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Simulation

This page sum up major simulation tool for networking purpose.

NS-3

NS-3 stands for Network Simulation 3. It's a free open source software. It's widely used for research. There is no graphic interface, everything must be written in code.

NS-3 is written in C++ and python. It has a big community of developers who produce plugins for specific usage.

OMNeT++

OMNeT++ stand for Objective Modular Network Testbed in C++. It's open source and free for academic usage. It comes with a graphical interface (Qtenv). The OMNeT++ IDE is based on eclipse.

OMNeT++ is divided in 3 parts:

  • The NED (Network Description) that define the topology and the interconnection between equipments (computer, switch, router, etc.)
  • The C++ that define the behavior of equipments such as router
  • The .ini file who define the simulation parameter such as duration, the Wi-Fi signal strength, etc.

OMNeT++ is used for WSN with the framework Castalia

Cooja

Cooja stand for Contiki OS Java Simulator

Cooja is specialized in IoT simulation. It provides different views, allow exporting packet for a Wireshark analysis. Plus, it allows measuring energy consumption thanks to Energest.

Cooja is free and open-source.

CupCarbon

CupCarbon is a simulation tool for IoT and Smart Cities. It's rely on a visual approach by opposition with NS-3 and OMNeT++. It's open-source and free.

CupCarbon a made in France tool by l'Université de Bretagne Occidentale.

Mininet-WiFi

Mininet-WiFi is an extension of Mininet for wireless connection. It works mainly with python and has graphical interface to visualize in real time the simulation.

STK

STK stands for System Tool Kit, it's a tool developed by AGI (Analytical Graphics, Inc.) that allow to modelize complex systems with satellites, planes, sensors, cars, etc. It can predict position of a satellite at an instant T, check if a signal can pass through a mountain or a building, compute link quality and some other think.

It cost up de 100 000 € so not interesting for research.

OpenSatKit

OpenSatKit is an open source software to modelize satellites communication. To make a long story short, OpenSatKit is the free alternative of STK.

ONE

ONE stand for Opportunistic Network Environment simulator. It's a simulator specialized in DTN simulation. ONE is not actively maintained but can still be useful for specific scenario including DTN.

It provides a real time GUI to see packet mobility.

The original paper introducing the ONE software has received over 3,000 citations. Its name is: The ONE simulator for DTN protocol evaluation.