Network Routing Simulator

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

Anshuman Roshan (22BCS14129)

Deepak Sharma (22BCS13187)

Lakshya (22BCS13304)

Srijan Kumar (22BCS13219)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

IN

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Chandigarh University

October 2024
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report “Network Routing Simulator” is the bonafide
work of “Anshuman Roshan, Deepak Sharma, Lakshya and Srijan Kumar ”
who carried out the project work under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

DR. Sandeep Singh Kang ER. Ashish Kumar

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

DEPARTMENT OF CSE DEPARTMENT OF CSE

 TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 5

1.1. Identification of Client/Need/Relevant Contemporary issue ....................................................... 5
1.2. Identification of Problem ............................................................................................................. 6
1.3. Identification of Tasks ................................................................................................................. 7
1.4. Timeline ...................................................................................................................................... 8
1.5. Organization of the Report .......................................................................................................... 9

CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW/BACKGROUND STUDY ......................... 10

2.1. Timeline of the reported problem ................................................................................................ 10
2.2. Existing solutions ...................................................................................................................... 11
2.3. Bibliometric analysis ................................................................................................................. 12

CHAPTER 3. DESIGN FLOW/PROCESS................................................................ 13

3.1. Evaluation & Selection of Specifications/Features .................................................................... 13
3.2. Design Constraints..................................................................................................................... 14
3.3. Analysis of Features and Finalization Subject to Constraints ................................................... 15

CHAPTER 4. RESULTS ANALYSIS AND VALIDATION .......................................................... 17

4.1. Implementation of solution........................................................................................................ 17

CHAPTER 5. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK .................................................................. 20

5.1. Conclusion................................................................................................................................. 20

REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 21
 ABSTRACT

This project focuses on the design and implementation of a Network Routing Simulator,
which provides a platform for simulating and analyzing various routing protocols used in
computer networks. The primary aim is to enhance understanding of how routing
algorithms manage data packet transmission in diverse network topologies.

The simulator supports key routing algorithms such as Distance Vector Routing and Link
State Routing, allowing users to configure network parameters like the number of nodes,
link costs, and traffic patterns. Users can visualize packet forwarding paths, analyze
routing tables, and monitor how each algorithm responds to network changes, such as
node failures or dynamic traffic loads.

In addition to providing real-time visualizations of the routing processes, the simulator

measures the performance of these protocols in terms of efficiency, convergence time,
and scalability. It serves as a valuable educational tool for students and professionals to
experiment with network setups and observe how different protocols perform under
various conditions. By simulating realistic scenarios, this tool helps bridge the gap
between theoretical understanding and practical application in networking.

The Network Routing Simulator is designed to be user-friendly, scalable, and versatile,

offering a robust environment for studying the complexities of modern network routing
techniques.

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 CHAPTER 1.
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Identification of Client/Need/Relevant Contemporary Issue

The client for the Network Routing Simulator project includes educational institutions, network
administrators, and students studying computer networks. These groups require a tool that allows for
simulating and studying various routing protocols in a controlled environment, providing hands-on
experimentation to better understand routing algorithms such as Distance Vector, Link State, and
Dynamic Source Routing.

The need for this project stems from the increasing complexity of modern networks, driven by the
expansion of the internet and cloud-based infrastructures. Efficient routing is essential for minimizing
latency, improving data throughput, and ensuring network reliability. With growing network traffic,
especially in large-scale networks such as data centers, internet service providers, and enterprise
environments, it is crucial to understand and optimize routing protocols.

