Computer Networks Lab

Experiment No. 2
Study of various Network Simulation Tools
AIM: To Study of various Network Simulation Tools

Pre-requisites: - General Knowledge of Computer Networks Terms and components.

Theory:
Network Simulation Tools
Types and Its Advantages

Nowadays, the advancement in wireless technology has been increasing rapidly. In computer
networks, the unproven protocols cannot be initiated on a large scale because of the indecision of
its successful result. So, the latest protocols are tested through analytical modeling otherwise
simulation tools. If the latest protocols show good results after the simulation, then the
protocols will be executed in the real world. Network simulation is the common and most useful
method, used to calculate various network topologies exclusive of real-world implementation.
These are extensively utilized by the research community to estimate new theories & hypotheses.
There are different kinds of simulators but its selection in research work is critical for researchers.
What is Network Simulation?

Definition: 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.

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Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, Pune
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 Network Simulation

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.

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.

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Different Network Simulations

The different types of network simulators/ network simulation tools are open source and
commercial.

• Network Simulator version 2 (NS-2)

• Ns3
• Netkit
• Marionnet
• JSIM (Java-based Simulation)
• OPNET
• QualNet
• The open-source simulators are Marrionet, Netkit, NS2, JSIM
• The commercial simulators are OPNET and QualNet.
• Packet Tracer (Cisco)

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++.

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.

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Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, Pune
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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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

Advantages of Network Simulation

The advantages of network simulators include the following.

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 • 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.
1). What are the best network simulators?
They are GNS3, Packet Tracer, Virtual Internet Routing Lab (VIRL) and Boson Network Simulator

2). What is ns2 Simulator?

It is an open-source tool used for simulation using Linux.

3). 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.

Thus, this is all about an overview of network simulation, working and its advantages. The tools of
network simulation are up to date technology. The simulator aids the user to expand the networks
through real-time. So it is helpful in testing the new networking protocols within the access
protocols. The tools of network simulator are OPNET, NS2, GloMosim, J-sim, NetSim, QualNet,
OMNET++, Ns3, REAL, etc. Here is a question for you, what is the function of network simulation?

Network simulation tools allow students to easily learn the core concepts of computer networking
and TCP/IP in general. Even professionals could benefit from these tools by simulating network
environments and get an idea of how a network will work before actual implementation.

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Moreover, system administrators could use them as testing grounds for new network topologies
and system testing. The simulation environment allows specialists to try out ideas with no harm to
existing networks.

If this is the kind of functionality you are looking for, then in this article you will find 18 suggestions
of network simulation tools below.

Some of them are great for people studying for network certification exams (such as Cisco CCNA,
CCNP etc) but you will find also other options for general networking simulations and research.

1. Cisco Packet Tracer

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Cisco’s Packet Tracer is perhaps the most famous of all network simulation tools, especially
for practicing on Cisco CCNA certification.

It is functional, easy to use, and is accessible for educational institutions or for people who enrolled
in Cisco’s Net Academy (free of charge).

The highlight of the Packet Tracer is its drag-and-drop user interface. To start testing network
topologies, you simply choose a network device from the bottom panel and drop it into the building
area. Packet Tracer offers several categories of devices, such as routers, switches, computers,
servers, and more.

The drag-and-drop UI is complemented by a command line interface. Although you can do much of
the setup in the visual editor, the command line provides you with full access to all features of the
Packet Tracer, including TCP/IP settings of network devices, routing protocols supports, Layer 2
features etc.

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Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, Pune
Pune, Maharashtra 412105
With that said, Cisco Packet Tracer has some limitations. Among other things, it’s proprietary and
only simulates Cisco devices. Also, it does not support all the features available on actual devices.

Still, Cisco Packet Tracer is fairly intuitive and is a great tool for students and experienced network
specialists alike. It lets you easily build super-complex network topologies to test out ideas or to
allow you to better understand networking concepts.

2. GNS3

GNS3 is quite a bit different from Cisco Packet Tracer. Although GNS3 is perhaps more difficult to
set up, it offers more flexibility than the Packet Tracer. It’s all in all more advanced and allows you
to do more (if you have the knowledge).

The most important advantage of GNS3 over the Packet Tracer is that GNS3 is open-source and
supports more device options as emulated devices.

