Network simulation involves using software to model the performance of a computer network by analyzing relationships between network components like links, switches, routers and nodes. A network simulator specifically predicts network performance by creating a virtual model of the network that can be manipulated to evaluate how the network would perform under different conditions. A network emulator takes the additional step of allowing real applications to run over the virtual network to assess performance and optimize decision making. Common open-source network simulators include NS-2, NS-3, Netkit and Marionnet, while commercial options include OPNET and QualNet. NS-3 is currently one of the best network simulators as it provides an open-source platform for modeling wired, wireless and mobile networks along with extensive

1. Network Simulation
DR. AIDA AL-SAMAWI
1

2. What is Network Simulation
Network simulation is one kind of method in the research of a computer network where a
software program forms the performance of a network by analyzing the relations between the
various network entities such as links, Nswitched, routers, nodes, access points. The network
performance, different applications, services & supports can be monitored in an analysis lab.
Different features of the surroundings can also be changed in a controlled way to evaluate how
the network or protocols would perform beneath different conditions.
2

3. Network Simulator
Software that is used to predict the performance of a computer network is known as a network
simulator. These are used when communication networks have turned into too difficult for fixed
analytical techniques to offer a precise understanding of system performance. In a simulator, the
computer network can be molded with the help of links, devices and applications and the
performance of a network can be reported. These are available by using new networks and
technologies which are used today like IoT, 5G, WLANs, ad hoc networks of mobile, WSNs, LTE,
ad hoc networks of vehicles, etc.
3

4. Network Emulation
This is one kind of method used to test the act of real applications over a virtual network. This is
dissimilar compare with network simulation wherever only mathematical form of traffic,
channels, protocols and network models are applied. The main function of this is to assess
performance, estimate the impact of change, and otherwise optimize decision-making
in technology.
4

5. simulation VS emulator
What is the main difference between simulation & emulator?
A simulator demonstrates the network’s behavior & its components, whereas an emulator is
used to copy the network’s behavior to replace it functionally.
5

6. Different Network Simulations
The different types of network simulators/ network simulation tools are open source and
commercial
1. Network Simulator version 2 (NS-2)
2. Ns3
3. Netkit
4. Marionnet
5. JSIM (Java-based Simulation)
6. OPNET
7. QualNet
The open-source simulators are Marrionet, Netkit, NS2, NS3 and JSIM
The commercial simulators are OPNET and QualNet
6

7. Network Simulator Version 2 (NS-2)
It is an object-oriented kind of simulator mainly used for simulating the protocols of networking
as well as routing protocols for the networks like wired & wireless. These can be implemented
through OTCl & C++.
7

8. NS3
This type of simulator is mainly designed for the purpose of education as well as research. When
compared with the Ns2 type, it uses Python to work in a better way because of the low-level of
abstraction. The modules of Ns3 include protocols and network devices, written in the
languages of C++, Python.
8

9. Netki
Netki is open-source software that uses User-mode Linux. This simulator is used whenever there
is a need to form a networking environment with small endeavors. It is a simulation tool based
on the command line. It is also used to create a total network over a single PC through exploiting
VN (virtual network) devices.
9

10. Marionnet
Marionnet/Virtual Network Laboratory is utilized as an educational tool because of its smart
Graphical user interface. By using this, a complex network can be defined by the user on a host
computer.
10

11. Java-based Simulation (JSIM)
It is used mainly in web-based simulation to build by using the event package otherwise process
the package. This is used to design quantitative numeric models & estimate them with respect
to the data from the experiment.
11

12. OPNET
It is used in research & development to provide whole flexibility to study regarding
communication networks, protocols, and applications. When it includes both programming
environment and GUI, then it provides a platform for the user to form the network when they
require it.
12

13. QualNet
It is used for engineers, scholars to build virtual models for all kinds of data, voice & video
networks. In fact, it is a testing, planning and also a training tool used for signifying the network
situation with accuracy.
13

14. Advantages of Network Simulation
The advantages of network simulators include the following.
The main advantage of a simulator is to provide practical feedback to the users while designing
real-world systems.
They allow the designers of the system to study trouble at numerous abstraction levels.
These are used in an effective way which means to teach otherwise demonstrate the concepts
to students.
14

15. Question
What are the best network simulators?
15

16. NS3
ns-3 is a discrete-event network simulator for Internet systems, targeted primarily for research
and educational use. ns-3 is free, open-source software, licensed under the GNU GPLv2 license,
and maintained by a worldwide community.
16

17. NS3
ns-3.35 released (Oct 1, 2021)
The ns-3.35 release has been published. This release provides a number of small feature
improvements (IPv6 support for NixVectorRouting, a group mobility helper, improvements to the
Wi-Fi 802.11ax support, and extensions to the planar array antenna model), among various
other bug fixes and small improvements.
https://www.nsnam.org/
17

18. NS3 Documentation
https://www.nsnam.org/documentation/
Tutorial: The tutorial for our latest release is available in HTML and PDF versions.
Installation instructions: We typically maintain this information on our wiki.
Videos: The ns-3 Consortium has offered training sessions at its annual meeting), and recorded
videos from prior sessions can be found from this page.
Mailing lists: We have several mailing lists, but in particular, the ns-3-users Google Group forum,
answers many questions from people trying to get started.
18

19. NS3 Downloading
https://www.nsnam.org/releases/
Releases
ns-3.35
ns-3.34
ns-3.33
ns-3.32
ns-3.31
How to install NS3 on Windows with Ubuntu First Step||NS3 complete installation Step by Step
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGU2G7kdxUo
19

20. Network Simulation
THANK YOU
20