Simulators are the most crucial software tools to conduct the simulation process. The network simulators provide modules and libraries for simulating network conditions and specific protocols. We give the following outline which has some popular and leading network simulation tools including their thorough descriptions in terms of their types, features and uses:

1. NS2/NS3 (Network Simulator)

• Category: It is an accessible license-free simulation software tool.
• Main Properties:
• NS2: Beyond wired and wireless networks like local and satellite networks, NS2 provides huge assistance for simulation of multicast, routing protocols and TCP.
• NS3: It gives the best simulation abilities for IP-oriented networks, though it is not backward compatible with NS2. NS3 contains a combined visualizer and well-practical designing of the physical layer.
• Applications: By serving a vast amount of network research topics, this is perfect for educational investigation and learning.

2. OMNeT++

• Category: It has a graphical runtime platform and is a modular, expandable and element-oriented C++ simulation model and library.
• Main Properties:
• OMNeT++ enables the simulation of several network kinds and protocols as it is a configurable and most modular software tool.
• Certainly for networking investigation, it accompanies with a huge collection of simulation frameworks and a wide range of documents.
• Applications: This is appropriate for simulating both non-networking models and complicated networking frameworks such as queuing networks and wired/wireless communication networks.

3. Mininet

• Category: On an individual system, executing an actual kernel, application program, and switching by this network emulator which can develop a practical virtual network.
• Main Properties:
• The fast modeling of software-defined networking platforms is permitted by Mininet.
• By implementing actual software like OpenFlow switches, it helps communicative testing and network simulation.
• Applications: It is excellent for network application experimenting, academic goals and SDN creation and testing.

4. GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator)

• Category: It enables the integration of virtual and actual devices, as it is a license-free network software emulator.
• Main Properties:
• A variety of virtual systems and router/switch firmware images are assisted through this GNS3.
• To develop and configure virtual networks, it offers a graphical interface.
• Applications: For simulating difficult networks especially for certification training objectives such as CCNP or CCNA and for network experts, this tool is more perfect.

5. Packet Tracer

• Category: It is a multifaceted visual simulation tool that is developed by Cisco Systems.
• Main Properties:
• For creating networks and simulating Cisco network devices, Packet Tracer provides an in-built interface.
• From routers to switches including several configuration choices, it contains a wide range of a simulated networking tool.
• Applications: To the people who are learning for Cisco certifications specifically, this is very valuable as academic motives.

6. NetSim

• Category: It is the foremost network simulation software which is created by Tetcos especially for simulation and protocol designing.
• Main Properties:
• Throughout several network techniques like sensor, wireless and wired networks, it assists a vast amount of protocols.
• Particularly for efficiency analysis and enhancement, NetSim contains many characteristics.
• Applications: For protection applications and network R&D, this is applicable for both the experts and investigators.

7. OPNET (now part of Riverbed Technology)

• Category: It is a top-ranking network simulation tool that gives analysis tools and complete frameworks.
• Main Properties:
• For designing, simulating and observing the efficacy and actions of the networks, it offers an extensive advancement setting.
• OPNET helps a vast amount of network techniques and kinds.
• Applications: Specifically for network R&D, application strength evaluation and network assigning, this is mostly implemented in educational and commercial areas.

8. MATLAB Simulink

• Category: It is a copyrighted coding language which is designed by MathWorks and considered as a multi-model numerical computing platform.
• Main Properties:
• To simulate particular wireless interactions and network protocols, MATLAB Simulink provides toolbox extensions.
• It is used for traditional simulation, analysis and framework creation.
• Applications: For simulating control systems, signal processing and interaction systems, this is the most suitable tool.

9. Wireshark

• Category: Although it can be utilized to simulate and observe network traffic in learning settings, it mainly acts as a network protocol analyzer.
• Main Properties:
• Wireshark shows extensive details about active packet data by recording them from a network interface.
• To observe the thorough activity of network protocols from recorded sessions or in actual duration, this could be very helpful.
• Applications: This is more beneficial for safety analysis, network troubleshooting and academic purposes.

What is the role of simulation in WSN?

       The process of simulation plays a vital role in the development and enhancement of WSNs, as it offers a cost-effective, efficient and flexible route to evaluate several network techniques, protocols and configurations. We provide you the main duties of simulation in the field of WSNs:

1. Design and Planning

• Topology Design: By confirming optimal sensor positioning for connections and coverage, simulations aid in creating the network topology.
• Protocol Selection: Especially for the needs of latency, bandwidth and power, evaluating various interaction protocols to detect the well-effective one.
• Hardware Decision: To select the highly applicable elements, assessing the efficiency of various sensor hardware configurations under simulated criteria.

2. Performance Evaluation

• Scalability Analysis: For scheduling deployments in huge or extending fields, it is essential to evaluate in what way the network executes when it expands in size as well as difficulty.
• Energy Consumption: Simulation serves in enlarging network lifespan and enhancing energy consumption, because sensors mostly work on insufficient energy sources such as batteries.
• Data Accuracy and Reliability: Under multiple criteria, confirming that the data which is gathered and transferred from the network is precise and it arrives at its destination unfailingly.

3. Testing Under Various Conditions

• Environmental Conditions: Make an impact on wireless interaction and sensor operation through simulating various ecological criteria such as humidity and temperature.
• Fault Tolerance and Recovery: To recover and keep processes, experimenting the rigidity and strength of the network to breakdowns like interaction disturbances and sensor malfunctions.
• Security Threats: According to several safety attacks, validating solutions and evaluating the susceptibility of the network.

4. Optimization

• Routing Algorithms: For reducing data transmission delays, create and validate routing methods which are altered to the specific features of WSNs like energy performance.
• Resource Allocation: Enhance the entire network lifespan and efficacy by optimizing the assignment of given materials like energy, and bandwidth.
• Scheduling Mechanisms: To equal the trade-offs among data suitability, energy consumption and accessibility, developing allocating systems for sensors.

5. Cost Estimation and Risk Mitigation

• Deployment Costs: For supporting in outlining the expenses and scheduling the resources, calculate the budget related with deploying and preserving the network.
• Risk Assessment: In specific configurations and settings, detecting possible threats in deploying the network and to reduce these dangers, approaches are being invented.

6. Prototyping and Proof-of-Concept

• Rapid Prototyping: Before involving costly practical deployments, it is used for the rapid creation and validation of novel theories and plans.
• Proof-of-Concept Testing: Particularly to the possible investors and participants, presenting the attainability of developed countermeasures in simulated platforms.