruAckPkt->nTransmitterId = nDeviceId;
pstruAckPkt->nReceiverId = 0;
add_dest_to_packet(pstruAckPkt, pstruAckPkt->nReceiverId);
pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData->Packet_MACProtocol = pstruAck;
pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData->dArrivalTime = dTime;
pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData->dStartTime = dTime;
pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData->dEndTime = dTime;
pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData->dPacketSize = pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData-
>dOverhead;
pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData->nMACProtocol =
MAC_PROTOCOL_IEEE802_15_4;
pstruAckPkt->nPacketId = 0;
strcpy(pstruAckPkt->szPacketType, "MY_PACKET");//to see the packet in
animation
//
Add SEND ACK subevent
pstruEventDetails->dEventTime = dTime;
pstruEventDetails->dPacketSize = pstruAckPkt->pstruMacData-
>dPacketSize;
pstruEventDetails->nSubEventType = 0;
pstruEventDetails->nEventType = PHYSICAL_OUT_EVENT;
pstruEventDetails->pPacket = pstruAckPkt;
fnpAddEvent(pstruEventDetails);

//Free the packet

fn_NetSim_Packet_FreePacket(pstruPacket);
pstruPacket = NULL;
return 0;
}
7 Inside the above function NetSim API fn_NetSim_Packet_CreatePacket(MAC_LAYER);
is used. This is the API which creates a new packet in NetSim. Since in this example,
new packet is created in MAC layer, it is passed as an argument. Users can give the

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 respective Layer name for creating packets in any other layers. In the above code users
can see the following line:

strcpy(pstruAckPkt->szPacketType, "MY_PACKET");

Thisis used visualize the packet transmission in the packet animation.

8 In 802_15_4.c file, goto fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Init() function and add the following code in
red color to call the timer_event. i.e MY_EVENT

declspec (dllexport) int fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Init(struct stru_NetSim_Network

*NETWORK_Formal,\NetSim_EVENTDETAILS
*pstruEventDetails_Formal,char *pszAppPath_Formal,\char
*pszWritePath_Formal,int nVersion_Type,void **fnPointer)
{
pstruEventDetails=pstruEventDetails_Formal;
NETWORK=NETWORK_Formal;
pszAppPath =pszAppPath_Formal;
pszIOPath = pszWritePath_Formal;
//MY_EVENT
pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId = nGlobalPANCoordinatorId;
pstruEventDetails->nInterfaceId = 1;
pstruEventDetails->dEventTime = pstruEventDetails->dEventTime;
pstruEventDetails->nEventType = TIMER_EVENT;
pstruEventDetails->nSubEventType = MY_EVENT;
pstruEventDetails->nProtocolId = MAC_PROTOCOL_IEEE802_15_4;
fnpAddEvent(pstruEventDetails);
//MY_EVENT
fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Init_F(NETWORK_Formal,pstruEventDetails_Formal,psz
AppPath_Formal,\pszWritePath_Formal,nVersion_Type,fnPointer);
return 0;
}

In the above function, subevent type, “MY_EVENT” is called. So this function calls the
MY_EVENT, timer event to execute.

9 fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Trace() is an API to print the trace details to the event trace.

So inside 802_15_4.c file add the following lines of code in red color inside
fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Trace(int nSubEvent) as shown below:-

_declspec (dllexport) char *fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Trace(int nSubEvent)

{
if (nSubEvent == MY_EVENT)
return "MY_EVENT";
return (fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Trace_F(nSubEvent));
}

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10 Save the code and Build Zigbee project. Replace libZigBee.dll inside NetSim bin
folder.(Note:- Rename the original libZigBee.dll inside bin folder)
11 Create a basic scenario in WSN with 1 sensors, 1 sink node and an agent.
12 Go to Sensor properties  under interface_Zigbee  change the sensor interval to
5000ms.
13 Run simulation for 10 seconds.
14 Play packet animation. Here users can see that Sink node broadcasts “MY_PACKET” to
the sensor.

15 Also open packet trace and users can filter the control packet and see all the
packet details of “MY_PACKET” written in the packet trace.

16 To analyse the “MY_EVENT” users can open event trace and filter the subevent
type as “MY_EVENT”. Here users can analyse that the event occurs for every 1
seconds.

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7.5 NetSim API’s
NetSim provides a wide variety of APIs for protocol developers. These are available in

1 packet.h – Packet related APIs

• Create a new packet

o fn_NetSim_Packet_CreatePacket_dbg(int nLayer,int line,const char* file);

• Copy a packet into a new packet

o fn_NetSim_Packet_CopyPacket_dbg(const NetSim_PACKET*
pstruPacket,int line,const char* file);

• Create error in packet

o fn_NetSim_Packet_DecideError(double dBER, long double dPacketSize);

• Free a packet

o fn_NetSim_Packet_FreePacket_dbg(NetSim_PACKET** pstruPacket,int
line,char* file);

2 stack.h – Network / device / link and event related APIs

• Calculate distance between nodes.

o fn_NetSim_Utilities_CalculateDistance(NetSim_COORDINATES*
coordinate1,NetSim_COORDINATES* coordinates2);

• Stores the event details. Only one time memory is allocated. Most used variable

o struct stru_NetSim_EventDetails* pstruEventDetails;

• Retrieve values from xml file

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 o GetXmlVal(void* var,char* name,void* xmlNode,int flag, XMLDATATYPE
type);

3 list.h -- Optimized list operation calls since NetSim uses lists extensively
• Add elments in list

o list_add(void** list,void* mem,size_t offset,int (*check)(void* current,void*

mem));

• Sorting the list

o list_sort(void** list,size_t offset,int (*check)(void* current, void* mem));

4 IP_Addressing.h – For setting & getting IP address per the appropriate format
• Set Ip address of any node

o NETSIM_IPAddress

• Checking ip address is broadcast or multicast

o isBroadcastIP(NETSIM_IPAddress ip);
o isMulticastIP(NETSIM_IPAddress ip);

For detailed help please refer the appropriate header (.h) files inside:
../NetSim_Standard/src/simulation/include or read through the doxygen source code
documentation available inside NetSim Help NetSim source code Help

• Include all the header (.h) files from the include folder
• NetworkStack.lib is a “import library” file and has the definitions for the functions
present in the NetworkStack.dll
• When developing new protocols users should create their own protocol.h and
declare all the protocol specific variables here. Stack & packet related variables
should be used from stack.h and packet.h

NetSim Network Stack calling individual Protocol

Every protocol should provide the following APIs as hooks to the network stack:

• int (*fn_NetSim_protocol_init)(conststruct stru_NetSim_Network*,conststruct

stru_NetSim_EventDetails*,constchar*,constchar*,int,constvoid**);

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 • Using this API the stack passes all the relevant pointers to variables, paths etc
needed for the protocol. Inside this function a) local variables should be initialized,
b) Initial events if any should be written,eg: Hello packet in RIP, STP in Ethernet c)
File pointers for reading & writing protocol_specific_IO files.
• int (*fn_NetSim_protocol_Configure)(conststruct stru_NetSim_Network*,int
nDeviceId, int nINterfaceID, int nlayertype, fnpAllocateMemory, fnpFreeMemory,
fpConfigLog );
• The stack calls this API when reading the config file. Upon reaching the
appropriate protocol definition in the XML file, the stack calls this and passes all
these pointers to the protocol
• int (*fn_NetSim_protocol_run)(): This is called by the stack to run the protocol
• char* (*fn_NetSim_protocol_trace)(int): This called by the stack to write the event
trace
• int(*fn_NetSim_protocol_CopyPacket)(constNetSim_PACKET*
pstruDestPacket,const NetSim_PACKET* pstruSrcPacket):
• This is for copying protocol specific parameters / data into the packed
• int (*fn_NetSim_protocol_FreePacket)(const NetSim_PACKET* pstruPacket): The
this to free the protocol specific parameters / data in the packet
• (*fn_NetSim_protocol_Metrics)(const FILE* fpMetrics): This is to write the metrics
file upon completion of the simulation
• int (*fn_NetSim_protocol_Finish)(): To release all memory after completion
• char* (*fn_NetSim_protocol_ConfigPacketTrace)(constvoid* xmlNetSimNode); To
configure the packet packet trace in terms of the parameters to be logged
char* (*fn_NetSim_protocol_WritePacketTrace)(const NetSim_PACKET*); To
configure the event trace in terms of the parameters to be logged.

