INTERNET OF THINGS SIMULATOR

Several simulators are existing for IoT simulations, but some are assistive for IoT protocols. Simulation tools are crucial in the field of networking, and they play a pivotal role. With the help of an IoT network simulator, users can effortlessly send messages and test various scenarios. The following are few simulators which encompass a wide spectrum of IoT protocols and could be prolonged to help supplementary protocols by means of plugins or modules:

Simulators Supporting Multiple IoT Protocols

1. NS-3 (Network Simulator 3):

• Explanation: NS-3 is an openly available discrete-event network simulator.
• Assisted protocols:
• IoT-Specific: 6LoWPAN, RPL, LoRaWAN, MQTT, Zigbee
• General Networking: Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, LTE.
• Characteristics:
• Extensive network simulations are assisted by high scalability.
• Generally, modular design facilitates appending novel protocols in an easier manner.
• Extensibility: High
• Environments: macOS, Linux, Windows (via Cygwin).
• Major Resources:
• NS-3 Documentation
• LoRaWAN NS-3 Module

2. OMNeT++:

• Explanation: OMNeT++ is referred to as a modular network simulator that contains rich protocol assistance through extensions.
• Assisted Protocols:
• IoT-Specific: Zigbee, RPL, CoAP, LoRaWAN, 6LoWPAN, MQTT
• General Networking: Ethernet, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, LTE
• Characteristics:
• Widespread protocol assistance is offered by the INET model.
• GUI-related design and analysis tools.
• Extensibility: High (supports custom modules).
• Environments: macOS, Linux, Windows.
• Major Resources:
• INET Framework
• OMNeT++ Documentation

3. NetSim:

• Explanation: This simulator is described as a commercial network simulator with widespread IoT assistance.
• Assisted Protocols:
• IoT-Specific: 6LoWPAN, Sigfox, MQTT, Zigbee, CoAP, LoRaWAN, Wi-SUN
• General Networking: Bluetooth, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, LTE.
• Characteristics:
• Through scripting, it assists protocol personalization.
• Combined data visualization and performance metrics.
• Extensibility: Medium (supports customization)
• Environment: Windows
• Major Resources:
• NetSim Documentation

4. CupCarbon:

• Explanation: Concentrated on energy utilization and visualization, it is a smart city and IoT network simulator.
• Assisted Protocol:
• IoT-Specific: Zigbee, Sigfox, LoRa, Wi-Fi, 6LoWPAN
• General Networking: GPRS, GSM
• Characteristics:
• In urban IoT platforms, supportive in energy utilization exploration.
• 2D/3D visualization for smart city networks.
• Extensibility: Medium (Python Scripting)
• Environments: macOS, Linux, Windows
• Major Resources:
• CupCarbon Documentation

5. Matlab/Simulink:

• Explanation: Along with IoT-specific toolboxes, MATLAB/Simulink is an extensive simulation platform.
• Assisted Protocols:
• IoT-Specific: LoRa, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth
• General Networking: LTE, TCP/IP, Ethernet
• Characteristics:
• Combination with hardware such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino.
• For quick modelling, it provides graphical model-based design.
• Extensibility: High (custom MATLAB/Simulink code)
• Environments: macOS, Linux, Windows
• Major Resources:
• Simulink IoT Examples
• Matlab Documentation

6. GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator):

• Explanation: GNS3 is a network simulator with digital appliances.
• Assisted Protocols:
• IoT-Specific: Through digital devices, it assists LoRaWAN, Zigbee, Bluetooth, etc.
• General Networking: Wi-Fi, BGP, Ethernet, TCP/IP
• Characteristics:
• Specifically, assists firewalls, routers, and network safety appliances.
• Incorporation together with hardware devices such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi.
• Extensibility: Medium (virtual appliances)
• Environments: macOS, Linux, Windows
• Major Resources:
• GNS3 Documentation

Summary Table

Choosing the Right Simulator

• For extensive network simulations with extreme protocol personalization, NS-3 and OMNeT++ are determined as appropriate.
• Specifically, for wide-ranging IoT protocol analysis with visualization, NetSim and CupCarbon are efficient.
• Matlab/Simulink is perfect for the processes of signal processing and quick modelling.
• Typically, GNS3 is adaptable for secure network topology simulations along with digital appliances.

How to simulate an IoT device?

