Implementation of A Delay-Tolerant Routing Protocol in the Network Simulator NS-3

Abstract

The paper explores the implementation of the Epidemic Routing Protocol using the NS-3 simulator, focusing on its application in intermittently connected networks like Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANETs). The Epidemic Protocol maximizes message delivery by flooding the network with multiple copies, ensuring reliability even in sparse or highly mobile environments. Through NS-3 simulations, the study examines the protocol’s performance, considering factors such as network size, node mobility, and message Time-To-Live (TTL). The simulation, which models an ad-hoc wireless network using IEEE 802.11b, demonstrates that the protocol achieves a 100-percentage packet delivery ratio with minimal latency. Tools like NetAnim provide detailed insights into node interactions and message dissemination, highlighting the protocol’s effectiveness in maintaining communication under challenging conditions. The paper concludes that while the Epidemic Protocol is resource- intensive, it is highly effective for scenarios where traditional routing methods fail, offering a reliable solution for dynamic and partitioned network.