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8 Advanced Features

8.1 Random number Generator and Seed Values

All network simulations involve an element of randomness. Some examples are -

It is possible to configure the traffic sources in the simulation to generate traffic in a perfectly
regular pattern. However, this is typically not the case in the real world. For example, Node
back-off’s after collisions are random to resolve contention issues. The exact bit which is
errored, based on Bit error probability of a wireless channel, is decided randomly

NetSim uses an in-built Linear Congruential Random Number Generator (RNG) to generate
the randomness. The RNG uses two seeds values to initialize the RNG.

Having the same set of seed values ensures that for a particular network configuration the
same output results will be got, irrespective of the PC or the time at which the simulation is
run. This ensures repeatability of experimentation.

Modifying the seed value will lead to the generation of a different set of random numbers and
thereby lead to a different sequence of events in NetSim. When simulations are run for a
network configuration with different seed values, the results will likely be slightly different.

More advanced users get “Confidence” by analyzing a set of results with different seed
values for the same network scenario.

8.2 Mobility Models in NetSim

Mobility models represent the movement of mobile user, and how their location, velocity and
acceleration change over time. Such models are frequently used for simulation purposes
when new communication or navigation techniques are investigated, or to evaluate the
performance of mobile wireless systems and the algorithms and protocols at the basis of
them. Typical mobility models provided in NetSim are as follows:

8.2.1 Random Walk mobility model

It is a simple mobility model based on random directions and speeds. In this mobility model,
a mobile node moves from its current location to a new location by randomly choosing a
direction and speed in which to travel. The new speed and direction are both chosen from

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pre-defined ranges. Each movement in the Random Walk Mobility Model occurs in either a
constant time interval or a constant distance traveled, at the end of which a new direction
and speed are calculated.

8.2.2 Random Waypoint Mobility Model

It includes pause time between changes in direction and/or speed. A mobile node begins by
staying in one location for a certain period of time (i.e., a pause time). Once this time
expires, the mobile node chooses a random destination in the simulation area and a speed
that is uniformly distributed between [minspeed, maxspeed]. The mobile node then travels
toward the newly chosen destination at the selected speed. Upon arrival, the mobile node
pauses for a specified time period before starting the process again.

8.2.3 Group mobility

It is a model which describes the behavior of mobile nodes as they move together. i.e. the
sensors having common group id will move together.

8.2.4 File Based Mobility

In File Based Mobility, users can write their own custom mobility models and define the
movement of the mobile users. The name of the trace file generated should be kept as
mobility.txt and it should be in the NetSim Mobility File format.

The user can also generate the mobility files using external tools like SUMO (Simulation of
Urban MObility), Vanet MobiSim etc.

The NetSim Mobility File format is as follows

Step 1: Create a text file inside <NetSim Installation Directory>\bin and rename it as
“mobility.txt”

Step 2: Open the text file and write the code in format shown below

# To write comments, use # tag

# User needs to specify the total number of Nodes and Environment size as shown below

#nodes: <No. of Nodes> max x = <X_Environment_Size>, max y: <Y_Environment_Size>

#First specify the location of all the devices as per their X, Y and Z Axis

$node_(<Node _ID - 1>) set X_ <Initial X_Coordinate>

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$node_(<Node _ ID - 1>) set Y_ <Initial Y_ Coordinate >

$node_(<Node _ ID - 1>) set Z_ <Initial Z_ Coordinate >

#Specify the new location of the specific device at the specific time

$time <Time_in_Secs> "$node_(<Node_ ID - 1>) <X_Coordinate><Y_ Coordinate ><Z_

Coordinate >"

Step 3: In NetSim, go to MANET and create a Network scenario. Click on Node properties
and in Global properties, set the Mobility Model as “File Based Mobility” and simulate.

A sample file based mobility experiment is present at <NetSim Installed Directory> \Docs\
Sample_Configuration\ MANET.

A sample mobility.txt file for a MANET network containing 2 nodes is shown below

#nodes: 2 max x = 500.0, max y: 500.0

$node_(0) set X_ 70.0

$node_(0) set Y_ 70.0

$node_(0) set Z_ 0.0

$node_(1) set X_ 150.0

$node_(1) set Y_ 150.0

$node_(1) set Z_ 0.0

$time 0.0 "$node_(0) 70.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 0.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 150.0 0.0"

$time 5.0 "$node_(0) 100.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 5.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 160.0 0.0"

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$time 10.0 "$node_(0) 130.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 10.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 170.0 0.0"

$time 15.0 "$node_(0) 160.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 15.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 180.0 0.0"

$time 20.0 "$node_(0) 190.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 20.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 190.0 0.0"

$time 25.0 "$node_(0) 220.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 25.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 200.0 0.0"

$time 30.0 "$node_(0) 250.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 30.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 210.0 0.0"

$time 35.0 "$node_(0) 280.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 35.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 220.0 0.0"

$time 40.0 "$node_(0) 310.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 40.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 230.0 0.0"

$time 45.0 "$node_(0) 340.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 45.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 240.0 0.0"

$time 50.0 "$node_(0) 370.00 70.00 0.00"

$time 50.0 "$node_(1) 150.0 250.0 0.0"

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 8.3 Interfacing MATLAB with NetSim

8.3.1 Implement Rician Distribution from MATLAB in NetSim without

using .m file

In this example we will replace the default Rayleigh Fading (part of the path loss
calculation) used in NetSim, with a Fading Power calculated using the Rician
Distribution from MATLAB

Procedure:

1) Create a MATLAB_Interface.c file inside the IEEE802_11 folder which can be

found in the path <NetSim_Install_Direcotry>/src/Simulation/. Write the following code
inside the MATLAB_Interface.c file:

/*
*
* This is a simple program that illustrates how to call the MATLAB
* Engine functions from NetSim C Code.
*
*/
#include<windows.h>
#include<stdlib.h>
#include<stdio.h>
#include<string.h>
#include"engine.h"
#include"mat.h"
#include"mex.h"

char buf[100];
Engine *ep;
int status;
mxArray *h = NULL, *i = NULL, *j = NULL, *k = NULL;
mxArray *out;
double *result;

double fn_netsim_matlab_init()
{
/*
* Start the MATLAB engine
*/
fprintf(stderr, "\nPress any key to Initialize MATLAB\n");
_getch();
if (!(ep = engOpen(NULL))) {
MessageBox((HWND)NULL, (LPCWSTR)"Can't start MATLAB engine",
(LPCWSTR) "MATLAB_Interface.c", MB_OK);
exit(-1);
}

engEvalString(ep, "desktop");

return 0;
}

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double fn_netsim_matlab_run()
{

//write your own implementation here

int rician_noncentrality = 1, rician_scale = 2;

engPutVariable(ep, "h", h);

sprintf(buf, "h=ProbDistUnivParam('rician',[%d %d])", rician_noncentrality, rician_scale);
status = engEvalString(ep, buf);

engPutVariable(ep, "i", i);

sprintf(buf, "i=random(h,1)");

status = engEvalString(ep, buf);

out = engGetVariable(ep, "i");
result = mxGetPr(out);

return *result;
}

double fn_netsim_matlab_finish()
{
fprintf(stderr, "\nPress any key to close MATLAB\n");
_getch();
status = engEvalString(ep, "exit");
return 0;
}

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2) Now open IEEE802_11 project file, inside the IEEE802_11 folder.

3) Right click on “IEEE802_11 Project” present in “Solution Explorer” window

and select Add  Existing Item and select the MATLAB_Interface.c file.
4) MATLAB_Interface.c file contains the following functions
a) fn_netsim_matlab_init() - Opens the MATLAB Engine
b) fn_netsim_matlab_run() - Communicates with MATLAB Command
Window
c) fn_netsim_matlab_finish() - Closes the MATLAB Engine
5) In the Solution Explorer double click on the IEEE802_11.c file.

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6) Add a call to fn_netsim_matlab_init(); inside the
fn_NetSim_IEEE802_11_Init() function.

7) Similarly add a call to fn_netsim_matlab_finish(); inside the

fn_NetSim_IEEE802_11_Finish() function.

