MoVES: A framework for parallel and distributed simulation of wireless vehicular ad hoc networks Luciano Bononi * , Marco Di Felice, Gabriele D’Angelo, Michele Bracuto, Lorenzo Donatiello Department of Computer Science, University of Bologna, Mura Anteo Zamboni 7, 40127 Bologna, Italy Available online 29 September 2007 Abstract In this paper, we illustrate a Mobile Wireless Vehicular Environment Simulation (MoVES) framework for the parallel and distributed simulation of vehicular wireless ad hoc networks (VANETs). The proposed framework supports extensi- ble, module-based and layered modeling, and scalable, accurate and efficient simulation of vehicular scenarios integrated with wireless communication and mobile services/applications. The vehicular layer includes models for vehicles, synthetic and trace-driven mobility, driver behavior, GPS-based street maps, intersection policies and traffic lights. The wireless communication layer currently includes models for physical propagation, and a network protocol stack including IEEE 802.11 Medium Access Control, up to the Application layer. MoVES provides a platform for microscopic modeling and simulation-based analysis of wireless vehicular scenarios and communication-based services and applications, like Intelligent Transportation Systems, communication-based monitoring/control and info-mobility services. The framework includes design solutions for scalable, accurate and efficient parallel and distributed simulation of complex, vehicular com- munication scenarios executed over cost-effective, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) simulation architectures. Dynamic model partition and adaptation-based load balancing solutions have been designed by exploiting common assumptions and model characteristics, in a user-transparent way. Test-bed performance evaluation for realistic scenarios has shown the effectiveness of MoVES in terms of simulation efficiency, scalability, adaptation and simulation accuracy. Ó 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Wireless vehicular ad hoc networks; Parallel and distributed simulation; Intelligent transportation systems; Mobile services; Mobile communication 1. Introduction Technology advances in portable devices, embed- ded systems and wireless networking have contrib- uted to the marriage of mobile computing and communication for supporting new pervasive ser- vices and applications. As an example, implementa- tion guidelines for a new class of mobile services for 1389-1286/$ - see front matter Ó 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.comnet.2007.09.015 * Corresponding author. Tel.: +39 051 2094972; fax: +39 051 2094510. E-mail addresses: bononi@cs.unibo.it (L. Bononi), difelice@ cs.unibo.it (M. Di Felice), gdangelo@cs.unibo.it (G. D’Angelo), bracuto@cs.unibo.it (M. Bracuto), donat@cs.unibo.it (L. Dona- tiello). Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Computer Networks 52 (2008) 155–179 www.elsevier.com/locate/comnet