The usage of a simulator which can imitate the activity of a realistic IoT device, like its communication protocols, data generation trends, resource limitations, are needed when simulating an IoT device. We provide a stepwise instruction to simulate an IoT device through the utilization of various simulation tools in an efficient manner:

General Steps for Simulating IoT Devices

1. Select a Simulation Tool: A tool has to be selected in a manner that assists the protocols and network infrastructure you need. Generally, OMNeT++, Matlab/Simulink, NS-3, CupCarbon, and Cooja are determined as prominent tools.
2. Define Network Topology: Along with virtual IoT devices and interaction connections, aim to establish a network topology.
3. Configure Device Properties:

• Protocols: It is appreciable to mention the communication protocols such as CoAP, LoRaWAN, MQTT, Zigbee.
• Data Patterns: How often the device will produce or send data has to be explained in an explicit manner.
• Resource Constraints: Focus on establishing memory use, energy utilization, and processing power limitations.

4. Simulate Traffic Patterns: Aim to generate traffic trends in such a way that imitate actual-world data flows among devices.
5. Run the Simulation: To research network effectiveness, protocol activity, or resource consumption, focus on running the simulation.
6. Analyze Results: For simulation processes, gather and examine outcomes through the utilization of external software or in-built tools.

Simulation Examples

1. Simulating an IoT Device with NS-3

Normally, modules for different IoT protocols such as Zigbee, 6LoWPAN, and LoRaWAN are offered by NS-3 which is defined as a discrete-event network simulator.

   Example: Simulating a simple 6LoWPAN IoT device in NS-3

// Import relevant NS-3 modules

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/sixlowpan-module.h”

#include “ns3/lr-wpan-module.h”

#include “ns3/ipv6-address-helper.h”

using namespace ns3;

int main() {

    // Enable logging    LogComponentEnable(“SixLowPanExample”, LOG_LEVEL_INFO);

    // Create two IoT nodes

    NodeContainer nodes;

    nodes.Create(2);

    // Install LrWpanNetDevice on both nodes

    LrWpanHelper lrwpanHelper;

    NetDeviceContainer devices = lrwpanHelper.Install(nodes);

    // Set up the 6LoWPAN layer

    SixLowPanHelper sixlowpanHelper;

    NetDeviceContainer sixlowpanDevices = sixlowpanHelper.Install(devices);

    // Install the Internet stack

    InternetStackHelper internet;

    internet.Install(nodes);

    // Assign IPv6 addresses

    Ipv6AddressHelper ipv6;    ipv6.SetBase(Ipv6Address(“2001:1::”), Ipv6Prefix(64));

    Ipv6InterfaceContainer interfaces = ipv6.Assign(sixlowpanDevices);

    // Create and configure a UDP echo server

    uint16_t port = 9;

    UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(port);

    ApplicationContainer serverApp = echoServer.Install(nodes.Get(1));    serverApp.Start(Seconds(1.0));    serverApp.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

    // Create and configure a UDP echo client

    UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(interfaces.GetAddress(1, 1), port);    echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(1));    echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, TimeValue(Seconds(1.0)));    echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(10));

    ApplicationContainer clientApp = echoClient.Install(nodes.Get(0));    clientApp.Start(Seconds(2.0));    clientApp.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

    // Run the simulation

    Simulator::Run();

    Simulator::Destroy();

    return 0;

}

2. Simulating an IoT Device with Cooja (Contiki OS)

Cooja is mainly formulated for IoT and wireless sensor networks. It is determined as a simulator in the Contiki OS environment.

       Example: Simulating a Contiki OS application with Cooja

1. Install Contiki OS and Cooja:

git clone https://github.com/contiki-os/contiki.git

cd contiki/tools/cooja

ant run

2. Create a New Simulation:

• It is approachable to open Cooja (ant run) and aim to choose “File” > “New simulation.”
• For a simulation, offer an appropriate name and focus on arranging radio medium settings.

3. Add IoT Nodes to the Simulation:

• In this step, click “Mote Types” > “Create new mote type.”
• Aim to choose the “Sky” mote and compile the default hello-world example.
• To the simulation, it is better to append one or more motes.

4. Run the Simulation:

• In order to run the simulation, click “Start.”
• It is appreciable to examine resource utilization and network congestion in the output records.

3. Simulating an IoT Device with Matlab/Simulink

Focused toolboxes are offered by Matlab/Simulink for quick modelling and IoT simulation.

        Example: Simulating a Zigbee IoT Network

1. Install Simulink and Toolboxes:

• It is advisable to make sure that you have the essential tool boxes such as Simevents, Zigbee Toolbox.

2. Create a Simulink Model:

• Aim to open Matlab and begin a novel Simulink model.
• Through employing the Zigbee toolbox, develop a Zigbee network system by appending blocks.

3. Configure IoT Device Behavior:

• By utilizing SimEvents blocks, it is better to describe data generation trends.
• Protocol metrics such as bandwidth, transmission power, and frequency have to be arranged.

4. Run the Simulation:

• Focus on simulating the model. By utilizing Matlab visualization tools, examine the outcomes.