8) In the Solution Explorer double click on the IEEE802_11.h file. Add definitions
of the following functions

double fn_netsim_matlab_init();
double fn_netsim_matlab_run();
double fn_netsim_matlab_finish();

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9) In the Solution Explorer double click on the IEE802_11_PHY.c file.
10) Inside fn_Netsim_IEEE802.11_PHYIn() function comment the lines,

dFadingPower = propagation_calculate_fadingloss(propagationHandle,

packet->nTransmitterId,ifid,pstruEventDetails->nDeviceId,

pstruEventDetails->nInterfaceId);

Make a call to the fn_netsim_matlab_run() function by adding the following line,

dFadingPower = fn_netsim_matlab_run();

11) To compile a MATLAB engine application in the Microsoft Visual Studio 15.0
(2015) environment, Right click on the IEEE802_11 project and select PROPERTIES
in the solution explorer. Once this window has opened, make the following changes:

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 a) Under C/C++  General, add the following directory to the field ADDITIONAL
INCLUDE DIRECTORIES:
<Path where MATLAB is installed>\extern\include

NOTE: To determine path where MATLAB is installed, entering the following

command in the MATLAB command prompt:
matlabroot

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Under C/C++  Precompiled Headers, set PRECOMPILED HEADERS as "Not
Using Precompiled Headers".

b) Under Linker  General, add the directory to the field ADDITIONAL LIBRARY
DIRECTORIES:
<Path where MATLAB is installed>\extern\lib\win32\microsoft

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 c) Under Configuration Properties Debugging, Add the following Target path in
the ENVIRONMENT: <Path where MATLAB is installed>\bin\win32

12) Under Linker  Input, add the following names to the field marked
ADDITIONAL DEPENDENCIES: libeng.lib;libmx.lib;libmat.lib;

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13) Make sure that the following directory is in the environment variable PATH:
<Path where MATLAB is
installed>\bin\win32

NOTE: To do step 14, check the Windows system path by clicking on Start  Right
click on Computer  Properties  Advanced System Settings  Environment
variables  System Variables  Open "Path" for editing.

Note: If the machine has more than one MATLAB installed, the directory for the target
platform must be ahead of any other MATLAB directory (for instance, when compiling a
32-bit application, the directory in the MATLAB 32-bit installation must be the first one
on the PATH). To run 64-bit NetSim, users has to change the above mentioned matlab
paths to 64-bit matlab paths

14) Now Right Click on IEEE802_11 project and select Rebuild

15) Now replace the newly built libIEEE802.11.dll from the DLL folder, into the
NetSim bin folder. Please ensure you rename the original libIEEE802.11.dll file to
retain a copy of the original file. [For more information, follow steps provided in
“Writing your own code: Linking Dlls” under “Custom Code in NetSim” chapter]
16) Run NetSim in Administrative mode. Create a Network scenario involving
IEEE802_11 say MANET, right click on the environment and select properties. Make
sure that the Channel Characteristics is set to PathLoss and Fading and Shadowing.

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17) Perform Simulation. You will find that once the Simulation starts MATLAB
command window starts and gets closed once the simulation is over.

Note: On Windows systems, engOpen opens a COM channel to MATLAB. The

MATLAB software you registered during installation starts. If you did not register during
installation, enter the following command at the MATLAB prompt:

!matlab -regserver

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8.3.2 Debug and understand communication between NetSim and
MATLAB

1. In the Solution Explorer double click on MATLAB_Interface.c file and place a

breakpoint inside the fn_netsim_matlab_run() function before the return statement.

2. Rebuild the Dll and replace in bin path.

3. Now run the NetSim Scenario. The simulation window stops for user interrupt.
4. In Visual studio, go to Debug  Attach to Process.
5. From the list of Processes select NetSimCore.exe and click on Attach.

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6. Now go to the Simulation window and press Enter.
7. MATLAB Command Window and MATLAB Desktop Window will start and
breakpoint in Visual Studio gets triggered.

8. Now when debugging (say, by pressing F5 each time) you will find the
computation taking place in the MATLAB Workspace.

9. This value of i obtained from MATLAB is used to calculate fading power

instead of the already available models in NetSim.
10. Add the variable dFadingPower in IEEE802_11.Phy.c file, to watch. For this,
right click on the variable dFadingPower and select “Add Watch” option. You will find
a watch window containing the variable name and its value in the bottom left corner.

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11. Now place another breakpoint after the line dFadingPower = fn_netsim_matlab_run()

12. Now when debugging (say by pressing F5 each time) you will find that the
watch window displays the value of dFadingPower whenever the control reaches the
recently set breakpoint. You will also find that the value of dFadingPower in the
Visual Studio Watch window and the value of i in the MATLAB workspace window
are similar.

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Ver 10.2 312
8.3.3 Implement Rician Distribution of MATLAB in NetSim using .m file:

Procedure:

1. Create a file named rician_distribution.m file inside <Path where MATLAB is

installed>. The rician_distribution.m file contains the following code:
function WLAN= rician_distribution(noncentrality,scale)
h=ProbDistUnivParam('rician',[noncentrality,scale]);
i=random(h,1);
WLAN=i;
2. Place this file in the MATLAB’s default working directory. This will usually be
MATLAB’s root directory or the bin folder in MATLAB’s installation path.

NOTE: To determine path where MATLAB is installed, entering the following

command in the MATLAB command prompt:
matlabroot

3. You will have to create a MATLAB_Interface.c file in the IEEE802_11 folder

similar to the previous example. The funcitons fn_netsim_matlab_init() and
fn_netsim_matlab_finish() will remain the same. Modify the function
fn_netsim_matlab_run() that is part of MATLAB_Interfacing.c which was used in
the previous example as shown below:

double fn_netsim_matlab_run()
{
//write your own implementation here
int rician_noncentrality = 1, rician_scale = 2;
engPutVariable(ep, "h", h);
sprintf(buf, "k=rician_distribution(%d,%d)", rician_noncentrality, rician_scale);
status = engEvalString(ep, buf);
out = engGetVariable(ep, "k");
result = mxGetPr(out);
return *result;
}
4. Follow steps 2 to 14 as explained in the section “Implement Rician Distribution
of MATLAB in NetSim without using .m file” above.

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5. A call to the rician_distribution() function inside the rician_distribution.m file is
made, and rician_noncentrality and rician_scale parameters are passed from
NetSim.
6. Right Click on IEEE802_11 project and select Rebuild.
7. Replace the newly build libIEEE802.11.dll from the DLL folder in the NetSim
bin folder after renaming the original libIEEE802.11.dll file.Open NetSim in
Administrative mode. Create a Network scenario involving IEEE802_11 say MANET,
right click on the environment and select properties. Make sure that the Channel
Characteristics is set to PathLoss and Fading and Shadowing.
8. You will find that once the Simulation is run MATLAB Command Window
starts and gets closed once the Simulation is over.You can also debug the code to
understand the communication between NetSim and MATLAB as explained in the
DEBUGGING section above.

8.3.4 Plot a histogram in MATLAB using the values generated by Rician

distribution for NetSim (using .m file)
Procedure:

1. Create a file NETSIM_MATLAB.m file containing the following code:

function WLAN=NETSIM_MATLAB(choice,varargin)

switch(choice)

case'rician'

h=ProbDistUnivParam('rician',[varargin{1},varargin{2}]);
i=random(h,1);
fid = fopen('plotvalues.txt','a+');
fprintf(fid,'%f',i);
fprintf(fid,'\r\n');
fclose('all');
WLAN=i;

case'plothistogram'

fid=fopen('plotvalues.txt');
mx=fscanf(fid,'%f');
hist(mx);
fclose('all');

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 end
2. Modify the function fn_netsim_matlab_run() that is part of MATLAB_Interfacing.c which was
used in the previous example.

double fn_netsim_matlab_run(char *arr)

{
//write your own implementation here

int rician_noncentrality = 1, rician_scale = 2;

if (strcmp(arr, "rician") == 0)
{
engPutVariable(ep, "h", h);
sprintf(buf, "h=NETSIM_MATLAB('rician',%d,%d)", rician_noncentrality,
rician_scale);
status = engEvalString(ep, buf);
out = engGetVariable(ep, "h");
result = mxGetPr(out);
return *result;
}
else if (strcmp(arr, "plothistogram") == 0)
{
status = engEvalString(ep, "NETSIM_MATLAB('plothistogram')");
return 0;
}
else
return 0;

Follow steps 2 to 11 as explained in the section on “Implement rician Distribution of

MATLAB in NetSim without using .m file” above.

3. A call to the NetSim_MATLAB() function inside the NetSim_MATLAB.m file is

made, for fading power calculation with parameters distribution(‘rician’),
rician_noncentrality and rician_scale parameters are passed from NetSim.
4. A call to the NetSim_MATLAB() function inside the NetSim_MATLAB.m file is
made, for plotting histogram for the values generated by MATLAB..
5. Also add the following call to fn_netsim_matlab_run() function along with a
_getch() to plot the histogram before closing the MATLAB Engine.

