Ad hoc network simulation method based on network virtualization

Abstract

The invention discloses an ad hoc network simulation method based on network virtualization, belongs to the technical field of computer communication, and aims to solve the problems of insufficient compatibility, inflexible link control and weak topology time-varying simulation capability of traditional ad hoc network simulation. The core of the system is that a simulation architecture comprising a simulation configuration module, a service application module, a communication node module, an analog channel module and a data acquisition module is constructed, service application and a real equipment protocol stack are packaged through a container virtualization technology, and a real product and an upper-layer service application software protocol are supported to be directly deployed without transplantation. The system is compatible with a two-layer Ethernet and a three-layer IP protocol, integrates a communication link electromagnetic propagation model, is combined with OpenvSwitch and TC tools, is matched with a software defined network technology to control link quality and network topology time-varying characteristics, is adaptive to static and dynamic topology scenes, improves simulation authenticity and flexibility, and provides reliable support for ad hoc network testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computer communication technology, specifically to the field of ad hoc network simulation and network virtualization applications, and particularly to an ad hoc network simulation method that supports real device protocol deployment, controllable link characteristics, and time-varying topology simulation. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of ad hoc networks in emergency communications, the Internet of Things, and industrial control, higher demands are placed on the realism, flexibility, and compatibility of network simulation technology. Ad hoc networks are characterized by dynamic topology changes, fluctuating communication link quality, and distributed node deployment, which limits the effectiveness of traditional simulation methods.

[0003] Existing simulation tools often use simulated protocol stacks instead of real protocol stacks, making it impossible to directly deploy real product protocols and upper-layer applications. This requires extensive porting and adaptation work, which not only increases development costs but may also affect the accuracy of simulation results due to porting deviations. Secondly, link characteristic control is not precise and flexible enough, making it difficult to simultaneously simulate complex network environments such as bandwidth limitations, latency jitter, and random packet loss. Furthermore, it lacks sufficient support for simulating time-varying network topology characteristics, failing to meet the testing needs of scenarios with rapidly changing topologies. In addition, traditional simulation methods are often limited to specific protocol types (Layer 2 or Layer 3), resulting in poor compatibility and difficulty in adapting to the simulation needs of self-organizing networks with different architectures.

[0004] The development of network virtualization and software-defined networking technologies has offered a solution to the aforementioned problems. Containerization technology can encapsulate the runtime environment and applications into independent images, enabling seamless cross-platform deployment; the combination of OpenvSwitch and TC tools allows for fine-grained control of virtual links; and flow table technology in software-defined networking provides a flexible means to dynamically adjust network topology and link quality. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a self-organizing network simulation method that integrates the above technologies to improve the realism, compatibility, and flexibility of the simulation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problems of insufficient compatibility, inflexible link control, and weak topology time-varying simulation capabilities in existing ad hoc network simulation methods, this invention proposes an ad hoc network simulation method based on network virtualization.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0007] A method for simulating ad hoc networks based on network virtualization includes the following steps:

[0008] A simulation architecture is constructed that includes a simulation configuration module, a communication node module, a service application module, a simulation channel module, and a data acquisition module. Containerization technology is used to encapsulate the service application and the protocol stack of the real device. Software-defined networking technology is combined to control the link quality and the time-varying characteristics of the network topology, thus completing the simulation of the self-organizing network.

[0009] The simulation configuration module configures the communication network scenario, completing the communication network topology, node configuration, and link configuration. It loads service node containers and communication node containers, connects virtual links, and establishes the network topology. The simulation process begins, with communication nodes moving according to preset action logic, and service nodes generating services according to preset business logic. After receiving services, the communication nodes process the services through the simulation channel module. During the simulation, the data acquisition module collects process data. After completing the required scenario tests, the simulation ends for analysis.

[0010] Furthermore, the simulation configuration module configures the following parameters before the simulation starts:

[0011] Communication network topology configuration: Responsible for configuring the composition and topology of the communication network, and configuring the initial location and network relationship of each communication node;

[0012] Node parameter configuration: Responsible for configuring the business logic of business nodes, such as timed probes, mobile requests, network access, burst traffic tests, etc., as well as configuring the action logic and communication parameters of communication nodes;

[0013] Simulated channel configuration: Responsible for configuring the electromagnetic propagation model of the communication link and selecting the algorithm combination required for this simulation.

