How to Implement High Performance computing networking in ns3

To implement a high-performance computing (HPC) networking in ns3 we need to simulate the network scenario that usually used in HPC model like as InfiniBand, high speed Ethernet, and custom links that select the low latency and high bandwidth. Get good guidance from our developers for coding support.  Here is the step by procedure on how to setup a general HPC network environment in ns-3 that concentrates on a basic Ethernet based design to simulate the HPC-like network characteristics:

Step-by-Step Implementation

1. Install NS-3

To make sure ns-3 is installed. If don’t download it from official website by following the installation procedures that specified there.

2. Define the Network Topology

The topology like torus, fat-tree, or hypercube usually forms a cluster of nodes that links with each other in HPC network. Here, we assume and use the basic star topology demonstration and form a cluster that links to central switch.

3. Create Network Nodes

Set up the computation nodes and a switch node. In NS-3, this is done using NodeContainer.

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/csma-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/point-to-point-module.h”

using namespace ns3;

int main () {

    NodeContainer computeNodes;

    computeNodes.Create(4);  // Create 4 compute nodes

    NodeContainer switchNode;

    switchNode.Create(1);  // Create 1 switch node

}

4. Install Network Devices and Channels

Use CsmaHelper to simulate a high-speed Ethernet connection. Set appropriate channel bandwidth and delay parameters that mimic an HPC network.

CsmaHelper csma;

csma.SetChannelAttribute(“DataRate”, StringValue(“40Gbps”));  // High-speed Ethernet

csma.SetChannelAttribute(“Delay”, TimeValue(NanoSeconds(500)));  // Low delay

NodeContainer allNodes = NodeContainer(computeNodes, switchNode);

NetDeviceContainer devices = csma.Install(allNodes);

5. Setup IP Addresses

Assign IP addresses to each device. NS-3 uses Ipv4AddressHelper for this purpose.

InternetStackHelper stack;

stack.Install(allNodes);

Ipv4AddressHelper address;

address.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces = address.Assign(devices);

6. Configure Applications

To simulate HPC workloads, you might use MPI-based applications. Here, we’ll set up a simple application to simulate network traffic between nodes.

UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(9);  // Port number

ApplicationContainer serverApps = echoServer.Install(computeNodes.Get(0));

serverApps.Start(Seconds(1.0));

serverApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(interfaces.GetAddress(0), 9);

echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(1));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, TimeValue(Seconds(1.0)));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));

ApplicationContainer clientApps = echoClient.Install(computeNodes.Get(1));

clientApps.Start(Seconds(2.0));

clientApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

7. Run Simulation

Finally, run the simulation to observe the network traffic and performance between nodes.

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

return 0;

}

8. Enhancements and Analysis

For a more realistic HPC network simulation, consider implementing custom traffic patterns typical to HPC workloads, using MPI libraries integrated with NS-3, or exploring more complex network topologies. Analyze network performance metrics such as throughput, latency, and packet loss to evaluate network configurations.

As we discussed earlier about how the High-Performance computing networking will perform in ns-3 environment and we help to provide further programming support about how the High Performance computing networking will adapt in different environments.