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6. Similarly in the call made to fn_netsim_matlab_run() function in
PropagationModel.c file add the parameter “rician” as shown below:-

7. Also modify the function definition of fn_netsim_matlab_run() function in

IEEE802_11.h file as shown below:

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8. Right Click on IEEE802_11 project and select Rebuild.Next replace the newly
build libIEEE802.11.dll from the DLL folder in the NetSim bin folder after renaming
the original libIEEE802.11.dll file.
9. Open NetSim in Administrative mode. Create a Network scenario involving
IEEE802_11 say MANET, right click on the environment and select properties. Make
sure that the Channel Characteristics is set to PathLoss and Fading and Shadowing.
10. You will find that once the Simulation is run MATLAB Command Window
starts and once the Simulation is over a histogram is displayed in MATLAB for the
values that were generated using rician distribution.

11. The graph and the MATLAB windows gets closed once you press any key.

You can also debug the code to understand the communication between NetSim and
MATLAB as explained in the DEBUGGING section above.

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8.4 Adding Custom Performance Metrics
In Performance Metrics, users can log and adding their own metrics by editing the source
code of the protocol of that specific networking technology.

For illustration, an example regarding Wireless Sensor Network is provided. In this example,
users will print Sensor Node Name, Residual Energy, State (On/Off) and turn–off time in the
performance metrics

STEP 1: Copy the provided code at the top in 802_15_4.h file

#include "string.h"

double NetSim_Residual_Energy[100];

string NetSim_Node_name[100];

double NetSim_Off_Time[100];

string NetSim_Node_state[100];

STEP 2:

Copy the below code (in red colour) in 802_15_4.c file (inside fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Metrics()
function)

/** This function write the metrics in metrics.txt */

_declspec(dllexport) int fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Metrics(PMETRICSWRITERmetricsWriter)

//CUSTOM METRICS

PMETRICSNODE table = init_metrics_node(MetricsNode_Table,

"Custom_WSN_Metrics", NULL);

NETSIM_ID nDeviceCount = NETWORK->nDeviceCount;

add_table_heading(table, "Node Name", true, 0);

add_table_heading(table, "Status", true, 0);

add_table_heading(table, "Time", true, 0);

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 add_table_heading(table, "Residual_Energy", true, 0);

int i;

for (i = 1; i <= nDeviceCount; i++)

add_table_row_formatted(false, table, "%s,%s,%.2lf,%.2lf,",

NetSim_Node_name[i - 1], NetSim_Node_state[i - 1],

NetSim_Off_Time[i - 1], NetSim_Residual_Energy[i - 1]);

PMETRICSNODE menu = init_metrics_node(MetricsNode_Menu,

"CUSTOM_METRICS", NULL);

add_node_to_menu(menu, table);

write_metrics_node(metricsWriter, WriterPosition_Current, NULL, menu);

delete_metrics_node(menu);

//CUSTOM METRICS

return fn_NetSim_Zigbee_Metrics_F(metricsWriter);

STEP 3:

Copy the below code (in red colour) at the end of ChangeRadioState.c file (inside
IF(nStatus) loop)

if(nStatus)

WSN_PHY(nDeviceId)->nOldState = nOldState;

WSN_PHY(nDeviceId)->nRadioState = nNewState;

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 NetSim_Node_state[nDeviceId-1]= "ON";
NetSim_Node_name[nDeviceId-1]= NETWORK->ppstruDeviceList[nDeviceId-1]-
>szDeviceName;

return nStatus;

else

WSN_PHY(nDeviceId)->nRadioState = RX_OFF;

WSN_MAC(nDeviceId)->nNodeStatus = OFF;

NetSim_Off_Time[nDeviceId-1] = ldEventTime;

NetSim_Node_state[nDeviceId-1]= "OFF";

NetSim_Node_name[nDeviceId-1]= NETWORK->ppstruDeviceList[nDeviceId-1]-
>szDeviceName;

return nStatus;

STEP 4:

Build DLL with the modified code and run a Wireless Sensor Network scenario. After
Simulation, user will notice a new Performance metrics named “Custom WSN Metrics” is
added.

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8.5 Environment Variables in NetSim
1 NETSIM_PACKET_FILTER = <filter_string>
2 // used by NetSim developers to debug. Emulator code to passes filter string to
// windivert. See windivert doc for more information.
3 NETSIM_EMULATOR_LOG = <log_file_path> // Used by Real time sync function to log
get event and add event. Used by NetSim developers to debug
4 NETSIM_EMULATOR = 1 // Set by application dll or user to notify NetSim internal
modules to run in emulation mode
5 NETSIM_CUSTOM_EMULATOR = 1 // To notify NetworkStack to not load emulation dll
and to only do time sync.
6 NETSIM_SIM_AREA_X = <int> // Area used by Mobility functions for movement of
device. Set by config file parser or user.
7 NETSIM_SIM_AREA_Y = <int> // Same as above
8 NETSIM_ERROR_MODE = 1 // if set then windows won't popup gui screen for error
reporting on exception.
9 NETSIM_BREAK = <int>
10 // Event id at which simulation will break and wait for user input.
11 // Equivalent to -d command in CLI mode.
12 NETSIM_AUTO = <int> // If set NetSim won't ask for keypress after simulation. //Useful
to run batch simulations.
13 NETSIM_IO_PATH = <path>
14 // IO path of NetSim from where it will read Config file and write output file.
15 // Equivalent to -IOPATH command in CLI mode.
16 NETSIM_MAP = 1 // Set by Networkstack to inform other modules that simulation is
running per map view.
17 NETSIM_ADVANCE_METRIC
18 // If set, NetSim provides a set of extra metrics.
19 // In application metrics, you can see duplicate packets received.
20 NETSIM_CONFIG_NAME = <FILE NAME>
21 // Config file name. This file must present in IOPath.
22 // If not set default value is Configuration.netsim
23 NETSIM_NEG_ID = 1 // If set, then control packets will have negative id.

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9 NetSim Emulator
NOTE: Emulator will be featured in NetSim only if Licenses for Emulator Add-on is available

9.1 Introduction
A network simulator mimics the behavior of networks but cannot connect to real networks.
NetSim Emulator enables users to connect NetSim simulator to real hardware and interact
with live applications.

9.1.1 Emulation: How Simulation interacts with the real world

A real PC (running NetSim Emulation Client) sends live traffic to the PC (running NetSim
Emulation Server). Whenever a packet arrives at the interface of server, this packet is
“modulated” into a simulation packet and sent from a source node (user selectable) in the
simulated network (user configurable) to a destination node (again user selectable). Upon
receipt of this packet at the destination, the packet is then “de-modulated” and sent back to a
real PC destination node (running NetSim Emulation Client).The real packet thus undergoes
network effects such as delay, loss, error etc. created virtually by NetSim Simulator.

9.2 Emulation Set-up:

The ideal set-up to run emulation would be to have a minimum of three (3) PC’s. One would
be the real source, the second would run NetSim emulation server, and the third would be
the real destination.

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Alternately,this set-up can also be managed where the two (2) PC's are running client
applications that communicate with the central server, where NetSim Emulation server is
running.

9.2.1 Setting up the NetSim Server:

• Run NetSim in Administrative Mode (Right Click on NetSim.exe  Run as
Administrator).
• User has to open any Stack based Network (Any network except Legacy Networks,
Wireless Sensor Network, Zigbee Network and Cellular Network) in NetSim with
Emulation.
• Create a network scenario of your choice (refer application examples provided)
and set the Application properties.

• In the Application Properties, set Application Type as “EMULATION”. Assign real

Source IP address and Destination IP address in the respective fields. Then Click
Accept.
• Set the Simulation Time as how long you want to perform the Emulation in Real
World. Do not run the simulation untilsetting up Emulation in the Client
system.

NOTE: If the Emulation Server is located in a different subnet from clients

• User has to configure the router settings of the real-world network so as to allow
the packets to be transmitted to the Emulation Server

For Example, if we consider a sample real world network scenario where the Emulation
clients and server are located in different subnets

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 Before Router C re-configuration

After Router C re-configuration

• Routing table of router C needs to be configured such that any packet having
Source Address as IP Address of Node 6(Client Source) and Destination Address
as IP Address of Node 8(Client Destination) must be routed to Emulation Server.
NetSim configuration will the ensure that the packet is re-injected with destination
set to the appropriate IP Address (set in the application properties)

9.2.2 Setting up the Client systems (Real Source and Destination system)
• Open command prompt in administrative mode.

• Type command,

route delete <Network Address>

then press Enter key. You will get “OK”. For example if your IP address is 192.168.0.4 and
the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 then the network address is 192.168.0.0 (Got by
performing a bitwise AND of the IP Address and the subnet mask)

• Type command

route add <Network Address>mask 255.255.255.0 <IP Address where NetSim Emulation
server is running> metric 1

here the subnet mask is taken as 255.255.255.0). After execution, you will get “OK”.

• Type command

netstat –r

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To check if the IP configuration is done or not.

