HINTS: A novel approach for realistic simulations of vehicular communications

One of the main challenges in the Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) research domain is the simulation of vehicular communications using realistic mobility models. Several efforts have been put lately in this purpose; yet, the proposed models are either inappropriate, or carry significant disadvantages. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for realistic simulations in vehicular networks, inspired from the hierarchical video and image compression technique. We developed HINTS (Hybrid Integration of Network and Traffic Simulators), the correspondent platform, engendered from the integration of SUMO, a traffic simulator and NS-3, a network simulator after adding some supplemental modules to both simulators. Its efficiency and performance are demonstrated in a proof-of-concept study, based on a realistic traffic management scenario.