Managing cross layer information in ONNeT++ simulations

Abstract

This paper describes a general approach to dealing with cross layer information in OMNeT++-based network simulations. Rather than prescribe a specific cross layer architecture, this work is intended to address the software engineering problem of passing information between simulation modules in a sound way. An XML-based mechanism for passing information between modules using OMNeT++'s <span class='texttt'>controlInfo</span> data structure is presented. Because XML is an intermediate format for the OMNeT++ network description language (NED), it is further suggested that allowing NED files to be annotated with information about cross layer interactions will enhance readability and reuse-ability. A further goal of this paper is to initiate discussion and collaboration in the Swedish (and international) OMNeT++ community.