Note that in the above screenshot, for the network 192.168.0.0, the gateway address assigned is
192.168.0.87(Address of the system where NetSim Emulation Server is running).

9.2.3 Setting up the Linux Client Systems (Real Source and Destination
systems)
Note: Following Screenshots are relevant to RHEL 7. Equivalent settings has to be done in case of other
Linux Variants.

Go to the Wired Settings option in the Network Adapter Icon.

In the IPV4 settings, set static IP Address to the machine and specify the Emulation Server
IP as the Gateway IP.

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Eg: If 192.168.0.141 is the IP of the system where Emulation Server is running. This is
specified as the gateway IP.

Turn off Automatic DNS.

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Turn off and on the Network Adapter

Open terminal window

Type command

su

This is to switch to root user.

Enter the root password

Type command

ip route

This is to check the default route

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It will now show the default via <Emulation server IP>

Type command

ip route del <Network Address>

Eg:

ip route del 192.168.0.0/24

Type command

ip route

This is to check if the IP configuration is done.

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9.2.4 Setting up the Communication with Raspberry PI
1 Open Raspberry PI terminal and apply “sudo su”
2 Apply “nano /etc/sysctl.conf” command and edit the file by adding the following
comment

net.ipv4.ip_forward=1

3 To save and Exit

[Ctrl] + X, then chose yes or no

4 Apply “nano /etc/sysctl” command

5 Then add the following comments

a. IP_DYNIP=”no”
b. IP_TCP_SYNCOOKIES=”yes”
c. IP_FORWARD=”yes”
6 Follow step 3

7 Apply “nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf”

a. change the ”static routers” to NetSim Server IP as shown in the below

image
8 Apply “route” command

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9 Apply “ip r del <network ip>/24”

Eg: ip r del 192.168.0.0/24

10 Apply “ping <any ip within the network>”. Eg: ping 192.168.0.202

9.2.5 Setting multiple Virtual Machines (VM) to act as Nodes for

Emulation

9.2.5.1 VMs sharing the same network as the host.

A computer on which one or more virtual machines are running is defined as a Host
Machine. Each virtual machine is called a Guest Machine. In this scenario, we have 3 VMs
running in a Host Machine – VM1, VM2 and VM3. Users can run NetSim License server in
any system connected to the network in which Host Machine is running.

Now right click on each VM and select Settings. Click on Network Adapter, and select
“Bridged: Connected directly to the physical network”. Also enable the “Replicate
Physical network connection state”.

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An advantage of this technique is that, if the license server is running in another system,
connected to the same network as the original host, then NetSim running in the VM can
obtain the licenses.

9.2.5.2 VMs sharing a network but insulated from the host network.

A computer on which one or more virtual machines are running is defined as a Host
Machine. Each virtual machine is called a Guest Machine. In this scenario, we have 3 VMs
running in a Host Machine – VM1, VM2 and VM3. NetSim License server is running in one of
these 3 VMs.

If user needs to create an internal network which is segregated from host network, follow the
steps

1 Right click on each VM and select Settings

2 Click on Network Adapter, and select “Custom: Specific Virtual network”
3 Select “VMnet8 (NAT)”

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By default, a network address is assigned to this segregated network by VMware. To
configure this IP address, go to EDIT  Virtual Network Editor

User can modify the Subnet IP and Subnet Mask to suit their own preference.

The disadvantage of this technique is that, if the license server must compulsorily run in the
VM for NetSim to obtain the licenses.

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9.2.6 Multicasting in NetSim Emulator using JPERF

In computer networking, multicast (one-to-many or many-to-many distribution) is

group communicationwhere information is addressed to a group of destination
computers simultaneously.

NetSim supports emulation of Multicast traffic with the help of Multicast client
applications running on the systems taking part in multicast. NetSim provides
support for both Windows and Linux machines to take part in multicast emulation.

Using Iperf:

Iperf Server Setup (receiver) in Windows:

1 Open command window in administrator mode.

2 Copy Jperf bin path (it would look like C:\Users\Sony\Desktop\jperf-2.0.2\bin) and
change the command window directory to the bin path of Jperf shown below:-

3 Enter the following command in the command window

iperf -s -u -B 224.0.67.67 -i 1

The options

-s specifies server

-i specifies report interval

-u specifies UDP

-B used to bind and join to a multicast group

4 Now server is listening to the traffic

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5 If any client is multicasting traffic, then the server would receive the traffic shown below:-

Iperf Client Setup (sender) in Windows:

1 Open command window in administrator mode

2 Copy Jperf bin path (it would look like C:\Users\Sony\Desktop\jperf-2.0.2\bin) and
change the command window directory to Jperf bin path shown below

3 Enter the following command in the command window

iperf -c 224.0.67.67 -u -b 10m --ttl 5 -i 1 -t 50

The options

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-c specifies client

-i specifies report interval

-t specifies transmit time

-u specifies UDP

--ttl is time-to-live for outgoing multicast packets

-b specifies UDP bandwidth. Here it is 10 mbits/sec

Iperf Server Setup (receiver) in Linux:

4 We can observe the traffic generated by client in above figure.

5 Now open NetSim in Administrator mode and create a simple scenario with one router
and 2 wired nodes in internetworks shown below

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6 Open application properties, create an EMULATION application and set client ip
address in Source_Real_Ip text box and 224.0.67.67 (multicast ip address) in
Destination_Real_Ip text box shown below:

7 Run simulation for 50 secs and observe the jitter values in the server.
8 You will find the variation in jitter values with and without running simulation in NetSim
9 And also change the speed, error rates and delay in the link properties and observe the
variation
10 If you wish to run more than 1 server, then setup another server by following the steps
explained above

NOTE: Users need to run simulation (emulation) and the jperf client simultaneously

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9.3 Emulation examples in NetSim

9.3.1 Example Application 1 – PING (One way Communication)

Steps at Emulation Server:

1 Run NetSim in Administrative Mode and create a basic network Scenario in any stack
based protocol (Any network except Legacy Networks, Wireless Sensor Network,
Zigbee Network and Cellular Network) in NetSim. Screenshot of a sample scenario in
Internetworks is shown below

i. Go to Properties of Link1 and Link2 and set Uplink and Downlink Delay to 5000.
Click and drop the Application. Right click Application select Properties.

ii. In the Application Type select Emulation.

iii. Select Source and Destination ID according to the network scenario and change
the Source and Destination IP address according to the IP address of the real
system.

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 iv. Provide the Simulation Time as how long you want the Emulation to be performed.
Make sure client system(s) are ready and then click Run Simulation.

Steps at Source PC:

1 Before running simulation, start pinging the Destination from Source using command
“ping <Destination_IP> –t” and note down the time duration.

2 Follow steps as provided before in “Emulation Set-up: Setting up the NetSim Client”.
3 Perform the steps at Emulation Server as provided and simulate. During simulation,
ping the destination system. You will notice that the present time duration is higher than
the earlier ping results. This is because the network created in NetSim has link
propagation delay. Also Wireshark (if installed) will automatically start capturing the
packets as soon as Emulation Server starts simulation.

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(NOTE: In case if no ping messages can be sent from source to destination, disable windows firewall and
try again.)
4 The impact of the link propagation delay in NetSim Emulator is seen on a real packet.

9.3.2 Example Application 1 – PING (Two-way Communication)

In PING (Two-way communication), almost all the steps are same as PING (One way
communication), except that in NetSim Emulation server there will be two application instead
of one. One Application will be directed from Source to Destination node, while the other
application will be directed from Destination to Source node.

The difference caused in the network behavior is that in the first case (PING -One way
communication), the PING reply packets were not routed via NetSim Emulator. But in the
second case (PING -Two way communication), the PING reply packets will be routed via
NetSim Emulator, thereby the total delay will be approximately 21millisecond.

9.3.3 Example Application 2 – Video (Oneway Communication)

Steps at NetSim Emulation Server:

1 Run NetSim in Administrative Mode and create a basic network Scenario in any stack
based protocol (Any network except Legacy Networks, Wireless Sensor Network,
Zigbee Network and Cellular Network) in NetSim. Screenshot of a sample scenario in
Internetworks is shown below

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 i. Click and drop the Application. Right click Application  select Properties.

ii. In the Application Type select Emulation.

iii. Select Source and Destination ID according to the network scenario and change
the Source and Destination IP address according to the IP Address of the real
system and click accept.

iv. Provide the Simulation Time as how long you want the Emulation to be performed.
Make sure client system(s) are ready and then click Run Simulation.

During Simulation you will notice a change in the quality of the video being played in the
destination PC. This is because the network created in NetSim has errors / delays etc in the
links. The impact of this loss / jitter / delay etc in NetSim Emulator is seen on a real video
stream.

