ntrllog/distance-vector-routing

Project Overview

This Python project implements a robust routing protocol over a network of servers acting as routers. It's designed to adapt dynamically to changes in the network topology and link costs.

Contributors

• Alan Lam
• Jonathan Dang
• Nida Sheikh Nida Hilal
• Steven Wang

Dependencies

• Python Version: At least Python 3.11.x

How to Install Dependencies

• Windows/Mac:
  • Download and install Python 3.11 from Python Downloads.
• Linux:
  • Use the command sudo [apt] install python3.11. Replace [apt] with the package manager for your Linux variant.

Getting Started

Creating Topology Files

Before running the program, create a topology file for each server. This file should only include the link cost to the server's immediate neighbors. The program determines its own host ID and IP port by scanning through the neighbors' link cost list.

Topology File Example

Running the Program

1. Run the Script: Execute distance_vector_routing.py in your terminal.
2. Start the Server: Use the command server -t <topology-file-name> -i <routing-update-interval>.
   • Example: server -t topology-1.txt -i 3
3. Further Instructions: Additional launch instructions are provided during run-time.

Available Commands

Type help in the terminal to see all available commands. These commands allow you to manage the network effectively.

• update <server-ID1> <server-ID2> <Link Cost>: Update the link cost between two servers.
  • Example: update 1 2 inf sets the link between servers 1 and 2 to infinity.
  • Example: update 1 2 8 changes the link cost between servers 1 and 2 to 8.
• step: Send a routing update to neighbors immediately.
• packets: Display the number of distance vector packets the server has received since the last check.
• display: Show the current routing table in a sorted order. The format for each line is <destination-server-ID> <next-hop-server-ID> <cost-of-path>.
• disable <server-ID>: Disable the link to a specific server.
• crash: Simulate a server crash by closing all connections, setting the link cost to infinity.

More Information

For detailed project information, setup guidelines, and advanced features, please refer to the accompanying Assignment.pdf.