A relevant contemporary issue is the need to ensure optimal network performance and scalability in
response to the growing data demands. The rise of IoT devices, 5G networks, and cloud computing has
introduced challenges to traditional routing protocols, which often struggle with handling large volumes
of data and making real-time routing decisions. The Network Routing Simulator addresses this issue by
enabling the simulation of these conditions and supporting the development of efficient routing
strategies for today’s evolving networking landscape
1.2 Identification of Problem

The primary problem addressed by the Network Routing Simulator is the challenge of effectively analyzing
and understanding routing protocols within complex and dynamic networks. As networks continue to grow
in size and complexity, it becomes increasingly difficult to manually evaluate how different routing
algorithms perform under varying conditions such as network congestion, node failures, and topology
changes.
Many students, network engineers, and professionals lack the resources to experiment with real-world
network environments, which are often expensive and difficult to access. Without practical tools, it is
challenging to observe how routing protocols like Distance Vector, Link State, and Dynamic Source
Routing respond to real-time network issues.
Traditional classroom methods often focus on theoretical explanations, but they fail to capture the intricate
details of how these protocols work in practice. Furthermore, with the rapid development of technologies
such as IoT, 5G, and large-scale cloud infrastructures, the performance demands on routing protocols have
intensified.
The problem is the absence of an accessible, flexible, and realistic platform that enables users to simulate
different network scenarios and observe how routing algorithms behave under various conditions. The
Network Routing Simulator addresses this problem by providing a practical and interactive tool for
learning, testing, and improving routing strategies in diverse network environments.
.
1.3 Identification of Tasks

The development of the Network Routing Simulator involves several key tasks, each essential for
ensuring the tool meets its educational and functional objectives.
1. Research and Analysis: The first task involves conducting thorough research on various routing
protocols, such as Distance Vector, Link State, and Dynamic Source Routing. Understanding their
mechanisms, strengths, and weaknesses is crucial for accurate simulation.
2. System Design: Next, a comprehensive design of the simulator needs to be created. This includes
defining the network topology, node behavior, data packet flow, and routing algorithms. The
interface should be user-friendly, allowing users to configure network parameters such as the
number of nodes, link capacities, and traffic patterns.
3. Implementation: The actual development of the simulator requires programming the core
functionalities, including the simulation of packet forwarding, routing table updates, and dynamic
network changes like node failures or congestion.
4. Testing and Debugging: After implementation, extensive testing is necessary to ensure the
simulator accurately represents real-world scenarios. This includes debugging to fix any issues
with packet flow, routing behavior, or performance monitoring.
5. User Documentation and Training: Finally, clear user documentation and training materials need
to be created to guide users on how to operate the simulator and understand the results of their
experiments.
These tasks are essential for developing a functional and educationally valuable Network Routing
Simulator.
1.4 Timeline

The project is structured over a 12-week period. In the initial weeks, focus will be on collecting and
preprocessing the dataset, ensuring it is clean, balanced, and suitable for training. Midway through the
project, model selection, training, and optimization will take place, followed by rigorous evaluation and
validation. The final weeks will address bias mitigation, ethical considerations, and preparation for
deployment.

Fig 01: Gnatt C

 1.5 Organization of the Report

This report is structured to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the development and
functionality of the Network Routing Simulator. It is organized into the following sections:
• Introduction: This section introduces the project’s background, objectives, and the importance of
a network routing simulator in understanding routing protocols. It also highlights the problems the
simulator addresses.
• Literature Review: A review of existing studies and tools related to network routing algorithms
and simulation environments is provided. This section discusses the limitations of current methods
and how the Network Routing Simulator aims to improve upon them.
• Methodology: This section outlines the steps taken to design and develop the simulator, including
research on routing algorithms, system design choices, and implementation strategies. It details the
programming languages, libraries, and frameworks used.
• Implementation: A comprehensive explanation of the development process, from the initial
design phase to the coding of core functionalities. It includes screenshots or diagrams to illustrate
key components of the simulator.
• Testing and Evaluation: This section covers the testing process, including the test cases used to
ensure the simulator’s accuracy and performance under different network scenarios.
• Conclusion and Future Work: The final section summarizes the findings, discusses the success
of the project, and suggests potential improvements or extensions for future work.
This structure ensures a logical flow of information, guiding readers from the problem definition to the
project's outcomes.
.

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 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW/BACKGROUND STUDY

2.1 Timeline of the Reported Problem

The problem of effectively analyzing and understanding routing protocols in complex networks has evolved
alongside the growth of network technology. Initially, with smaller, less dynamic networks, routing
protocols like Distance Vector and Link State were sufficient to manage data flow. However, as network
sizes increased and traffic patterns became more unpredictable, the limitations of these protocols became
evident.

