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 |
| Dynamips | Emulate Cisco routers |
| ns-3 | Discrete-event network simulator |
| Cooja | Network simulator written in Java |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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