[0014] Furthermore, after the simulation starts, the communication node module constructs a corresponding number of simulation communication node images based on the simulation initialization configuration using containerization technology. The images encapsulate the real device operating environment, dependencies, and complete network protocol stack, supporting self-organizing network devices designed based on Layer 2 Ethernet protocol and Layer 3 IP protocol.

[0015] Furthermore, after the simulation starts, the business application module constructs a corresponding number of business node images based on the simulation initialization configuration using containerization technology. These images encapsulate the business application software, generate IP services based on business logic, simulate high-speed data input for real-world business, and simultaneously serve as a receiver to verify network transmission capabilities. Each container node acts as an independent business node, corresponding one-to-one with the communication node.

[0016] Furthermore, after the simulation starts, the simulated channel module obtains the real-time communication link status and channel quality between communication nodes based on the electromagnetic propagation model of the communication link. It implements the inter-node forwarding strategy based on the OpenvSwitch virtual switch and uses the Traffic Control tool to precisely control the network characteristics such as bandwidth, latency, and packet loss rate of the virtual link.

[0017] Furthermore, the simulated channel module integrates a communication link electromagnetic propagation model, which includes one or more combinations of ITU-R P.368, ITU-R P.684, ray tracing, single-edge peak diffraction, and double-edge peak diffraction algorithms, and calculates its channel quality characteristics based on the relative geographical locations between communication nodes.

[0018] Furthermore, the simulation configuration module supports real-time configuration of sudden events after the simulation starts, such as sudden traffic events at a node, node damage / recovery, link damage / recovery, and changes in link quality that affect network operation. During the simulation, the service application module, communication node module, and simulated channel module respond quickly. The service application module configures sudden service events, the communication node module implements node state changes, and the simulated channel module uses software-defined network flow table control, flow control, and other technologies to flexibly control link quality, jointly realizing time-varying network topology simulation.

[0019] Furthermore, the data acquisition module stores and displays data such as network topology changes, virtual link changes, service transmission latency, success rate, throughput, and service transmission paths during the simulation process for analysis.

[0020] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0021] 1. Built on computing virtualization and network virtualization technologies such as Docker, KVM, and OVS, the nodes run real device network protocol stacks, resulting in high fidelity.

[0022] 2. Supports direct deployment and testing of real self-organizing network protocols and upper-layer business application software without porting; compatible with Layer 2 Ethernet protocols and Layer 3 IP protocols for self-organizing network protocol simulation; supports flexible configuration of network characteristics such as link bandwidth, latency, and packet loss rate for different types of protocols or algorithms; realizes real simulation of physical channel and network topology status; greatly reduces the time and technical cost of developing self-organizing network protocols.

[0023] 3. Supports real-time changes in simulation scenarios. Utilizing flow table control and flow control technology in software-defined networks, it can flexibly realize time-varying network topology simulation. It is suitable for simulation of static networking application scenarios where the relative positions of communication nodes are fixed, as well as simulation of special application scenarios where the topology of self-organizing networks changes rapidly and communication quality fluctuates drastically. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram of a self-organizing network simulation architecture based on network virtualization provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a self-organizing network simulation based on network virtualization provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a functional diagram of the analog channel module in the network provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a network topology example diagram provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0029] A method for simulating ad hoc networks based on network virtualization, such as Figure 1 As shown, the self-organizing network simulation architecture based on network virtualization provided by the present invention includes a simulation configuration module, a communication node module, a service application module, a simulation channel module, and a data acquisition module.

[0030] Before simulation starts, the communication network scenario is configured through the simulation configuration module, completing the communication network topology, node configuration, and link configuration. After simulation starts, the service application module and communication node module load the service node container and communication node container, and the simulated channel module connects to the virtual link to complete the establishment of the network topology. Simultaneously, the service flow simulation process begins. During the simulation, flexible control of link quality and time-varying network topology simulation is supported. Simultaneously, simulation process data is recorded and displayed for analysis. The workflow is as follows: Figure 2 As shown below. A detailed introduction to each module will follow.

