INTEGRATING OPNET WITH THE MRT TOOL KIT
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Contact Information: Susan A. Powers spowers@ The MITRE Corporation 202 Burlington Road, MS B018 Bedford, MA 01730-1420 phone: 781-271-3575 fax: 781-271-2964INTEGRATING OPNET WITH THE MRT TOOL KITSusan A. Powers Raymond A. Modeen Dr. Mahmoud A. Makhlouf John H. James Stuart C. Schaffner The MITRE Corporation 202 Burlington Road, MS B018 Bedford, MA 01730-1420 spowers@ ABSTRACT MITRE is prototyping a capability to integrate OPNET with the Model Reference Technology (MRT) tool kit. This tool kit provides the capability to integrate architecture specification, design and analysis tools using a data repository. Central to MRT is the use of loop models based on Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets. We have found this loop-based modeling technique to be a powerful vehicle for specifying and documenting operational architectures and the network traffic flows that are derived from operational architectures. Our prototype system incorporates tools that create, store and access the architecture data represented by loop models. To further experiment with our approach, we integrated OPNET with our prototype and then used OPNET to simulate the network traffic loads represented by loop models. While our goal was to explore the area of tool integration, our repository-based prototype suggests some features that would be valuable in OPNET. These include visualizing application traffic flows using colored loops and separating the specification of logical traffic flows from the specification of physical network topology. INTRODUCTION The use of models is fundamental to the practice of all engineering disciplines. At the MITRE Corporation, models are used to document, communicate, simulate, and analyze the architecture of large government and military systems. The resulting models capture architecture data for many architecture levels. To provide a productive, collaborative working environment, data for different architecture levels must _____________________________________________ © 1999 The MITRE Corporation. All Rights Reserved.1be integrated into a single, consistent framework. This data must then be made available to a variety of project specialists using a variety of architecture tools. To address these needs, we are developing a modeling and simulation technology called the Model Reference Technology (MRT). This technology provides a modelbased systems engineering process supported by an integrated set of tools. A prototype of our tool integration framework has been developed and used, experimentally, to integrate a MITRE-developed architecture modeling tool with a COTS capacity planning tool. OPNET was the tool selected as our experiment example. MODEL REFERENCE TECHNOLOGY FRAMEWORK The center of the MRT framework (figure 1) is a data repository that captures data from all tools. The repository uses an integrated schema (data model) that represents and relates the data objects manipulated by each tool.Project Management ToolsSubSchemaArchitecture Modeling ToolsSubSchemaMRT Architecture Data RepositorySubSchemaRequirements Analysis ToolsSubSchemaCapacity Planning ToolsData Base Management ToolsSubSchemaIntegrated SchemaSubSchemaMission/Design Simulation ToolsTest Automation ToolsSubSchemaSubSchemaReverse Engineering ToolsMRT Architecture Specification Tool (MAST)Figure 1. MRT Tools Integration FrameworkEach tool stores or accesses the repository data that is relevant to its particular domain of application. Some tools will import data, some will export data, and some will need to do both. An MRT tool called MAST (MRT Architecture Specification Tool) is used to regulate these activities. MAST functionality is shown in figure 2.User Interfaces for other Tools LEdit GUI MAST GUImodels and OPNET's External Model Access (EMA) API. This API, with its ability to programmatically create, query and modify OPNET models, made OPNET particularly attractive for tool integration. MRT LOOP MODELING TECHNIQUE Fundamental to the MRT approach is the MRT Loop modeling technique. This technique uses colored loops to show both operational flows and data flows in a system. Each loop is named and is specified using a bipartite graph called a ÒLoopÓ diagram. (Figure 3). Associated with each node (in the loop) is an algorithm, a set of variables specifying the node's state and its operational parameters. Attribute sets can also be associated with node connections (edges) and with loops.Red LoopMRT Graphical Model Editor (LEdit) OPNETLEdit Palettes & Diagrams OPNET Model FilesDBMSArchitecture RulesMRT Architecture Rules Database Architecture Data Repository MRT Integrated SchemaMASTArchitecture DataOther MRT ToolsData for Other ToolsUpdated Architecture Data Client PC/Windows 95File Server PCFigure 2. MAST Tool Functionality MAST provides transparent storage and retrieval of architecture data from the repository. An MRT Architecture Rules Database is used to store a tablebased definition of the repository's schema. This approach makes it easy to adapt to schema extensions as new tools are incorporated. MASTÕs graphical user interface supports selection of data from the repository and selected data is exported to tools through a set of bridges. Each tool-specific bridge is based on a tooldefined external file format or a tool-supplied API. In this manner, each tool interfaces with the shared repository using its own tool-defined interface and presents data to the user through its own GUI. Several architecture tools have already been incorporated into the MRT framework. These include an MRT simulation tool (James 1992) that was successfully used to analyze, predict and validate, within an 8% error rate, the performance of a large communication system (Makhlouf, James, Giorgio 1993). Other MRT applications