Modeling and Simulation of IEEE 802.11g using OMNeT++

Abstract

Due to the complex nature of computer and telecommunication networks, it is often difficult to predict the impact of different parameters on system performance especially when deploying wireless networks. Computer simulation has become a popular methodology for performance study of computer and telecommunication networks. This popularity results from the availability of various sophisticated and powerful simulation software packages, and also because of the flexibility in model construction and validation offered by simulation. While various network simulators exist for building a variety of network models, choosing a good network simulator is very important in modeling and performance analysis of wireless networks. A good simulator is one that is easy to use; more flexible in model development, modification and validation; and incorporates appropriate analysis of simulation output data, pseudorandom number generators, and statistical accuracy of the simulation results. OMNeT++ is becoming one of the most popular network simulators because it has all the features of a good simulator. This chapter aims to provide a tutorial on OMNeT++ focusing on modeling and performance study of the IEEE 802.11g wireless network.

Key Terms in this Chapter

Computer Simulation: Computer simulation is a methodology that can be used for performance study of computer and telecommunication networks. It allows greater flexibility in model construction and validation offered by simulation.

INET Framework: The INET Framework (specialised on mobile nodes and protocols) provides various modules for developing simulation models. The INET framework can be downloaded from www.hit.bme.hu/phd/varga/omnetpp.htm.

IEEE 802.11g: The IEEE 802.11g is the high-speed wireless LAN with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps operating at 2.4 GHz. The IEEE 802.11g is backward compatible with the IEEE 802.11b.

OMNeT++: OMNeT++ is an object-oriented discrete event network simulator. It is an open source software package primarily designed for simulation and performance modeling of computer and data communication networks.