[0031] 1. Simulation Configuration Module

[0032] The simulation configuration module is configured with the following parameters before the simulation starts:

[0033] Communication network topology configuration: Responsible for configuring the composition and topology of the communication network, and configuring the initial location and network relationship of each communication node;

[0034] Node parameter configuration: Responsible for configuring the business logic of business nodes, such as timed probes, mobile requests, network access, burst traffic tests, etc., as well as configuring the action logic and communication parameters of communication nodes;

[0035] Simulated channel configuration: Responsible for configuring the electromagnetic propagation model of the communication link and selecting the algorithm combination required for this simulation.

[0036] The simulation configuration module supports real-time configuration of sudden events after the simulation starts, such as sudden traffic events at nodes, node damage / recovery, link damage / recovery, and changes in link quality that affect network operation. During the simulation, the service application module, communication node module, and simulated channel module respond quickly. The service application module implements the configuration of sudden service events, the communication node module implements the node state changes, and the simulated channel module uses software-defined network flow table control, flow control and other technologies to flexibly control link quality, and together realize the time-varying simulation of network topology.

[0037] 2. Communication Node Module

[0038] The communication node module is implemented based on containerization technology, and the specific process is as follows:

[0039] Base image building: The container encapsulates the real device operating environment, dependencies, and complete network protocol stack, supporting the loading of protocol stacks for various self-organizing network devices designed based on Layer 2 Ethernet protocol and Layer 3 IP protocol.

[0040] Container node creation: Based on the simulation initialization configuration, multiple container nodes are dynamically created, and each container node is allocated an independent network interface and resource quota.

[0041] Node management: Supports dynamic start-up, shutdown, configuration modification, and lifecycle management of container nodes, and can adjust the number of nodes and their running status in real time according to the simulation progress.

[0042] 3. Business Application Module

[0043] Based on the simulation initialization configuration, the business application module constructs a corresponding number of business node images using containerization technology. Each image encapsulates the business application software, with each container node acting as an independent business node and correspondingly connected to a communication node. It primarily performs two functions: first, generating IP service data to simulate high-speed data input in real-world application scenarios, supporting customizable parameters such as data rate and packet size; second, receiving data packets transmitted over the network, statistically analyzing metrics such as data integrity and transmission latency, and sending the data to the data acquisition module to verify network transmission capabilities.

[0044] 4. Analog Channel Module

[0045] The transmission channel model module is the core module for realizing the characteristics of the simulated link, and it is reflected in the simulation as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following functions:

[0046] Link quality calculation: Integrates multiple communication link electromagnetic propagation models such as ITU-R P.368, ITU-R P.684, ray tracing, single-edge peak diffraction, and double-edge peak diffraction. It supports selecting one or more combinations of algorithms according to actual needs, and calculates indicators such as link attenuation and signal-to-noise ratio based on node location and environmental parameters to determine link quality and node connectivity.

[0047] Based on link quality calculation, this system utilizes software-defined networking (SDN) techniques such as flow table control and traffic control to configure forwarding rules and control link characteristics, enabling flexible control of link quality and time-varying network topology simulation.

[0048] Forwarding rule configuration: A virtual bridge is created based on the OpenvSwitch virtual switch. A network interface is configured for each container node and connected to the bridge. According to the simulation topology requirements, flow table rules are configured in OpenvSwitch to achieve targeted forwarding of packets between different nodes. Network topology information is maintained, supporting dynamic topology adjustments. Flow table control in software-defined networks is used to achieve time-varying topology simulation.

[0049] Link characteristic control: Configure the network characteristics of each virtual link through the TC tool, supporting bandwidth, latency, and packet loss rate configuration, and can simulate various network scenarios such as bandwidth-limited, high latency, and instability.

[0050] The following is a simple example illustrating the function of the analog channel module:

[0051] Network topology diagram as follows Figure 4 As shown, each node represents a set of one communication node and one service node. First, the simulated channel module calculates the link quality based on the location of each node to obtain the current network topology and configures the quality characteristics of each link. If node 1 sends a broadcast message with a destination MAC address of 0xFFFFFFFFFFFF, the simulated channel module will configure the relevant routing flow table according to the currently maintained network topology, causing the broadcast message to be forwarded to nodes 2, 3, and 4, but not to other nodes, thus completing a realistic simulation of a real ad hoc network.

