Dynamic Index NAT as a Mobility Solution in OMNeT++

TL;DR

This paper proposes a cross-layer NAT module in OMNeT++ to enable seamless mobility and session continuity across different subnets, addressing IP address change issues during network handovers.

Contribution

It introduces a novel NAT-based mobility solution implemented in OMNeT++ that maintains ongoing sessions during subnet transitions.

Findings

Successful implementation of NAT module in OMNeT++

Demonstrated seamless handover in simulation

Analogous to Mobile IPv6 protocol

Abstract

Mobility in wireless networks causes a major issue from the IP-addressing perspective. When a Mobile Node (MN) moves to another subnet, it will probably get assigned a new IP address. This causes a routing problem since the MN will not be reachable with its previous IP address known to the other communication party. Real time applications might suffer from connection drops, which is recognized as inconvenience in the currently used service, unless some solution is provided. An approach to maintain session continuity while traversing heterogeneous networks of different subnet addresses is proposed. Here, a cross-layer module is implemented in OMNeT++ with NAT functionality to provide a seamless handover. A proof of concept is also shown with analogy to the Mobile IPv6 protocol provided in INET.