Latest Network Simulator

Several network simulators have currently emerged and are examined as more robust for various purposes. Among these, we offer a few prominent and current network simulators, together with the kinds of outcomes they could produce and a general outline based on their capabilities:

1. NS-3 (Network Simulator 3)

• Current Expertise: NS-3 is highly appropriate for academic and research objectives, and is considered as a discrete-event network simulator. For IP as well as non-IP related networks such as WSNs, LTE, and Wi-Fi, it enables the process of simulation.
• Outcomes: By means of trace files, custom analysis using Python bindings, and packet-level statistics, NS-3 offers in-depth outcomes. Across other indicators, energy utilization, packet loss, and delay, and throughput can be examined by the researchers.

2. OMNeT++

• Current Expertise: Mostly, OMNeT++ is utilized for constructing network simulators, and is referred to as a flexible, component-related C++ simulation framework and library. For the simulation of wireless and wired networks like vehicular and IoT networks, this OMNeT++ is very useful. It is highly familiarized for its wide-range of GUI and nature of adaptability.
• Outcomes: Through vector results, scalar statistics, and custom visualization tools, OMNeT++ provides outcomes. Extensive data processing and visualization abilities can be facilitated by its IDE, analysis tool, and combined platform.

3. GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3)

• Current Expertise: GNS3 supports the simulation of complicated networks by enabling the integration of actual and virtual devices. For testing of network configuration in actual-time and certification training, GNS3 is more ideal, because it assists different vendors such as HP, Juniper, and Cisco.
• Outcomes: Network design and configuration is the major consideration of GNS3. For performance indicators and packet analysis, outcomes are generally examined by employing external tools such as Wireshark.

4. Mininet

• Current Expertise: In simulating virtual networks on a single computer, Mininet is highly skillful, and it specifically considers OpenFlow protocols and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). For modeling SDN-based applications, research, and progression, it is employed in an extensive manner.
• Outcomes: Mininet particularly supports analysis of network performance in actual-time, such as flow statistics, latency, and bandwidth. To attain sophisticated performance and behavior analysis, it is mostly integrated with SDN controllers.

5. OPNET (now part of Riverbed SteelCentral)

• Current Expertise: For modeling and simulation of network, OPNET is still examined as a robust tool even though it has been combined into Riverbed’s product suite like SteelCentral. OPNET is especially familiarized for its modeling abilities of network applications, devices, and protocols in an in-depth manner.
• Outcomes: OPNET offers extensive outcomes such as in-depth protocol analysis, end-to-end analysis, application performance indicators, and network behavior in terms of different constraints.

6. Packet Tracer

• Current Expertise: Packet Tracer is considered as a tool used for network simulation and visualization. Cisco created Packet Tracer, specifically for its Networking Academy. For basic network simulation, network configuration training, and academic-based objectives, this tool is widely employed.
• Outcomes: Network configuration and protocol simulation outcomes are the significant concentrations of packet Tracer. Instead of in-depth performance indicators, it mainly concerns academic reviews and visualization.

7. NetSim

• Current Expertise: A vast array of mechanisms such as WSNs, IoT, 5G, and others are facilitated by NetSim. Generally, it is a network simulation and emulation software. For the purposes of exploration, protocol analysis, and network design, it is highly utilized.
• Outcomes: NetSim provides broader assistance for the analysis of network and protocol, and also produces elaborate performance analytics, such as energy utilization, packet loss, delay, and throughput.

Which network simulator is best?

The process of selecting an appropriate simulator has to be carried out based on several considerations such as major objectives and requirements. For assisting you to choose simulator that could be suitable for your objectives, we suggest a comparison of various prominent network simulators along with their general application areas:

NS-3 (Network Simulator 3)

• Efficient for: It is highly efficient for education as well as academic-based exploration. For the researchers or scholars who require a wide range of protocol assistance, like TCP, IPv4/IPv6, LTE, UDP, and Wi-Fi, and in-depth simulation frameworks, NS-3 is more appropriate.
• Advantages: NS-3 has the capacity to expand capabilities with Python or C++, offers assistance for extensive network devices and protocols. It also has an engaging committee and elaborate documentation.

OMNeT++

• Efficient for: For the developers or researchers who intend to develop conventional network models and simulations with the help of an adaptable and extensible simulation framework, OMNeT++ is very useful.
• Advantages: It has a vast range of visualization abilities, more flexible framework, analysis tools, and graphical network design. Specifically for different fields such as IoT, vehicular networks, and others, it highly focuses on committee-contributed models.

GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3)

• Efficient for: To model and configure virtual networks through the utilization of actual networking software images, particularly from vendors such as Juniper, Cisco, and others, GNS3 is more suitable and helpful for scholars, experts, and network specialists.
• Advantages: GNS3 is highly effective for having a robust committee that offers assistance and shared resources. It is more ideal for testing network configurations before placement and has the capacity to integrate actual and virtual devices.

Mininet

• Efficient for: Mininet is efficient and helpful for Software Defined Networking (SDN) researchers and developers who need a practical network platform that is capable of executing on a single computer, especially for carrying out experiments.
• Advantages: Mininet is widely appropriate for the testing of SDN models, and effectively combines with different SDN controllers. It also facilitates interactive development and alteration of network topologies, and is considered as robust as well as lightweight.

Packet Tracer

• Efficient for: Packet Tracer is more suitable and useful for researchers who aim to learn Cisco device configurations and networking principles and also for Cisco Networking Academy advisors and scholars.
• Advantages: For certification exam training and academic objectives, Packet Tracer is very effective. It assists extensive Cisco device simulations, ideal for learners, and examined as a more accessible interface.

NetSim

• Efficient for: NetSim is best and helpful for experts, specialists, and researchers who plan to simulate the latest networks such as IoT, wireless sensor networks, VANETs, cognitive radio networks, MANETs, and MANETs with the requirement for extensive tools.
• Advantages: It offers a wide range of analytics and visualization tools, facilitates a vast array of principles and protocols, and provides in-depth models for particular mechanisms.

Comparison Aspects

On the basis of your requirements, you need to examine the following aspects while selecting the appropriate as well as effective network simulator:

• Range of Utilization: Consider the application areas such as professional network testing, education, certification training, and academic-based exploration.
• Supported Mechanisms and Protocols: It is important to assure whether the simulator assists the particular network protocols and mechanisms that you are passionate about.
• Accessibility: You should examine the accessible documentation, easy utilization, and learning curve.
• Expense: Particularly for business purposes, some simulators might need a copyright even though several simulators are free and openly-available.
• Committee and Support: The practice of simulation can be majorly improved by accessible assistance and engaging user committees.