What are the key features and limitations of OMNeT++ as a QoS simulation tool?

1 Modular architecture

OMNeT++ is based on a modular architecture that allows you to create and reuse network components, such as nodes, links, queues, or protocols, and compose them into hierarchical models. Each module can have parameters, gates, and submodules, and can communicate with other modules through messages. Modules can also have behaviors defined by C++ classes or by a scripting language called NED. The modular architecture of OMNeT++ enables you to build complex and realistic network models with high flexibility and scalability.

2 Discrete event simulation

OMNeT++ is a discrete event simulation tool, which means that it simulates the network dynamics by processing discrete events, such as message arrivals, departures, or transmissions, in chronological order. Each event can trigger other events and change the state of the network. OMNeT++ uses a powerful event scheduler that can handle large-scale and parallel simulations with high accuracy and efficiency. Discrete event simulation is suitable for QoS analysis, as it can capture the stochastic and dynamic nature of network traffic and QoS mechanisms.

3 Extensive libraries

OMNeT++ provides a rich set of libraries and frameworks that extend its functionality and support various network domains and protocols. For example, INET is a comprehensive library that covers the Internet protocol stack, from physical layer to application layer, and includes models for wireless, mobile, ad hoc, and sensor networks. Other examples are SimuLTE, which models LTE and 5G networks, VEINS, which models vehicular networks, or CoRE4INET, which models real-time Ethernet networks. These libraries and frameworks enable you to simulate diverse and realistic QoS scenarios with OMNeT++.

4 Graphical interface

OMNeT++ offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows you to create, edit, run, and debug network models with ease. The GUI consists of several tools, such as the NED editor, the graphical network editor, the simulation runtime environment, or the analysis and visualization tool. The GUI also integrates with Eclipse, a popular integrated development environment (IDE) for C++. The graphical interface of OMNeT++ enhances your productivity and visibility when working with QoS simulations.

5 Customizable output

OMNeT++ allows you to customize the output of your QoS simulations according to your needs and preferences. You can choose from different types of output files, such as scalar files, vector files, snapshot files, or log files, that store different kinds of data, such as statistics, time series, network states, or event traces. You can also configure the output format, frequency, granularity, and filters of your output files. Moreover, you can use the analysis and visualization tool to plot, process, and export your output data in various ways.

6 Limited documentation

One of the main limitations of OMNeT++ as a QoS simulation tool is the lack of comprehensive and updated documentation. Although OMNeT++ has a user manual, a developer guide, and an API reference, they are not always complete, clear, or consistent. Moreover, some of the libraries and frameworks that extend OMNeT++ have their own documentation, which may not be compatible or compatible with the core documentation. Therefore, you may encounter difficulties or confusion when trying to learn or use OMNeT++ for QoS simulations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?