Research
From Wiki
Domain Research
Network Simulators
What network simulators are available to us?
Initially, the client specified using ns-2, as it is free, open-source, and easily modifiable. As of the beginning of 2006, we have decided to go with Opnet, which is a commercial product that is more fully-featured than Opnet.
What are we specifically looking for in a network simulator?
The network simulator should support the three primary pieces of functionality that our requirements have specified, which is a 3D world model, dynamic agent movement, and a wireless model that supports obstructions. If the network simulator does not support these, it must be possible to modify the simulator to add these requirements for the client. Furthermore, per our constraints, the network simulator must run on an appropriate platform and be not prohibitively expensive.
What is a comparison of all of the considered network simulators?
| Application | In Consideration (Y/N) | 3D World World Model (Y/N) | Dynamic Agent Movement (Y/N) | 3D Obstructions Wireless (Y/N) | Wireless Model (B/O/G) | Ease of Visual Display (B/O/G) | Interface (B/O/G) | Extendibility (B/O/G) | Platform | Price |
| Weight | NA | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 10 |
| ns2 | Yes | No 8 | No 6 7 8 | No 8 | Unk | Unk 1 6 7 8 | Unk 6 | Unk | Tcl, C++ | Good - $0 |
| OPNet (http://www.opnet.com) | Yes | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Free University license |
| Scalable Networks (http://www.scalable-networks.com/) | Yes | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| GlomoSim (http://pcl.cs.ucla.edu/projects/glomosim/) | Yes | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| Moment | Yes | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| Arena | Yes | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| OMNet (http://www.omnetpp.org/) | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Easy | NS-2 vs. OMNet (http://ctieware.eng.monash.edu.au/twiki/bin/view/Simulation/OMNeTppComparison) | NS-2 vs. OMNet (http://ctieware.eng.monash.edu.au/twiki/bin/view/Simulation/OMNeTppComparison) | C++ | Seat licenses: EUR 14,000 (1)- EUR 7,000 (10+), Rental EUR 4,000/year/license |
| We build | Yes | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk | Any | Unk |
| Ask HCII to do it | Yes | Unk | NA | NA | NA | NA | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| Ask ETC to do it | Yes | Unk | NA | NA | NA | NA | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| Use Open-GL | Yes | Unk | NA | NA | NA | NA | Unk | Unk | Unk | Unk |
| NPSNET | Yes | Yes | Yes | NA | NA | NA | Unk | Unk | Java | Free, BSD license |
Is there any more information available on these network simulators?
Domain Research Topics
3D World Model
What is a 3D world model?
The 3D world model is what models the overall simulation. The client has specified in the functional requirements that agents must move in a 3D world and interact with objects.
Why do we need to know about it?
This is one of the must-have functional requirements specified by our client. We need to know precisely what needs to be done and whether our network simulator supports it in a way that satisfies the client.
What do we need to know about the 3D world model?
The simulator we choose must be able to support the 3D movement and interaction in the world of the agents. If not, we will need to implement this.
What other information is available on this topic?
Dynamic Agent Movement
What is dynamic agent movement?
Dynamic agent movement is a property of the agents within the simulator to move and react based on network information. Changes in the network topology should prompt behavior in the agents, rather than having them move in pre-determined patterns.
Why do we need to know about it?
This is one of the must-have functional requirements specified by our client. We need to know precisely what needs to be done and whether our network simulator supports it in a way that satisfies the client.
What do we need to know about dynamic agent movement?
The simulator we choose must be able to support agent movement in response to network changes. If not, we will need to implement this.
What other information is available on this topic?
- Agent Storm NOT DONE
Wireless Model/Obstructions
What is the wireless model and wireless obstructions?
The network simulator needs to simulate a wireless model that supports ad-hoc routing among the agents. In addition, the wireless topology will run into interference due to obstructions in the environment that can affect communication between agents.
Why do we need to know about it?
This is one of the must-have functional requirements specified by our client. We need to know precisely what needs to be done and whether our network simulator supports it in a way that satisfies the client.
What do we need to know about the wireless model and obstructions?
The simulator we choose must be able to support ad-hoc wireless protocols and wireless interference. If not, we will need to implement this.
What other information is available on this topic?
Process Research
What development process are we using?
We are using the Architecture Centric Development Method for the duration of this project. More information can be found here: ACDM and in our Operations Proposal.
What other processes will be used?
Throughout the project, we will be doing other process-oriented tasks to facilitate various aspects of the project. Notably, we will be performing an SRE, a QAW, and an ATAM. The results of our SRE can be found on our Risks page, and the results of our QAW at QAW and Quality_Attributes. As of this writing, we have not yet performed an ATAM, and we will be doing a second abbreviated SRE.
Tools Research
What tools will we be using?
What development environment will we be working with?
Do we need any specialized tools for the network simulator we choose?