If needed, you could dive into its source code to extend its base functionality. Most people probably
won’t benefit from the open-source license of GNS3, but it’s still nice to have.

Another nice thing about GNS3 is that it runs real Cisco IOS images in an emulated virtual
environment (more close to the real device), whereas the Packet Tracer merely simulates IOS and
does not support all the features available in real devices.

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Among other things, this allows GNS3 to integrate with real, physical network devices.

Aside from IOS, GNS3 supports other vendors as well, such as Arista or Mikrotik.

What’s also great about GNS3 is that it’s completely free, though the customer support is limited.

3. Cisco VIRL

Many people think that Cisco Packet Tracer is good only for testing high-level ideas. Well, if you
want something more advanced, Cisco VIRL may be the right choice.

VIRL is notorious for its resource management and complexity issues, but it’s way more functional
than Packet Tracer. It features the latest versions of Cisco IOS as well.

What’s also nice about VIRL is that it can create automated bootstrap configurations with one click
thanks to AutoNetkit.

After AutoNetkit is done, it presents graphical representations of network topology and allows you
to customize routing protocols, IP addresses, and more.

One thing to note with VIRL is that the more RAM your machine has, the better. VIRL hogs computer
resources like there’s no tomorrow, so a powerful machine is a must.

4. EVE-NG

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EVE-NG is available in free and paid editions with vastly different features. Although the free
version comes with all the basics of this tool, it lacks some things such as Docker container support,
NAT clouds, or Wireshark integrations.

What’s also particularly notable about EVE-NG is that it is clientless. Basically, this means that you
only need to deploy the server through a virtual machine, and that you don’t need to install
separate tools to visualize and connect network devices. Network setup is done via HTML5, which
is fairly convenient.

Like GNS3, EVE-NG also allows you to modify network topologies while they are running, which
makes it a little more time-efficient.

5. Boson NetSim

NetSim is an excellent solution for preparing for CCNA, ENCOR, and ENARSI exams. Each
subscription of NetSim covers 1 exam in its respective category as well, so you don’t need to
dedicate money to it separately.

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The core of NetSim is the Network Designer – a tool that allows you to create intuitive topologies
with ease. Among the things that the Network Designer lets you do is aligning elements, annotating
topologies, and easily identifying active or inactive connections.

NetSim allows you to share your own labs, lab packs, and network topologies with others as well.
Likewise, you may view labs and topologies of other NetSim users, which may give you an edge in
education.

6. Mininet

Mininet is yet another open-source network simulation solution. This thing works best with Linux
machines since you may install it natively without any VMs. However, you could use Mininet on
Mac and Windows as well if you have something like Virtual Box or VMWare.

As an open-source network simulator, Mininet provides excellent flexibility for setup, though it
also requires more technical knowledge.

It’s not as functional as GNS3 or VIRL, but it’s certainly a good pick for testing ideas or learning.
Mininet is based on OpenFlow as well, so it’s particularly good for building OpenFlow solutions.

7. Common Open Research Emulator (CORE)

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Common Open Research Emulator, or CORE, has been originally developed by a Network
Technology research group at Boeing Research and Technology. Now, the U.S. Naval Research
Laboratory is supporting the further development of CORE.

As an open-source network simulation solution, CORE is highly customizable. Maintained by the

U.S. Navy, it’s reliable and frequently updated as well. CORE is efficient and scalable too, and it also
allows you to run real-time connections to live networks.

8. IMUNES

IMUNES is based on the Linux and FreeBSD kernel. The kernel has been divided into smaller virtual
nodes that can be connected with each other to form complex network topologies.

This tool may simulate or emulate IP networks at gigabit speeds in real time, with hundreds and
thousands of nodes running on a single physical machine. INUMES is scalable as well, allowing you
to perform large-scale experiments.

Completely open-source and free, IMUNES is remarkably customizable too. And what’s also notable
is that IMUNES is currently used for general-purpose network testing at Ericsson Nikola Tesla and
learning at the University of Zagreb.

9. Cloonix

Cloonix comprises a server subset of virtual machines and a client subset of virtual machines
providing distant server’s control.

Primarily, Cloonix is aimed at “the coherent usage” of open-source software solutions such as
openswitch, qemu-kvm, and dpdk.

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Cloonix emulates 3 cable types too – socket, vhost-ovs, and dpdk-ovs. Aside from that, this network
emulation tool provides easy access to the virtual machines managed by it.

