A Tutorial on Broadcasting Packets over Multiple-Channels in a Multi-Inferface Network Setting in NS-2

Abstract: With the proliferation of cheaper electronic devices, wireless communication over multiple-channels in a multi-interface network is now possible. For instace, wireless sensor nodes can now operate over multiplechannels. Moreover, cognitive radio sensor networks are also evolving, which also operates over multiple-channels. In the market, we can find antennas that can support the operation of multiple channels, for e.g. the cc2420 antenna that is used for communication between wireless sensor nodes consists of 16 programmable channels. The proper utilization of multiple-channels reduces the interference between the nodes and increase the network throughput. Recently, a Cognitive Radio Cognitive Network (CRCN) patch for NS-2 simulator has proposed to support multi-channel multi-interface capability in NS-2. In this tutorial, we consider how to simulate a multi-channel multiinterface wireless network using the NS-2 simulator. This tutorial is trageted to the novice users who wants to understand the implementation of multi-channel multi-interface in NS-2. We take the Cognitive Radio Cognitive Network (CRCN) patch for NS-2 simulator and demonstrate broadcasting over multiple-channels in a multi-interface network setting. In our seeting, node braodcasts the Hello packets to its neighbors. Neighboring nodes receive the Hello packets if and only if they are tuned to the same channel. We demonstrate through example that the tuning of receivers can be done in two fashions.