ns-3 is a discrete-event network simulator for Internet systems, targeted primarily for research and educational use.
The code for the framework and the default models provided by ns-3 is built as a set of libraries. User simulations are expected to be written as simple programs that make use of these ns-3 libraries.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Command-line, Unix orientation.
- Simulations and models are written directly in C++ and Python rather than a domain-specific simulation language.
- Emulation support:
- Support moving between simulation and testbeds or live systems.
- A real-time scheduler, and support for two modes of emulation.
- Several supporting libraries, not system-installed, can be in parallel to ns-3.
- ns-3 modules
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, and Windows.
Website: www.nsnam.org
Support: GitLab Code Repository
Developer: nsnam
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
ns-3 is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials. There are bindings available for 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.
Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category.The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form. |


Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.