Steps at Source PC:

1. Follow steps as provided before in “Running Emulation via GUI  Setting up the NetSim
Client”. Then open VLC Media player  Click Media menu  Select Stream Option.

2 . Click add button then select the video which you want to play

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3 Click on Stream Option. Then click next button
4 Enable the display locally checkbox. Then select the RTP / MPEG Transport Stream from
the drop down list as shown in the below screen shot

5 Click on Add Button. Then enter the Destination IP address in the Address field and
enter a stream name (user defined) and click next button.

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6 Select Video –MPEG-2 + MPGA (TS) option from the drop down list as shown in the
below screen shot. Then click next button

7. Perform all the steps at Emulation Server and then click on Stream button. Also
Wireshark (if installed) will automatically start capturing the packets as soon as Emulation
Server starts simulation.

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Steps at Destination PC:

1 Follow steps as provided before in “Running Emulation via GUI–Setting up the NetSim
Client”. After performing all the steps at Source PC and NetSim Emulation Server, open
VLC Media Player Click on Toggle Playlist icon as shown in the below screenshot.

Toggle button is circled in red at the bottom of the screen shot

2 Double click on Network Stream (SAP) under local network. Then right click and play on
the stream name that appears on the screen.

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3. In the streamed video, you will notice a change in the quality of the video being played in
the destination PC. Also Wireshark (if installed) will automatically start capturing the packets
as soon as Emulation Server starts simulation.

9.3.4 Example Application 3 – File Transfer using FileZilla (One-way)

Steps at Destination PC:

1 Follow steps as provided before in “Emulation Set-up: Setting up the NetSim

Client”. Run FileZilla Server software. Create a group by going to Edit  Groups 
Select “General” under Page:  Click Add in Groups  Give Any Name (Ex: Admin)
and click ok.

2 Go to Edit  User  General  Click Add in User  Give Any Name (Ex: User1) and
Select Group what you given in Group Setting (In this case, we provide “Admin”) and
click ok.

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3 In Account Setting, select Enable account and set password and click ok.

4 Go to Shared folder  Add Folder to share (EX: FTP_FILES from Desktop)  Select
all the Files and Directories Permissions and set that folder as Home Directory by
selecting “Set as Home Dir”. Click Ok.

Steps at Source PC:

1 Follow steps as provided before in “Emulation Set-up: Setting up the NetSim Client”.
Run FileZilla Client software.
2 Enter the Host Name(Server System ip (EX: 192.168.0.133)) and Give the User,
Password that we created in Server side and give Port No = 21. Run Emulation server
and click Quick Connect. Drag and drop files from Local Site to Remote Site.

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Steps at NetSim Emulation Server:

1 Run NetSim in Administrative Mode and create a basic network Scenario in any stack
based protocol (Any network except Legacy Networks) in NetSim. A sample scenario in
Internetworks is performed as shown with link speed set to 1 Mbps.

2 Click and drop the Application. Right click Application  select Properties.
3 In the Application Type select Emulation.
4 Select Source and Destination ID according to the network scenario and change the
Source and Destination IP address according to the IP Address of the real system and
click accept.

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5 Provide the Simulation Time as how long you want the Emulation to be performed.
Make sure client system(s) are ready and then click Run Simulation.

Results:

Transfer speed from client without emulation:

Transfer speed from client with emulation:

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9.3.5 Example Application 4 –Skype (Two way Communication)

Steps at NetSim Emulation Server:

1 Run NetSim in Administrative Mode and create a basic network Scenario in any stack
based protocol (Any network except Legacy Networks, Wireless Sensor Network,
Zigbee Network and Cellular Network) in NetSim. Screenshot of a sample scenario in
Internetworks is shown below.

2 Click and drop Application button. Right click Application  select Properties. As it is
two way communication, add and create two applications.
3 In both the Application Type select Emulation.
4 In one Application, select Source ID and Destination ID according to the network
scenario and change the Source and Destination IP address according to the IP
Address of the real system. In the second application, set the opposite of first
application, i.e. Source ID and IP address will be exchanged with Destination ID and IP
address. (Refer the IP settings in the screen-shot to get a clear picture)

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5 Provide the Simulation Time as how long you want the Emulation to be performed.
Make sure client system(s) are ready and then click Run Simulation.

Steps at Source PC:

1 Follow steps as provided before in “Emulation Set-up: Setting up the NetSim Client”.
2 Run Skype and make a call to the destination system (Make sure that Skype is running in
Destination PC).
3 Wireshark (if installed) will automatically start capturing the packets as soon as Emulation
Server starts simulation.

Steps at Destination PC:

1 Follow steps as provided before in “Emulation Set-up: Setting up the NetSim Client”.
After performing all the steps at Source PC and NetSim Emulation Server, open Skype.
2 Wireshark (if installed) will automatically start capturing the packets as soon as
Emulation Server starts simulation.

9.3.6 Example Application 5 – Using JPerf Network performance

measurement tool

Steps at NetSim Emulation Server:

1 Run NetSim in Administrative Mode and create a basic network Scenario in any stack
based protocol (Any network except Legacy Networks, Wireless Sensor Network,
Zigbee Network and Cellular Network) in NetSim. Screenshot of a sample scenario in
Internetworks is shown below

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2 Click and drop the Application. Right click Application  select Properties.
3 In the Application Type select Emulation.
4 Select Source and Destination ID according to the network scenario and change the
Source and Destination IP address according to the IP Address of the real system and
click accept.

5 Provide the Simulation Time as how long you want the Emulation to be performed.
Make sure client system(s) are ready and then click Run Simulation.

Steps at Source PC:

1.Follow steps as provided before in “Emulation Set-up: Setting up the NetSim Client”. Run
JPerf and select Client and set Server Address as 192.168.0.145. User can edit the
Application Layer options, Transport Layer options and IP Layer options depending on the
type of data they want to transmit in the network.

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1 Do not click “Run IPerf” until all the steps at NetSim Emulation Server are done. Also
Wireshark (if installed) will automatically start capturing the packets as soon as
Emulation Server starts simulation.

Steps at Destination PC:

1 Follow steps as provided before in “Emulation Set-up: Setting up the NetSim Client”.
Run JPerf and select Server.

2 Click on “Run IPerf” after the Source PC starts running JPerf.

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9.3.7 Providing pcap file as input to NetSim Emulator
1 Create a pcap file usingwireshark
2 Go to Computer->Properties->Advanced system settings->Environment variables

3 In System variables pane, select new and give EMULATOR_INPUT in the variable
name text box and give the path where pcap file is present in the variable value text box
(Ex: C:\Users\Sony\Desktop\CapturePacket.pcap) and then click on OK.

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4 Run NetSim in administrator mode for Emulator application.
5 Now create a simple scenario in NetSim. For example create a scenario in
Internetworks with 1 router and 2 wired nodes.
6 Create an Emulator application by giving the real source and destination IP’s present in
the pcap file.

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7 We can give more than one application also.
8 NetSim Emulator will read the packets from pcap file as per the source and destination
that we are giving in the application properties.
9 After simulation, NetSim results window provides Packet Capture Metrics. Here users
can observe 4 different types of packets

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 i. Network Packets (contains all the Packets present in the pcap file)

ii. Dispatched to Emulator (contains only the packets that are going through the
Network Emulator)

iii. Non Dispatched To Emulator (contains packets that are not going to the Network
Emulator)

iv. Reinject from Emulator (contains the packets that are coming out from the
Network Emulator)

10 Open Dispatch to Emulator packets, it contains only the packets whose source and
destination IP addresses match with the source and destination IP addresses that we
have configured

9.4 Working of an Emulation Application in NetSim:

Note: The following explanation is provided assuming that you have performed all necessary
configuration required to divert network traffic via the system running NetSim Emulator. (This is
explained in section 9 of the User Manual.

The following parameters are specific to Emulation Application in NetSim:

1 Source_Real_IP
2 Source_Port
3 Destination_Real_IP
4 Destination_Port

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Unlike Simulation, if users want to connect real devices running live applications to the
simulator, then Emulation component is required. The Emulation Application in the traffic
generator allows users to pump in real traffic into the Simulator.

The real application is mapped using the source and destination IP addresses that we set in
the Emulation Application.

Various combination of Emulation Parameters are as follows:

1 Device Specific Emulation:

Example 1:

SOURCE_REAL_IP = 192.168.0.151

SOURCE_PORT = 0

DESTINATION_REAL_IP = 192.168.0.202

DESTINATION_PORT = 0

Dispatches all packets with the source real IP 192.168.0.151 and destination real IP as
192.168.0.202, into the Simulator.

