OppSim: A simulation framework for opportunistic networks based on MiXiM

Unreliability is an inherent property of wireless links. In opportunistic networks, these intermittent links are exploited, instead of mitigated, by temporal and/or spatial diversities in order to improve the network performance such as energy efficiency, delay, throughput and so on. Simulation is always an important method for the research in this challenged domain and a suitable simulator or simulation framework can greatly improve the research efficiency. The previous simulators or frameworks for opportunistic networks mainly focus on the design of upper layers but neglect the impact of physical layer on these layers. However, the reality of physical layer simulation is vital to the design of upper layers. In this paper, a simulation framework is developed using the MiXiM framework as basis which can simulate complex wireless physical environment. In this work, an integrated solution for simulation and analysis is provided including all communication layers and network performance analysis modules at each layer. This framework can help the researchers in this domain focus more on the design of protocols and less time on constructing a simulation tool.