In the early 2000s, with the rise of the internet, large-scale enterprise networks, and data centers, the need
for more advanced and adaptive routing strategies intensified. Traditional theoretical methods of teaching
routing protocols struggled to keep pace with real-world demands, and hands-on experimentation was often
limited to expensive network labs, inaccessible to many students and professionals.

The problem worsened in the 2010s with the advent of IoT, cloud computing, and 5G networks, which
introduced unprecedented levels of traffic and required real-time routing decisions. As the complexity of
networks grew, so did the need for an accessible platform that could simulate these conditions.

The Network Routing Simulator addresses this problem by offering a solution that allows for the simulation
of routing protocols in a variety of network environments, providing a crucial tool for understanding and
optimizing modern routing strategies in response to these growing demands.

2.2 Existing Solutions

Numerous Several tools and simulators have been developed to analyze and study network routing protocols,
each with varying capabilities and limitations. One widely used solution is NS-3 (Network Simulator 3), an
open-source simulator that provides a robust platform for networking research. NS-3 supports a variety of
routing protocols and allows users to simulate complex networks, but it can be challenging for beginners due
to its steep learning curve and complex scripting requirements.

Another tool is GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator), which provides a visual interface for creating and
testing network topologies. While it allows users to configure real network devices in a simulated
environment, its focus is primarily on configuring hardware rather than simulating the behavior of routing
protocols under different network conditions.

OMNeT++ is another simulation tool often used for research purposes. It offers a modular and flexible
framework for simulating networks but requires significant setup and customization, making it less suitable
for quick learning or experimentation with routing algorithms.

While these tools are powerful, they are often too complex for students or professionals seeking to quickly
understand the fundamentals of routing protocols. The Network Routing Simulator aims to address this gap
by providing a more accessible, user-friendly platform focused specifically on the simulation and
visualization of routing protocols.
2.3 Review Summary

The development of a Network Routing Simulator addresses a critical need for accessible tools that
enhance the understanding of routing protocols in computer networks. Existing solutions such as NS-3,
GNS3, and OMNeT++ offer robust functionalities for simulating network environments but often
present challenges for users, particularly those who are new to the field. These tools can be complex
and require significant technical knowledge, which limits their usability for students and professionals
looking for straightforward learning experiences.

A review of the literature reveals that while substantial research exists on routing algorithms, there is a
gap in practical, user-friendly simulation tools tailored specifically for educational purposes. Many
current simulators do not effectively balance complexity and usability, making it difficult for users to
visualize the dynamic behavior of routing protocols under various network conditions.

The proposed Network Routing Simulator aims to fill this gap by providing an intuitive interface and
focused functionality that allows users to experiment with and visualize different routing algorithms in
real-time. By offering a platform that prioritizes ease of use and educational value, this simulator
contributes to a deeper understanding of routing strategies and their implications for modern networking
challenges.
3.1. Evaluation & Selection of Specifications/Features

The evaluation and selection of specifications and features for the Network Routing Simulator are
critical to ensure its effectiveness as an educational tool. The primary focus is on usability,
functionality, and flexibility, allowing users to grasp the complexities of routing protocols intuitively.

1. User Interface: An intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) is essential for facilitating user
engagement. The GUI should allow users to easily configure network parameters, visualize
topologies, and monitor packet flows without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

2. Support for Multiple Routing Protocols: The simulator must support a range of common routing
protocols, including Distance Vector, Link State, and Dynamic Source Routing. This variety
enables users to compare and contrast the performance of different algorithms in various scenarios.

3. Real-time Visualization: Features that provide real-time visualization of data packet movement
and routing decisions are crucial. This helps users understand how different conditions affect
routing behavior and enhances the learning experience.

4. Customizable Network Scenarios: The ability to create and modify network topologies, including
node configurations and link capacities, is vital. This flexibility allows users to simulate diverse
scenarios, such as network congestion or node failures, and observe the impact on routing
protocols.

