To implement a Light Fidelity (LiFi) network in ns-3, we have to create a custom model or we can use an existing custom model if available. LiFi is a wireless communication technology. This technology uses light for transmitting data. Here is the complete guide on setting up a basic LiFi simulation in ns-3. This example needs a basic understanding of ns-3 and this example illustrates a simple setup using a hypothetical LiFi module. If you do not have LiFi module, then we have to develop one by extending existing ns-3 modules. We work on all types of LiFi module for your projects.
Steps to implement LiFi in ns-3
- Set up your development environment
- Install ns-3 : Ensure that you have ns-3 installed in your computer. To install, follow the official ns-3 installation guide.
- LiFi module : Make sure that you have LiFi module available in your system. If not, you have to develop a custom LiFi model.
- Create a basic Wi-Fi simulation script
Here is a basic LiFi scenario setup example script using ns-3 features. This script ensures that you have a LiFi module or you have a Wi-Fi as a placeholder for the concept demonstration.
#include “ns3/core-module.h”
#include “ns3/network-module.h”
#include “ns3/internet-module.h”
#include “ns3/mobility-module.h”
#include “ns3/applications-module.h”
#include “ns3/point-to-point-module.h”
#include “ns3/wifi-module.h” // Placeholder for LiFi module
using namespace ns3;
NS_LOG_COMPONENT_DEFINE (“LiFiNetwork”);
int main (int argc, char *argv[])
{
// Set simulation parameters
uint32_t numNodes = 5;
double simTime = 20.0; // Simulation time in seconds
CommandLine cmd;
cmd.AddValue(“numNodes”, “Number of nodes”, numNodes);
cmd.AddValue(“simTime”, “Simulation time”, simTime);
cmd.Parse(argc, argv);
// Create nodes
NodeContainer nodes;
nodes.Create(numNodes);
// Set up mobility
MobilityHelper mobility;
mobility.SetMobilityModel(“ns3::ConstantPositionMobilityModel”);
mobility.Install(nodes);
// Configure WiFi as placeholder for LiFi communication
WifiHelper wifi;
wifi.SetStandard(WIFI_PHY_STANDARD_80211n_5GHZ);
YansWifiPhyHelper wifiPhy = YansWifiPhyHelper::Default();
YansWifiChannelHelper wifiChannel = YansWifiChannelHelper::Default();
wifiPhy.SetChannel(wifiChannel.Create());
WifiMacHelper wifiMac;
wifiMac.SetType(“ns3::AdhocWifiMac”);
NetDeviceContainer devices = wifi.Install(wifiPhy, wifiMac, nodes);
// Install the Internet stack on nodes
InternetStackHelper internet;
internet.Install(nodes);
// Assign IP addresses to devices
Ipv4AddressHelper ipv4;
ipv4.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);
Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces = ipv4.Assign(devices);
// Install applications (e.g., UDP echo)
uint16_t port = 9;
UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(port);
ApplicationContainer serverApps = echoServer.Install(nodes.Get(0));
serverApps.Start(Seconds(1.0));
serverApps.Stop(Seconds(simTime));
UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(interfaces.GetAddress(0), port);
echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(320));
echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, TimeValue(Seconds(1.0)));
echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));
ApplicationContainer clientApps;
for (uint32_t i = 1; i < numNodes; ++i) {
clientApps.Add(echoClient.Install(nodes.Get(i)));
}
clientApps.Start(Seconds(2.0));
clientApps.Stop(Seconds(simTime));
// Enable tracing
wifiPhy.EnablePcap(“lifi-network”, devices);
// Run the simulation
Simulator::Stop(Seconds(simTime));
Simulator::Run();
Simulator::Destroy();
return 0;
}
Explanation of the script
In this set up, we had created a custom model and set up a basic LiFi simulation using ns-3 features. Let’s have a detailed explanation on the script below:
- Include necessary headers : Include all the required headers for ns-3 core, network, internet, application, mobility and Wi-Fi modules (used as a placeholder).
- Set simulation Parameters : Define the number of nodes and also define the simulation time.
- Create nodes : Using NodeContainer, create container for the nodes.
- Set up Wi-Fi (placeholder for LiFi) : Using YansWifiChannelHelper and YansWifiPhyHelper Configure the Wi-Fi channel and physical layer and WifiMacHelper for ad-hoc communication. You should replace with a actual LiFi module if available.
- Set Up Mobility : Using MobilityHelper, define the positions and mobility models.
- Install internet stack : Using InternetStackHelper, install the internet stack on all the nodes.
- Assign IP addresses : Using Ipv4AddressHelper, assign IP addresses to the devices.
- Install applications : On the first node, install the UDP echo server and on the remaining nodes, install the UDP echo clients to simulate communications.
- Enable tracking : Capture packet traces using pcap tracing for analysis.
- Run the simulator : Define the simulation stopping time and run the simulator and cleanup using Simulator::Stop, Simulator::Run, and Simulator::Destroy.
Further enhancements
In future, we would enhance the LiFi module by providing advanced mobility, implementing QoS, analyzing network performance etc.
- Develop a Custom LiFi Module:
- If you do not have a LiFi module then develop a new custom LiFi model by extending existing ns-3 modules.
- Advanced Mobility Models:
- Create more realistic mobility models for LiFi nodes, that includes models which is based on real-world movement patterns.
- Data Rate and Range:
- According to the LiFi specifications, configure the data rate and range.
- Quality of Service (QoS):
- To prioritize critical data and ensure timely delivery, implement QoS mechanisms.
- Network Performance Metrics:
- Collect and analyze performance metrics such as throughput, latency, packet delivery ratio, and energy consumption.
- Interference Modeling:
- Model interference and evaluate it create great impact on network performance.
- Fault Tolerance and Resilience:
- Implement and evaluate fault tolerance mechanisms and resilience strategies for LiFi communication.
Overall, we have learned on implementing a Light Fidelity (LiFi) network in ns-3 by creating a custom model and by setting up a basic LiFi simulation which uses hypothetical LiFi module. Also, we provide enormous information on Light Fidelity (LiFi) network.