include sensitivity analysis and system migration of radar systems (Makhlouf 1993, 1995), simulation of the command and control subsystem of a space station (Lacovara 1993), distributed energy systems (Makhlouf 1994), and migration of mission critical systems (Makhlouf 1996). In our tool integration prototype, OPNET was selected as an example of a capacity planning tool. Features we found particularly useful for our experiment include OPNET's large, up-to-date library of protocol and deviceProcessing DataBlue LoopFigure 3. Loop Model We have found this modeling technique to be a valuable approach to architecture modeling at all levels. In operational architecture models that show activities and data flows, loops document and visualize mission threads and partition the operational architecture into Òuse casesÓ. In system architecture models, loops visualize process threads through system components and partition the system architecture into series of system builds. In network traffic flow models, loops visualize the traffic flow needed to support operational activities and loop attributes characterize traffic loads. OPNET TOOL INTEGRATION EXPERIMENT To specify and analyze network traffic, we integrated the MRT graphical modeling tool called LEdit with OPNET. By dividing the traffic modeling and analysis job between the two tools, we were able to capitalize on the strengths of each tool. LEdit is a flexible modeling tool that supports the specification and visualization of operational and system architectures using MRT loop models. We used LEdit to specify the system operational architecture and the network traffic flow model. We used OPNET to specify the detailed network model and perform network analysis. This approach has2the added benefit that it separates the specification of the logical traffic flow from the specification of the physical network topology. The approach we used to create traffic specification data in LEdit and move it via the MRT data repository to OPNET is shown in figure 4.- network delayLEditApplication Traffic Loop ModelMASTLEdit BridgeCreate Application Traffic ModelApplication Traffic Loop Model Repository Storage/Retrieval Interface OPNET Network Model File OPNET Network Model File with Application TrafficDBMSMRT MRT Architecture Architecture Data Data Repository Repositorycolored loops. For each application traffic path, a client application process is connected to the associated server process using a directed loop with the client as the initial loop node and the server as the terminal loop node. An application-specific set of attributes quantifying the traffic load is attached to each loop. When multiple clients are communicating with a single server using the same traffic load, a loop can be constructed with more than one initial node. Note that LEdit's embedded hierarchy makes it possible to graphically connect client and server elements that may be in different subnetworks. In OPNET, a full network topology model is created, with no application traffic specified. Care is taken is assign names to traffic source and destination nodes that match the node names used in the MRT traffic model. To prepare for a network analysis run with a particular application traffic model, MAST retrieves the traffic model of interest from the MRT repository. The traffic data is then passed to an OPNET-specific data bridge that reads the corresponding OPNET model, adds application traffic data provided by the traffic model to the appropriate OPNET network nodes and saves the updated OPNET model. Network analysis is performed by OPNET on the updated model and the analysis results are stored. OPNET TOOL INTEGRATION PROTOTYPE The design of our prototype tool integration system is shown in figure 6.Tool-Specific Processing OPNET Model Files EMA APIOPNETCreate Network Topology Model Perform AnalysisApplication Traffic Loop ModelApplication Traffic Loop Model OPNET Bridge (using EMA API)Analysis Results - link utilization - network delayFigure 4. LEdit-OPNET Traffic Data Integration An application traffic model created in LEdit is imported by MAST's LEdit bridge and stored in the MRT repository. To analyze and compare a variety of traffic flow options, a different traffic model can be prepared for each option and the complete set of models can be stored in the repository. An example of the way we use MRT loop models to model two-tier (client-server) application traffic is shown in figure 5.MRT-Based Architecture Rules Processing Model Verification MRT ModelOPNET (EMA) ModelsValidated DataDBMS DBMS MRT Architecture Rules Database MRT Architecture Data Repository MRT Integrated Schema File Server PCOPNET OPNETText streamTool-Specific BridgesRepository Storage/ Retrieval Interface (ODBC)Architecture Rules Architecture Data Updated Architecture DataMRT DataMRT API Architecture Data Directory Data Selection FunctionLEdit Model Files MRT Graphic EditorLEdit Models & Palettes(LEDIT)Active X Server Desktop PCIntegrated Graphic Editor Interface (Active X Client) Text streamMASTDesktop PCMRT Loop Model Editing & Visualization OPNET Model Editing & Performance AnalysisFigure 5. Sample Application Traffic Loop Model This model specifies the network client/server nodes and the application processes running at these nodes. Application traffic flow is graphically modeled usingFigure 6. Prototype Design The central MAST tool divides its functionality into two integrated processing components. One component3provides repository storage and retrieval operations for all tools. This component only deals with "MRT models", models constructed according to the MRT repository's integrated schema (data model). The second component encompasses a set of tool-specific bridges that construct, access and modify MRT models through a MAST-defined "MRT API". One toolspecific bridge is provided for each