This chapter shows how to construct wired networks with standard OPNET models in an evolutionary style. Differently from Chapters 5–7, where custom OPNET models are developed, in this chapter standard OPNET models are discussed. These standard models are pre-created and shipped with the OPNET Modeler. Standard OPNET models include TCP, IP, IPV6, ATM, MPLS, OSPF, TDMA, WiMAX, ZigBee, etc. To follow this chapter, it is preferable to know the basic operations of OPNET Modeler, though not necessary.

The process for simulating standard models is similar to that for simulating custom models as demonstrated in Chapter 5. The following are the steps of simulating standard models:

• Create a project via Project Editor.

• Create a scenario within this project.

• Create a network topology for this scenario by placing the standard models on the Project Editor.

• Verify the link connectivity of this network.

• Select the statistics in which you are interested.

• Run the simulation for this scenario.

• View, compare, and analyze statistic results.

• If necessary, export statistic data to a spreadsheet for further processing.

In the following sections, case studies on how to model standard wired networks are demonstrated.

Client/server structure

In this section, a simple client/server structure will be created and modeled. The client and server are computers that are connected by links.