Modeling Delay and Packet Drop in Networked Control Systems Using Network Simulator NS2

Wireless Networked Control Systems (WNCS) are used to implement a control mechanism over a wireless network that is capable of carrying real-time traffic. This field has drawn enormous attention from current researchers because of its flexibility and robustness. However, designing efficient WNCS over Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET) is still a challenging topic because of its less-predictable aspects, such as inconsistent delay, packet drop probability, and dynamic topology. This paper presents design guidelines for WNCS over MANET using the Network Simulator version 2, NS2 software. It investigates the impact of packet delay and packet drop under the AODV and DSR routing protocols. The simulation results have been compared to MATLAB results for validation. Keywords Adhoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing - Dynamic Source routing (DSR) - Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANET) - Wireless Networked Control Systems (WNCS) Mohammad Shahidul Hasan received his BSc and first MSc in Computer Science from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He obtained his 2nd MSc in Computer & Network Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK. Currently he is pursuing his PhD under the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology, Staffordshire University, Stafford, UK in Networked Control Systems over MANET.Chris Harding received his BSc in Computing Science and Masters by Research from Staffordshire University, UK. Currently he is pursuing his PhD in Wireless Networked Control Systems, specifically looking at NCS over MANETs, with research interests in this area concentrating on the network routing and effect of routing protocols on the NCS system.Hongnian Yu is Professor of Computer Science at Staffordshire University. He was a lecturer in Control and Systems Engineering at Yanshan University, China in 1985–1990, did his PhD in Robotics at King’s College London (1990–1994), was a research fellow in Manufacturing Systems at Sussex University (1994–1996), a lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Liver-pool John Moore’s University (1996–1999), a lecturer in Control and Systems Engineering at the University of Exeter (1999–2002), and a Senior Lecturer in Computing at the University of Bradford (2002–2004). He now leads the Mobile Computing and Distributed Systems Research Group at Staffordshire University. He was a founding member of the Modeling Optimisation Scheduling and Intelligent Control research group at the University of Bradford. He has extensive research experience in neural networks, mobile computing, modeling, control of robot manipulators, and modeling, scheduling, planning, and simulations of large discrete event dynamic systems with applications to manufacturing systems, supply chains, transportation networks, and computer networks. He has published over 100 research papers focusing on the following: neural networks, computer networks, adaptive and robust control of robot manipulators, analysis and control of hybrid machines, control of timed delay systems, predictive control, manufacturing system modeling and scheduling, planning, and supply chains. He has held several research grants from EPSRC, the Royal Society, and the EU, as well as from industry. He was awarded the F.C. William Premium for his paper on adaptive and robust control of robot manipulators by the IEE Council in 1997. Professor Yu is an EPSRC college member, a member of IEEE, and a committee member of several conferences and journal editorial boards.Alison Griffiths has been a Senior Lecturer in Telecommunications at Staffordshire University since 2003. She was a lecturer in Computing at Staffordshire University in 2002–2003. She was a Research Associate on an EPSRC funded project whilst doing her PhD on the convergence of Mobile Computing and Telecommunications at Staffordshire University (1999–2003). The investigation consisted of the communication of different types of media (voice, video conferencing, web browsing, and downloading) over a common network, using a mobile device. Problems considered were the complications that occurred when a user moves, and consequently changes their end-point in the network during communication, with respect to the type of service the user is provided with (delays and losses). She obtained both her MEng and 1st Class BEng (Hons) from Staffordshire University in 1999 and 1998 respectively. She is now part of the Mobile Computing and Distributed Systems Research Group at Staffordshire University. She has published 8 research papers focusing on quality of service and access between cellular and IP packet switched networks. Future directions include mobile agents and control of mobile wireless ad-hoc networks. Her current research interests have extended to Wireless Networked Control Systems, specifically looking at NCS over MANETs, with research interests in this area concentrating on the network routing and effect of routing protocols on the NCS system.