When it comes to the easiness of use, Cloonix is intended for more advanced users (though if you
are interested in networking, you should be “advanced” anyway). It’s open-source and free as well,
allowing for great customizability.

10. Paessler Multi Server Simulator

The Paessler Multi Server Simulator is specifically designed for large-scale network testing. Among
the protocols this thing supports are HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and DNS – all the essential and basic stuff
you would want for testing.

What’s also notable about the Multi Server Simulator is that it allows you to simulate recurrent
downtimes for each device – intervals can be set by the user. And thanks to the detailed logs for
each simulated server, keeping an eye on the network is very easy.
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11. Cisco Modeling Labs Personal

Cisco Modeling Labs Personal allows you to prepare for Cisco Expert, Professional, or Associate
certifications via its accurately simulated network environments.

Modeling Labs Personal uses real Cisco IOS images for simulation, allowing you to model real Cisco
switches and routers. Aside from that, Cisco Modeling Labs Personal allows you to create what-if
scenarios and models of real-world networks, connect virtual and physical environments, and
work with up to 20 simulated nodes.

If 20 doesn’t seem quite enough for your needs, then you could get Modeling Labs Personal Plus
with up to 40 concurrent nodes.

12. Cisco CCIE Lab Builder

Cisco CCIE Lab Builder is recommended by Cisco for those who have passed the CCIE Routing and
Switching Written Exam, as well as for those who are preparing for expert written labs and exams.

The virtual lab environment in Cisco CCIE Lab Builder provides access to features that are tested
during the CCIE Routing and Switching Version 5 Lab Exam.

The CCIE Lab Builder lets you configure topologies with up to 20 nodes, while the drag-and-drop
builder with minimal reload times ensures an environment for efficient learning.

14. Kathara

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Kathara is a Python implementation of Netkit. Advertised to be 10 times faster than Netkit, Kathara
allows for the deployment of arbitrary network topologies running on SND, NFV, BGP, or OSPF.

Kathara perhaps isn’t very well-known, but it’s currently being used by students at Roma Tre
University. Aside from that, Kathara has been used to write a number of research papers that
demonstrated the capabilities of Kathara itself, among other things.

15. VNX

VNX is a Linux-based, general-purpose network virtualization tool. Among the highlights of VNX is
the automatic deployment of network scenarios that comprise virtual machines of different types,
such as Windows, FreeBSD, or Linux. Aside from that, VNX may be deployed on hundreds of virtual
machines at a time.

Designed by the Telematics Engineering Department of the Technical University of Madrid, VNX
allows organizations to test network topologies of different scales, as well as may be used for
education.

16. VR Network Lab

VR Network Lab has been developed for the TeraStream project at Deutsche Telekom for testing
the company’s network provisioning system. It has been made available for students and network
specialists via GitHub for free use as well.

This network simulation tool supports devices from multiple vendors – most notably, Arista, Cisco,
Juniper, and Nokia. VR Network Lab is also intended to be run with KVM enabled for hardware-
assisted virtualization, though it may work without it as well.

17. OPNET

The OPNET network simulator is an open-source piece of software with pre-built models of
protocols and devices, allowing you to create a wide range of network topologies. Aside from that,
it incorporates a large number of project scenarios.
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The user interface of OPNET is quite nice and simple. It’s functional too – once you create or import
a network topology for simulation, you may create traffic, select statistics for tracking, and view
results. After that, you may make changes to the topology to hopefully come up with a more
efficient solution.

One thing to note with OPNET is that you can’t create new protocols or modify existing ones. Still,
what comes out of the box should be more than enough for most use cases.

18. QualNet Network Simulator

The QualNet Network Simulator is wonderfully scalable, supporting thousands of nodes for
building and testing network topologies.

Thanks to its efficiency, the Network Simulator is well-optimized and isn’t exorbitantly hungry for
resources like some other network simulation tools out there.

Network Simulator tools allow you to design network topologies, analyze data flow within the
network, trace packets, and set up what-if scenarios to see how the network holds up to tests and
challenges quickly and intuitively.

The QualNet Network Simulator is also compatible with Windows and Linux running on 64-bit
multiprocessor architectures and can be connected to real networks or third-party visualizations
to help you enhance your network model.

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Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, Pune
Pune, Maharashtra 412105