The main objective of this senior project investigation was use OPNET to explore and study the behavior as well as the performance of Wireless Routing Protocols. This exploration included forming a better understanding of OPNET code and functionality. A wide variety of tutorials were completed, allowing for a diverse range in technology, configurations, and performance metrics. Using this OPNET Modeler information as well as background on wireless routing, existing routing algorithm protocols were researched and studied. We have researched the Temporally Ordered Routing Algorithm as well the Cluster-Based Dynamic routing algorithm. In order to incorporate the existing wireless routing algorithms we have studied into this software environment, models were created within OPNET for each algorithm. In more depth, the Dynamic Cluster algorithm was simulated in the C programming language. Under simulated changing technologies, appropriate clusters for packet transfer were created and modified.

Our Senior Design project explored Short-Range Wireless Routing Algorithms and a networking simulation tool, the OPNET Modeler, as mentioned previously. In this project, the basic functionality of the OPNET Modeler and its Project Editors were studied. A sample OPNET simulation of Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) was ran and investigated. Wireless Routing Algorithms are becoming very important for the modern dynamic wireless networks. A dynamic network is defined as a group of mobile hosts that communicate with each other over wireless links without any static interaction. Two routing algorithms are Temporally Ordered Routing Algorithm (TORA) and the Cluster-Based Approach. TORA is comprised of a series of "link-reversal" algorithms that explores all possible paths from the source host to the destination, finding the shortest path. TORA is explored in depth and sample designs were performed in this project. The Cluster-Based approach differs greatly from TORA. This algorithm replaces individual hosts with a cluster of one or more hosts. The Cluster-Based approach consists of two main behavioral procedures, which manipulate a series of data structures holding the information of cluster membership and neighbor lists. This approach was also studied, designed, and implemented using C Language.

Possible future works in extension to this project can include studying how best to apply the algorithms into practical purposes. For example, imagine using the TORA or the Cluster-Based approach to implement how cameras installed in fire alarms, located within a building, would communicate to each other to give fire fighters the fastest and the best perception of what the fire situation is like inside the building. This would prevent fire fighters to go into the dangerous building if the cameras indicate that there are no victims trapped inside the building.