5. Performance Metrics: Incorporating metrics to evaluate routing efficiency, such as packet

delivery ratio, latency, and convergence time, will enable users to assess and analyze the
effectiveness of different protocols under varying conditions.
3.2. Design constraints

The development of the Network Routing Simulator must navigate several design constraints that could
impact its functionality, usability, and overall effectiveness.
1. Technical Complexity: The simulator should strike a balance between providing advanced
features and maintaining user-friendliness. Excessive complexity may deter novice users, so the
design must prioritize simplicity in navigation and operation while still offering robust simulation
capabilities.
2. Performance Limitations: As network size and complexity increase, the simulator must
efficiently manage computational resources. This includes optimizing data processing and
rendering to prevent lag or crashes during simulations, especially when handling large-scale
networks.
3. Compatibility and Integration: The simulator must be compatible with various operating systems
and devices. Ensuring cross-platform functionality is essential for broader accessibility and
usability among users with different setups.
4. Scalability: The design must accommodate varying network sizes and configurations. This means
allowing users to simulate small, simple networks as well as larger, more intricate environments
without compromising performance or usability.
5. Resource Availability: Development resources, including time, budget, and expertise, are
constraints that could impact the project's scope. Effective project management and prioritization
of features are necessary to ensure timely delivery within budget constraints.
By addressing these design constraints, the Network Routing Simulator can effectively meet user needs
while maintaining reliability and usability
.

3.3. Analysis of Features and finalization subject to constrains

In finalizing the features of the Network Routing Simulator, a careful analysis was conducted to align
desired functionalities with the identified design constraints.
1. User Interface: An intuitive GUI was prioritized to enhance user experience, making it easier for
users to navigate the simulator. Feedback from potential users indicated that a clean, simple
interface would significantly improve engagement, especially for those with limited networking
knowledge.
2. Routing Protocol Support: The simulator will support essential routing protocols—Distance
 Vector, Link State, and Dynamic Source Routing. This selection provides a comprehensive
understanding of fundamental routing concepts while remaining manageable within the project’s
technical scope.
3. Real-time Visualization: To meet performance limitations, real-time visualization features will be
optimized to minimize resource consumption. By using efficient rendering techniques, the
simulator can provide smooth visual feedback without overwhelming system resources.
4. Customizability: Users will be able to configure network parameters easily, with predefined
templates for different scenarios to streamline the setup process. This feature enhances scalability
while accommodating various user needs.
5. Performance Metrics: Key performance indicators, such as packet delivery ratio and latency, will
be integrated without extensive computational demands, ensuring accurate analysis without
compromising simulator performance.

The final feature set reflects a balance between functionality and constraints, creating a robust and user-
friendly tool for exploring routing protocols.
4.1. Implementation of solution

The implementation of the Network Routing Simulator is a crucial phase that involves translating
design specifications into a functional software application. This phase follows a structured approach to
ensure effective development and maintainability while meeting the project’s goals of usability and
educational value.

1. Selection of Technologies
The first step in the implementation process was the selection of appropriate programming languages
and frameworks. Python was chosen as the primary programming language due to its readability,
simplicity, and extensive support for networking libraries. Its rich ecosystem of modules, such as
socket, matplotlib, and Tkinter, made it an ideal choice for developing the simulator. Tkinter was
selected for the graphical user interface (GUI) because of its ease of use and flexibility, allowing for
rapid development of interactive elements.

2. Modular Architecture
To facilitate a clean and organized implementation, a modular architecture was designed. This
architecture separates the simulation logic from the user interface, allowing for easier updates, testing,
and maintenance. The core simulation engine, responsible for implementing routing protocols, was
developed as an independent module. Each routing protocol (Distance Vector, Link State, Dynamic
Source Routing) was encapsulated within its own class, defining the specific algorithms and behaviors
associated with that protocol. This modularity allows users to extend the simulator by adding new
protocols in the future without significant modifications to the existing codebase.

