- 7 TheSCADASystem SimulationModel
There exista number of network simulators which can be used to
analogue to network topology in wire and wireless networks, and to
evaluate the impact of different parameters on the network stations. NS2,
GloMoSim, QualNet and OPNET are some of the popular network
simulators [ 71 ].OPNET (OPtimized NETworks) is an advanced package
that allows the user to design and study communication networks, devices,
protocols, and applications[ 72 ]. OPNET is used to efficiently simulate
different types of computer networks working in different environments. It
is an object oriented, discrete event and general purpose network simulator
[ 72 ]. OPNET is chosen for this research because it carries the distinct
features of a good simulator. OPNET provides a comprehensive modeling
environment for unique specification, simulation and analysis of the
performance of computer networks. OPNET has several modules and tools
embedded; this includes OPNET modeler, model library, analysis tools and
planner[ 72 ]. It is widely used in modeling networks,and also for evaluating
and analyzing network performances. The results obtained using the
OPNET simulator is barely comparable to those taken from GloMoSim,
QualNet and NS2 [ 71 , 73 ]. Furthermore, it has the capability to model
WMNs routing protocols[ 73 ], especially the protocols investigated in the
present research.
3. 7 .1 Simulation Model Objects
Table 3. 5 shows the details of the components thatwere used to
construct the Network Model. These components wereselected from many
components in the various lists ofobjects palette in OPNET modeler. The
objects palette is one of theselections of the toolsbar in the OPNET
environment.