member of the MRT tool kit. Each bridge encapsulates the mapping needed to translate and exchange data between the MRT integrated schema and the target tool's internal schema. In our experiment with OPNET, the MRT integrated schema is used to associate each loop with a set of application-specific traffic attributes as shown in figure 7.... is associated with is subtype of HTTP Traffic S pec FTP Traffic S pec E-Mail Traffic S pecoperations provided by the EMA API and the MRT API are used to locate the client/server nodes in the network model that match the traffic-generating client/server nodes in the traffic model. Next, for each set of matching nodes, the traffic specs applicable to the node are extracted from the traffic model and, using EMA attribute setting operations, the appropriate application traffic attributes for the corresponding node are set in the OPNET model. When all traffic data has been exported, the updated OPNET model is saved as an OPNET model file. As indicated above in Figure 4, this updated model is then analyzed by OPNET and the analysis results are stored. A natural extension to our prototype would be to store these performance results back in the MRT repository for use by other tools. CONSIDERATIONS FOR OPNET Specification of traffic flows is a critical part of network capacity planning. While our goal was to explore the area of tool integration, our experiment identified a few areas where OPNET's approach to traffic specification could be improved. One recommendation is to separate the specification of logical traffic flows from the detailed physical view of the network topology. Currently in OPNET, application traffic must be specified using tabular forms that are tied to the multi-window view of the detailed network topology. A suggested alternative is to specify application traffic using a separate flat view showing all potential source/destination nodes. This concept is similar to the Traffic Browser window used for background routed traffic. With this type of simple network view, OPNET could provide a more graphical point-and-click method of connecting clients to servers. This approach can also be extended to permit a variety of logical traffic alternatives to be created, archived and applied to a single network topology for comparison. A natural companion to this approach is a built-in capability for importing application traffic from an external source. A second recommendation is to provide a way of visualizing traffic flows. Regardless of the method used to specify application traffic, colored loops (threads) could be used in the network topology view as a visual record of traffic flow paths. This approach could be used to represent both simple 2-tier application traffic flows and the more complex multi-tier flows now supported by OPNET 6.0. By adding a color setting to the 2-tier attribute list or the multi-tier traffic profile, the user could control the colors assigned to each loop. A "right-click" action applied to loop objects could also4LoopTraffic S pecis associated withparticipates inClient/ erver S Processruns onNetwork NodeFigure 7. Traffic Specifications in the MRT Schema The OPNET bridge adds this traffic data to the OPNET network model. The processing performed by this bridge is shown in Figure 8.OPNET BridgeMASTOPNET Network Model FileEMA APIEMA Network ModelApplication Traffic DataMRT APIApplication Traffic Loop Model Application Traffic Integration Function (using EMA API)OPNET Network Model File with Application TrafficEMA APIEMA Network Model with Application TrafficRepository Storage/Retrieval InterfaceFrom RepositoryFigure 8. OPNET Traffic Data Bridge First, the MRT application traffic loop model and the OPNET network model are retrieved. Second, queryprovide a convenient means of displaying the parameters associated with a traffic flow. A final suggestion is to provide a way of verifying application traffic client-to-server paths prior to a simulation run. When application traffic server selections are made externally through EMA or through the current tabular application traffic specification technique, selection of a non-existent or physically unreachable server is not reported. By providing a graphical means of specifying or visualizing application traffic paths, such errors could be detected or avoided. CONCLUSIONS A repository-based tool integration approach can provide a useful means of combining the capabilities of various tools. In the particular area of network traffic analysis, MRT loop technology provides a valuable capability for graphically visualizing network traffic flows. By using the MRT tool integration framework to integrate this traffic modeling capability with the network analysis capabilities of OPNET, we have been able to combine key features of two tools to perform network capacity planning.Engineering Approach for the Migration of Computer-Based Systems, INCOSEREFERENCESJames, J., May 1, 1992. ÒState-Machine Paradigm for Software Performance Simulation: MSim Implementation.Ó In Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Modeling and Simulation Conference (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 30 - May 1). Lacovara, R., July 1993. ÒApplication of a New Simulation Tool to a Command and Control Subsystem of the Space Station Freedom.Ó In Proceedings of 1993 Summer Computer Simulation Conference (Boston, Massachusetts, July 19-21). Makhlouf, M., Giorgio, P., July 1993. ÒPerformance Analysis Models of Distributed Radar Systems.Ó In Proceedings of 1993 Summer Computer Simulation Conference, Boston, MA. Makhlouf, M., April 1994. ÒSensitivity Analysis of Functionally Distributed Energy Management Systems.Ó In Proceedings of 1994 SCS Simulation Multi-conference, LaJolla, CA. Makhlouf, M., James, J., Wigfield, E., Wheeler, T., Modeen, R., Schaffner, S., Ó, July 1996, ÒA System5。