3. Development of the Core Simulation Engine

The next step was to develop the core simulation engine, which handles the logic of routing protocols.
The engine simulates packet forwarding and routing table updates. For instance, in the Distance Vector
protocol, the simulator calculates the best path to each destination based on the distance metrics
received from neighboring nodes. In contrast, the Link State protocol requires a more complex
calculation, where each node builds a complete topology of the network to determine the shortest path.
The engine also includes mechanisms for simulating network events such as node failures and link
congestion. By generating random failures or adjusting link capacities, users can observe how these
conditions affect routing decisions and overall network performance. This aspect of the implementation
is crucial for providing a realistic and educational experience.

4. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

The development of the GUI was a significant part of the implementation process. The interface was
designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, catering to users with varying levels of expertise in
networking. Key features of the GUI include:
• Network Topology Configuration: Users can easily create network topologies by dragging and
dropping nodes onto the canvas. Each node can be configured with specific parameters such as
link capacities, node types, and initial conditions.
• Parameter Settings: A configuration panel allows users to set parameters for the routing
protocols, such as the routing update intervals and the initial network state. This flexibility enables
users to tailor their simulations to specific scenarios.
• Real-time Visualization: To enhance understanding, the simulator provides real-time visual
feedback on packet movements and routing decisions. matplotlib is used to create dynamic
visualizations, allowing users to see how packets traverse the network and how routing tables are
updated over time.
• Control Features: The GUI includes control buttons to start, pause, and reset simulations,
enabling users to manage their experiments easily.

5. Testing and Debugging

Once the core engine and GUI were developed, rigorous testing was conducted to ensure that the
simulator accurately represents the behavior of routing protocols under various conditions. Testing
involved creating a variety of network scenarios to validate the correctness of routing decisions, packet
forwarding, and performance metrics.
Unit tests were written for each protocol module to ensure their individual functionality. Additionally,
integration testing was performed to verify that the entire system worked cohesively, from user input
through the simulation engine to the graphical output.
Debugging was an ongoing process, with issues addressed as they arose. Feedback from initial testing
sessions helped identify areas for improvement, such as enhancing the responsiveness of the GUI and
optimizing performance to handle larger network configurations without lag.
6. Finalization and Deployment
After testing and debugging, the final version of the simulator was packaged for deployment.
Documentation was created to guide users through the installation process, explain the functionality of
the simulator, and provide examples of common use cases.
In conclusion, the implementation of the Network Routing Simulator involved a systematic approach
that prioritized modularity, usability, and educational value. By leveraging Python and Tkinter, the
development team created a robust tool that not only simulates various routing protocols effectively but
also provides an engaging learning experience for users. This simulator serves as a valuable resource
for students, educators, and network professionals, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and
practical application in the field of networking.

Fig:1
Fig:2
5.1. Conclusion

The development of the Network Routing Simulator represents a significant advancement in the
educational tools available for understanding and analyzing routing protocols in computer networks. As
network complexity continues to grow, the need for accessible and effective simulation tools becomes
increasingly vital. Traditional methods of teaching networking concepts often fall short in providing
hands-on experience, which is essential for fostering a deeper understanding of routing mechanisms.

Through a systematic and modular approach, the simulator effectively bridges the gap between
theoretical knowledge and practical application. By supporting multiple routing protocols, including
Distance Vector, Link State, and Dynamic Source Routing, the simulator equips users with the ability
to explore various algorithms and their behaviors in different network scenarios. The intuitive graphical
user interface enhances user engagement, making it easy for individuals with varying levels of expertise
to navigate the tool and conduct experiments.

The real-time visualization of packet movements and routing decisions significantly enhances the
learning experience, allowing users to grasp the dynamics of network traffic and the impact of routing
protocols on performance metrics. Moreover, the simulator’s flexibility in configuring network
topologies and parameters facilitates a wide range of experiments, enabling users to simulate real-world
conditions such as congestion and node failures.

In conclusion, the Network Routing Simulator not only addresses the critical need for hands-on
learning in networking education but also serves as a valuable resource for network professionals
seeking to deepen their understanding of routing protocols. By offering a user-friendly, comprehensive
platform for exploration and experimentation, this simulator lays the foundation for improved
knowledge and skills in the ever-evolving field of computer networking.
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