Kathará is a lightweight network emulation system based on Docker containers.
It can be helpful in showing interactive demos/lessons, testing production networks in a sandbox environment, or developing new network protocols.
Each network device is emulated by a container. Virtual network devices are interconnected by virtual L2 LANs.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Each container can potentially run a different Docker image.
- Built-in images include Quagga, FRRouting, Bind, P4, OpenVSwitch, and more, but you can also use your own container images.
- Simplifies the creation of complex networks using the concept of network scenario: a directory containing a file with the network topology, and, for each device, files and folders containing the configuration of that device.
- Emulates network scenarios using either Docker or Kubernetes as backend virtualization system.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux (x86_64 and ARM64), macOS (x86_64 and ARM64), and Windows (x86_64 and ARM64).
Website: github.com/KatharaFramework/Kathara
Support:
Developer: Kathará developers
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Kathará is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Network Simulators | |
|---|---|
| GNS3 | Emulate, configure, test, and troubleshoot virtual and real networks |
| Kathará | Lightweight network emulation system based on Docker containers |
| Shadow | Discrete-event network simulator |
| Dynamips | Emulate Cisco routers |
| ns-3 | Discrete-event network simulator |
| Cooja | Network simulator written in Java |
| CORE | Network emulation platform |
| Cloonix | Create and manage complex virtual network topologies |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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Hi Steve. I think the GH link is wrong.
Hi Torin, thanks for spotting a wrong link here. Link corrected.
You’re welcome.
BTW, Kathará is also cross-platform.
Thanks again, features section updated accordingly.