Network simulators are broadly applicable in diverse areas for forecasting the performance of a computer network. Some of the notable and specific software network simulators accompanying with its particular properties and use cases are discussed in this article:

1. NS2 (Network Simulator 2)

• Type: In educational research, NS-2 is a widely used discrete event simulator and it is publicly available.
• Main Characteristics: Beyond wired and wireless networks, NS-2 assists a huge number of protocols. It enables consumers to execute novel protocols with its portable and adaptive systems. For the purpose of multicasting protocols across IP networks, simulating TCP and routing, it incorporates a broad range of properties.
• Application Scenarios: To conduct research network activities, protocols and for thesis projects, NS2 is suitable for research and academic purposes.

2. NS3 (Network Simulator 3)

• Type: It was created as an advanced version of NS-2 and it is an open-source and discrete event simulator.
• Main Characteristics: As regards advanced IP networks like IPv6, NS-3 offer sufficient assistance. Encompassing the physical layer, it provides a clear authentic representation of network stack. It concentrates more on practical simulations. NS-3 is different from NS- 2; it does not leverage backward compatibility.
• Application Scenarios: For advanced network studies, this simulator is particularly relevant which involves simulation of internet protocols, wireless networks and high-speed wired networks.

3. OMNeT++

• Type: This simulator is an expandable, flexible, component based C++ simulation library and platform.
• Main Characteristics: For constructing network simulators, it offers enriched tools. OMNeT++ contributes as a basic simulation environment which is not constrained to network simulation. Regarding network simulations, user association and detailed reports, OMNeT++ is popular for its productive tools like INET and GUI.
• Application Scenarios: Encompassing network research, academic purposes and protocol enhancement, this OMNeT++ simulator is utilized for a wide area of simulation requirements.

4. Mininet

• Type: It executes on real switch, kernel and application code, as it is a direct virtual network on a single machine.
• Main Characteristics: Mininet promotes interactive network research and for prototyping the large network topologies, it enables the users. In the process of developing real-time SDN (Software defined Networking) simulations, this simulator is familiarly prevalent.
• Application Scenarios: To perform practicals, explore techniques and design control techniques, Mininet is the best simulator for SDN developers, instructors and explorers.

5. GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3)

• Type: To simulate sophisticated networks, GNS3 accesses the integration of virtual and real networks and it is a graphical network simulator.
• Main Characteristics: Simulation of multiple Cisco IOS routers, Juniper, ASA and PIX routers are assisted by this simulator. Considering the extensive network that includes servers, switches and routers, users could synthesize VMs (Virtual Machines).
• Application Scenarios: GNS3 is especially developed for modeling and examining network architectures as well as it is suitable for network experts those who are looking ahead of credentials.

6. Packet Tracer

• Type: Packet Tracer is designed by Cisco systems which is a cross-platform visual simulation tool.
• Main Characteristics: In a virtual framework, this simulator aids networking students to develop, construct and troubleshoot computer networks by means of offering an interactive simulation platform. Switch models and Cisco routers and other network devices are assisted through this simulator.
• Application Scenarios: Specifically for CCNA and CCNP training, Cisco Networking Academy students and mentors use Packet Tracer for learning purposes.

7. NetSim

• Type: NetSim is created by Tetcos and for network simulation and emulation; it acts as an extensive tool.
• Main Characteristics: Among diverse network technologies such as sensor networks, MANETs, LAN, WLAN and WANs, NetSim provides extensive modeling of protocols. It offers performance analysis tools and assists several types of protocols.
• Application Scenarios: This simulator is used for academic activities, protocol testing and network R&D and it is relevant for guides, experts and explorers.

8. Wireshark

• Type: For simulation and teaching process, this simulator is deployed circumstantially which is often a network protocol analyzer.
• Main Characteristics: Wireshark assists a huge number of protocols and explains numerous protocols. It contains efficient capability for capturing and exhibiting the concepts of network frames in an interactive manner.
• Application Scenarios: It is mostly deployed for software and protocol advancement, academic purposes, evaluation and network troubleshooting.

9. MATLAB Network Simulator

• Type: To simulate network protocols and techniques, MATLAB provides a toolkit and services.
• Main Characteristics: It highlights wireless communications that incorporate 5G advancement and assist custom network simulations and evaluations.
• Application Scenarios: For explorers and engineers who are performing research on system architecture, signal processing and wireless communications, this simulator is very beneficial.

What language is used in a network simulator?

Network Simulator utilizes different languages for performing specific tasks. An extensive summary about programming languages which is primarily applied in popular simulators are provided by us:

1. NS2 (Network Simulator 2)

• Deployed Languages: The integration of C++ and Object-oriented Tool Command Language (OTcl) are used by the NS-2 simulator. For configuring simulations and specifying network events, OTcl is applied which is a version of Tcl (Tool Command Language) and C++ is employed for the simulation core and evaluating the performance of significant components. In order to conduct a balance between capability (by C++) and usability for scenario specification and configuration (through OTcl), these dual language methods access NS-2 simulation.

2. NS3 (Network Simulator 3)

• Deployed Languages: Based on C++, NS3 is created significantly. As compared to previous version NS2, it does not apply to OTcl. NS3 offers a more globalized and stable advancement platform, as it is written instantly in C++. For those who favor Python’s syntax and libraries, NS3 provides access for extensive users, as the Python bindings are accessible and enables the simulation to be written in Python.

3. OMNeT++

• Deployed Languages: For specifying the elements and activities, OMNeT++ supports language’s object-oriented features and this simulation is mainly written in C++ language. In an interpreted and systematic format, this simulator specifies the network topology and configuration settings by using its own simulation description language called NED (Network Description).

4. Mininet

• Deployed Languages: Particularly, Mininet deploys Python for its API and scripts, which is an effective emulator that is assumed from the top of the Linux operating system. For generating tasks, executing practicals and developing complicated network topologies, the intelligibility and wide libraries of Python are extremely beneficial.

5. GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3)

• Deployed Languages: Basically, GNS3 is significantly built on Python language. For the purpose of modeling and connecting virtual network devices, this simulator offers GUI (Graphical User Interface). It synthesizes with various tools and virtual machines to promote network simulation processes. Among GNS3 platforms, Python scripts are frequently employed to handle network configurations and generate tasks.

6. Packet Tracer

• Deployed Languages: Certain language which is applied for Cisco’s packet Tracer enhancement is not exposed publicly, because it is licensed software. Although considering the process of automating the simulations and configurations, it encompasses scripting properties that generally employ some kind of JavaScript.

7. NetSim

• Deployed Languages: It is similar to Packet Tracer, as the particular information is very confidential. For performance justifications, NetSim’s core is probably designed in a compiled language. On the basis of version and particular features which might be expanded or executed, it primarily exploits C or C++ to incorporate protocols and simulations by offering an effective interface for consumers.