[0052] 5. Data Acquisition Module

[0053] The data acquisition module stores and displays data such as network topology changes, virtual link changes, service transmission latency, success rate, throughput, and service transmission paths during the simulation process for analysis.

[0054] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A network virtualization-based ad hoc network simulation method, characterized by, The simulation architecture includes a simulation configuration module, a communication node module, a service application module, a simulation channel module, and a data acquisition module. The containerization technology is used to encapsulate the service application and the real device protocol stack. The software-defined network technology is used to control the link quality and the time-varying characteristics of the network topology. The real product protocol and the upper-layer service application software are deployed and tested without transplantation. The ad hoc network simulation is completed, and the process is as follows: First, the communication network scene is configured in the simulation configuration module. The communication network topology, node configuration, and link configuration are completed. The service node container and the communication node container are loaded. The virtual link is connected, and the network topology is established. The simulation process is started. The communication node moves according to the preset action logic. The service node generates services according to the preset service logic. After the communication node receives the services, the service flow is transferred through the simulation channel module. The process data is collected by the data acquisition module during the simulation process. After the required scene test is completed, the simulation is ended for analysis.

2. The network virtualization based ad hoc network simulation method of claim 1, wherein, The simulation configuration module configures the following parameters before the simulation is started: Communication network topology configuration: responsible for configuring the composition and topology relationship of the communication network, configuring the initial position and networking relationship of each communication node; Node parameter configuration: responsible for configuring the service logic of the service node, including timing detection, mobile request, networking access, burst traffic test, and configuring the action logic and communication parameters of the communication node; Simulation channel configuration: responsible for configuring the communication link electromagnetic propagation model and selecting the algorithm combination required for this simulation. 3.The network virtualization based self organizing network simulation method of claim 1, wherein, The communication node module constructs a corresponding number of simulation communication node images according to the simulation initialization configuration after the simulation is started. The images encapsulate the real device running environment, dependencies, and complete network protocol stack, supporting the self-organizing network devices designed based on the second-layer Ethernet protocol and the third-layer IP protocol.

4. The network virtualization based ad hoc network simulation method of claim 1, wherein, The service application module constructs a corresponding number of service node images according to the simulation initialization configuration after the simulation is started. The images encapsulate the service application software. The IP services are generated based on the service logic. The high-speed data input of the real service is simulated. At the same time, it verifies the network transmission capability. Each container node is an independent service node and is connected to the communication node one by one.

5. The network virtualization based ad hoc network simulation method of claim 1, wherein, The simulation channel module obtains the real-time communication link between the nodes and the channel quality through the communication link electromagnetic propagation model calculation result after the simulation is started. The node-to-node forwarding strategy is realized based on the OpenvSwitch virtual switch. The network characteristics such as bandwidth, delay, and packet loss rate of the virtual link are precisely controlled through the Traffic Control tool.

6. The network virtualization based ad hoc network simulation method of claim 5, wherein, The simulation channel module integrates the communication link electromagnetic propagation model. The communication link electromagnetic propagation model includes one or more combinations of ITU-RP.368, ITU-R P.684, ray tracing, single-edge peak diffraction, and double-edge peak diffraction algorithms. According to the relative geographical position between the communication nodes, the channel quality characteristics are calculated.

7. The network virtualization based ad hoc network simulation method of claim 1, wherein, The simulation configuration module supports real-time configuration of burst cases after simulation starts, including burst traffic of a certain node, node damage / recovery, link damage / recovery, events of link quality change affecting network operation, rapid response of a service application module, a communication node module and a simulation channel module in the simulation, service burst event configuration of the service application module, node state change of the communication node module, flexible control of link quality by the simulation channel module using flow table control and flow control technology of software defined network, and joint implementation of network topology time-varying simulation.

8. The network virtualization based ad hoc network simulation method of claim 1, wherein, The data acquisition module stores and displays network topology change, virtual link change, service transmission delay, success rate, throughput, service transmission path data in the simulation process for analysis.

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