Example 2:

SOURCE_REAL_IP = 192.168.0.151

SOURCE_PORT = 0

DESTINATION_REAL_IP = 0.0.0.0

DESTINATION_PORT = 0

Dispatches all packets from source real IP 192.168.0.151 regardless of whatever is the
destination real IP, into the Simulator.

Example 3:

SOURCE_REAL_IP = 0.0.0.0

SOURCE_PORT = 0

DESTINATION_REAL_IP = 192.168.0.202

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DESTINATION_PORT = 0

Dispatches all packets to destination real IP 192.168.0.202 regardless of whatever is the

source real IP, into the Simulator.

Example 4:

SOURCE_REAL_IP = 0.0.0.0

SOURCE_PORT = 0

DESTINATION_REAL_IP = 0.0.0.0

DESTINATION_PORT = 0

Dispatches all packets that are reaching the Emulator Device regardless of whatever is the
source or destination, into the Simulator.

2 Application Specific Emulation

Example 1:

SOURCE_REAL_IP = 192.168.0.151

SOURCE_PORT = 5004

DESTINATION_REAL_IP = 192.168.0.202

DESTINATION_PORT = 6245

Dispatches all packets with the source real IP 192.168.0.151, source Port No 5004,
destination real IP as 192.168.0.202 and destination Port No 6245 into the Simulator.

Emulation Specific Metrics:

On running an Emulation Application Users can optionally obtain the following log files which
are WIRESHARK compatible .pcap files:

All_Network_Packets - Log of all network packets flowing via the system running NetSim
Emulator.

Dispatched_To_Emulator - Log of network packets for which Emulation Application is

configured in NetSim.

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Reinjected_To_Emulator - Log of network packets that has successfully reached the virtual
destination node in NetSim Simulator.

Non_Dispatched_To_Emulator - Log of network packets for which we have not configured

any Emulation Application.

9.4.1 Delay measurement when pinging through NetSim Emulator

Pinging through NetSim emulator takes only one direction delay, if you have set only one
application with Ping Source IP and ping Destination IP. This is because PING is a two way
application and constitutes PING_REQUEST and PING_REPLY. For ping to take round trip
delay users must configure two Emulation Applications, one for forward PING_REQUEST
and other for the reverse PING_REPLY.

For Eg: If you are running a ping from the IP 192.168.0.151 to an IP 192.168.0.202 the
time take will normally be around 1ms.

Now we create a network scenario in NetSim similar to the screenshot shown below,

We reset the propagation delay in both the wired links to 5 ms.

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We configure an Emulation application between the wired nodes with the source and
destination real IP specified, as shown below:

On running the simulation, you will observe the variation in the time taken to get the ping
reply in the source system, as shown below:

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Ping packets has experienced an additional delay of 10ms which is a sum of the delay in
both the links.

The additional delay experienced by ping packets is not 20ms because, the application that
we have configured applies to only the Ping Reuqest packets which has the Source IP as
192.168.0.151 and Destination IP as 192.168.0.202.

The Ping Reply Packets has the Source IP as 192.168.0.202 and Destination IP as
192.168.0.151, for which we have not configured any application.

For the ping to take the round trip delay, we will have to configure one more application for
the reverse traffic. On adding an application for the reverse traffic as shown below:

We will now be able to see round trip delay being experienced by the PING application, as
shown below:

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Ping experiences an additional overall delay of 20ms, which is the sum of the delay's
experienced by Ping Request and Ping Reply (10ms + 10ms).

9.5 How doesa user introduce jitter in NetSim Emulations?

Jitter is defined as a variation in the delay of received packets. Let us suppose at the
sending side, packets are sent in a continuous stream with the packets spaced evenly apart.
Due to network congestion, improper queuing, or configuration errors, this steady stream
can become lumpy, or the delay between each packet can vary instead of remaining
constant. This variation in delay is ‘jitter’. While there are many ways of measuring this
variation, in NetSim ‘jitter’ is measured as the statistical variance of delay. Variance is
defined as the square of deviation from the mean.

9.5.1 Introducing Jitter using Background traffic

Background traffic can be used to test the performance of applications when link bandwidth
is consumed by other traffic. It can also be used to induce jitter for testing real-time
applications.

The Background traffic in NetSim can be modelled as a Poisson process in which bursts of
data of a fixed sized are transmitted at an average rate such that the link will be occupied at
the specified link utilization rate. Because it is a random process, over short periods the
actual background traffic link utilization rate may vary from the configured value. The rate of
arrival of background traffic frames affects the jitter. Larger number of background packets
induce greater jitter in competing traffic.In NetSim, the way to increase the number of
background packets arriving is to reduce the inter-arrival time of that application, as
explained in the link https://tetcos.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000067807-
how-do-i-introduce-jitter-in-netsim-simulations-emulations-

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10 Troubleshooting in NetSim

This section discusses some common issues and solutions:

10.1 CLI mode

While running NetSim via CLI for the scenarios described in the Configuration file, you may
bump into few problems.

Note: While running NetSim via CLI, try to ensure that there are no errors in the
Configuration.netsim file. The file, ConfigLog.txt, written to the windows temp path would
show errors, if any, found by NetSim’s config parser.

10.2 I/O warning displayed in CLI mode

Reason: While typing the CLI command if you enter wrong I/O Path, or if there is no
Configuration.netsim file then the following error is thrown

Solution: Please check the I/O path.

10.2.1 Connection refused at server<-111> error displayed:

Reason: Unable to communicate with the license server

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Solution:In this example, license server IP address is 192.168.0.185 but it is given as
192.168.0.180. Here server IP address is wrong.Same error message is shown for wrong
port number, wrong tag name like–apppath,-iopath,-license. For example, if –appppath is
typed instead of –apppath then this message will be shown. So, check those details.

10.2.2 Unable to load license config dll(126):

Apppath and I/O path have white spaces

Solution:If the folder name contains white space, then mention the folder path within double
quoteswhile specifying the folder name in the command prompt. For example, if app path
containswhite space, then the app path must be mentioned within double quotes in the
command prompt.

10.2.3 “Error in getting License” error in CLI mode:

Simulation does not commence. “No license for product (-1)” is displayed in the command
prompt.

Example:

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Solution:NetSim is based on the client-server architecture. When NetSim runs in the client
machine, it will check for the license in the same machine, first. If license is not available in
the same machine, then “No license for product (-1)” will be displayed in the command
prompt and the server machine will be checked for the availability of license. If no license is
available in the server machine also, then again “No license for product (-1)” will be
displayed in the command prompt.

If ”No license for product(-1)” is displayed in the command prompt two times, then check in
the NetSim license server to know about the availability of license and adjust the number of
current users of NetSim, in order to get the license.

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10.2.4 Unable to load license config dll displayed:

Reason: If the command/iopath provided by the user is first written in MS Word and then
copy pasted to Command prompt, some special characters(not visible in command prompt)
gets inserted and on execution, license config dll is not found.

Solution:Type the command manually or copy paste the command/iopath from notepad.

10.3 Configuration.NetSim
10.3.1 Invalid attribute in configuration file attributes:

Specific attributes in the Configuration file are highlighted with zigzag lines

Reason:If invalid input is given in the Configuration file, then the corresponding attribute is
highlighted as blue lines as shown in the figure given below.

Solution:To resolve this issue mouse over the corresponding attribute, in order to get the
tool tip that furnishes the details about the valid input for that attribute.

Note: If the schema file and the configuration file are not present in the same folder, the zigzag lines
won’t appear. So place the Configuration file and Schema File in the same location or change the path of
schema file in the configuration file.

10.3.2 Error in tags in configuration file attributes:

Simulation does not commence and error is displayed at the command prompt. Also, red
lines appearing at the tag specifying the Layer in the Configuration file

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Reason:This issue arises mainly when the closing tag is not specified correctly for a
particular layer in the Configuration file.

Example: If the closing tag is not specified for the Data link Layer, then the zigzag lines
appear at the starting tags of Data link Layer and the Network Layer.

When NetSim is made to run through CLI, then the following error gets displayed in the
command prompt.

Solution: The bug can be fixed by setting the closing tag correctly in the Configuration file

10.3.3 Error lines in configuration.xsd in the Configuration file:

Blue lines appear at configuration.xsd in the Configuration file

Reason: This issue arises when the schema and the configuration file are not in the same
folder.

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Solution: The bug can be fixed by placing the Configuration file and schema in the same
folder.

10.3.4 Simulation terminates and “NetSim Backend has stopped working”

displayed:

Simulation terminates and exhibits unpredictable behavior. An error message stating, “An
exe to run NetSim backend has stopped working” is thrown

Example:

This problem arises if there is any flaw in the Configuration.netsim or in the dll.

Solution:Check whether the desired scenario has been configured properly in the
Configuration.netsim.

10.3.5 Monitor screen resolution is less than 1024X768:

While starting NetSim, error shows the monitor screen resolution is less than 1024 X 768.

Reason:This error will come if monitor resolution is less than 1024 and 768. For example,
1260 X 720 will also show this error

Solution: Change your monitor resolution to 1024 X 768 or above.

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10.4 Licensing
10.4.1 No License for product (-1) error

NetSim dongle is running in the server system. When running the NetSim in the Client
system showing “No License for product (-1)” error.

Possible Reasons

1 Firewall in the client system is blocking the Network traffic.

2 No network connection between Client and Server.
3 License Server is not running in the Server system.

Solution

1 The installed firewall may block traffic at 5053 port used for licensing. So either the user
can stop the firewall, or may configure it to allow port 5053.
2 Contact the Network-in-charge and check if the Server system can be pinged from
client.
3 Check whether License Server is running in the Server system or not.

10.5 Troubleshooting VANET simulations that interface with SUMO

10.5.1 Guide for Sumo
• Link for the Sumo Website - http://www.dlr.de/ts/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-
9883/16931_read-41000/for help related to Sumo.
• In case sumo Configuration files do not open, Right click on any Sumo
Configuration file, go to propertiesopen withsumo.
• While Running NetSim Vanet Simulation – If any message pops up as
“SUMO_HOME” Not found Go to My computer  System Properties 
Advanced system settings  Environment Variables. Add an Environment variable
as “SUMO_HOME”.
• Sumo Configuration File must contain the paths of the Vehicle routes and
Networks file.
• Set the exact End Time for Sumo Simulation in Sumo Configuration File.

10.5.2 Guide for Python

• Any Python 2.7 version Installer would work fine for running simulations.
• If you have installed python by an external Installer, make sure the Python Path is
set. It would be set automatically by python installer that comes with NetSim.
• In case “Pywin 32” is not getting installed, or during simulation, error occurs as
“win32 modules not found” try the code below (Run it as a python Code).

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import sys
from _winreg import *
# tweak as necessary
version = sys.version[:3]
installpath = sys.prefix
regpath = "SOFTWARE\\Python\\Pythoncore\\%s\\" % (version)
installkey = "InstallPath"
pythonkey = "PythonPath"
pythonpath = "%s;%s\\Lib\\;%s\\DLLs\\" % (
installpath, installpath, installpath
)
def RegisterPy():
try:
reg = OpenKey(HKEY_CURRENT_USER, regpath)
except EnvironmentError as e:
try:
reg = CreateKey(HKEY_CURRENT_USER, regpath)
SetValue(reg, installkey, REG_SZ, installpath)
SetValue(reg, pythonkey, REG_SZ, pythonpath)
CloseKey(reg)
except:
print "*** Unable to register!"
return
print "--- Python", version, "is now registered!"
return
if (QueryValue(reg, installkey) == installpath and
QueryValue(reg, pythonkey) == pythonpath):
CloseKey(reg)
print "=== Python", version, "is already registered!"
return
CloseKey(reg)
print "*** Unable to register!"
print "*** You probably have another Python installation!"
if __name__ == "__main__":
RegisterPy()

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10.5.3 VANET Simulation
i. Changing Vehicle (Node) Names, Moving or deleting vehicles etc are disabled in
Vanets Simulation.

ii. On running simulation, Backend calls Python file.

iii. NetSim protocol engine waits for the Pipes connection to be established.

10.5.4 Python
• SUMO_HOME Environment variable is checked. If Environment variable is not
present, Error is displayed as “key interrupt error” in SUMO_HOME.
• Python File waits for Pipes connection. (“waiting for pipes to connect”).
• It reads initial data as GUI enable/disable from backend.
• “Checking sumo” is printed. If the environment variable SUMO_HOME points to
wrong directory, error is displayed.
• Sumo Simulation is started where Sumo Binary is checked (To check Sumo.exe or
Sumo GUI are working in the system or not). Then a TCP connection is made
• A while loop runs – It follows the following procedure

i. Send Garbage value to Backend to clear pipe buffers (pipes).

ii. Read Vehicle name from NetSim (pipes).

iii. Compare with each vehicle present in Sumo. If vehicle is present –Then write
confirmation (pipes) and read its position from NetSim (2pipes for X and Y
coordinates). Also, sumo is stepped forward for every first vehicle In the list of
current vehicles in sumo.

• If vehicle not present, fail (‘f’) is sent.

• Pipes and TCP closed.

10.5.5 NetSim Core Protocol Library

• After establishing the connection, NetSim VANET Library checks for GUI flag,
and sends ‘1’ if animation status is online.
• As simulation proceeds, NetSim VANET library sends vehicle name to python,
and receives XY positions, which are passed from python.
• Positions are updated and simulation proceeds.

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11 Known Issues in NetSim v10.2

1 User modified parameters will not reflect in newly dropped devices: After
dropping nodes on the environment, modification of protocols/ global properties (like
Physical Layer parameters, Data Link Layer parameters and others) in one node will
reflect in all other nodes. But after modification, if any new node is dropped, the
modifications will not be reflected in the newly dropped nodes. Solution: After
dropping new nodes, open the properties of any old wireless node and click accept.
2 Device properties does not revert to default values: User modifies the default
values in a parameter, which is exclusive to a specific protocol/codec, and then
changes the protocol/codec using the provided combo box. If the user reverts the
combo box value again to the old protocol/codec, then the modified parameter
values will be shown instead of the default ones.
3 Running Application between unconnected nodes:Users can create multiple
isolated networks in NetSim. But if an application is set having source as a node of
an isolated network and destination as a node of another isolated network, NetSim
may crash or display zero application throughput.
4 RIP Hop count:As per RIP routing protocol, the maximum number of hops/routers it
can work from one end to another is 16. But in NetSim, RIP protocol can work
across more than 16 routers.
5 Default gateway can’t be empty: When user manually provides a value in a blank
“Default Gateway” parameter in any device, then it cannot be made blank again,
which in turn may lead NetSim to crash.Solution: Users should not enter any value in
blank “default gateway” field in UI.
6 Packet size limit in TDMA (Military Radio):High packet sizes will lead to zero
throughputs.

𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇_𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆_𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵_𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ∗ 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆_𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 ∗ 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷_𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 =
8

where SLOT_DURATION is in millisecond and DATA_RATE = 25kbps.

7 Broadcast application with RTS threshold value less than 1480:If a Network
Scenario is created with Broadcast application and RTS threshold value is set less
than 1480, the simulation will crash.

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8 No Radio Range in map view:Users cannot enable radio range when the network
is created in map view.

9 Scenario crashes if link name field is left empty:If the link name is left empty,
then the simulation will crash.

10 Incumbent placement at the end of the grid:In CR network, if incumbent is placed

at the end of the grid, in packet animation incumbent may move out of the grid.

11 Sensors at grid edge with high velocity for agents leads to crash: In WSN, if
sensors are placed at the edge of the grid environment and multiple agents are
configured with high velocity (> 50 m/s), then simulation may crash.

12 IP address issue with connection removal between switch and wired node:If
you remove connections between a Wired node to Switch and a Switch to Router,
and establish the link between Wired Node to Switch again, IP address of the Wired
node may be wrongly configured as to 300.300.300.1 which leads simulation to
crash.

13 Network layer ACK type will need to be reset in DTDMA: If an existing scenario is
opened in DTDMA and new nodes are dropped, parameters will be changed. Hence
users must take care to reset Link Layer Ack to Network Layer Ack.

14 Wireless link is wrongly established in MANET: When you open a network

scenario which is created in MANET with map view, Wireless link will be wrongly
established between Wireless nodes.

15 Minstrel rate adapation algorithm leads to crash: 802.11 ac crashes, when Rate
adaptation algorithm is chosen asMinstrel.

16 NetSIm – SUMO interfacing for VANETs may not work in Win 7 SP1

17 VANET_EX1 config file, throws error in console during simulation

18 In Map View print option is not printing the scenario:In NetSim, if we create a
scenario in Map view, after simulation click the print option in animation window. In
print, scenario is not available (only the metrics table are available in print).

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12 NetSim Videos

In order to have a better understanding of NetSim, users can access YouTube channel of
Tetcos atwww.youtube.com/tetcosand check out the various videos available

13 R&D projects in NetSim

Example R & D projects in NetSim is available in www.tetcos.com/file-exchange.

14 NetSim FAQ/Knowledgebase

NetSim knowledgebase with hundreds on FAQs on how NetSim works is available at

https://tetcos.freshdesk.com/support/home

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