NS3

NS3 (ns-3) is a discrete-event network simulator designed for research and education. It's free, open-source software that enables simulation of Internet systems, supporting both IP and non-IP networks with realistic models for Wi-Fi, LTE, TCP, and mobile ad hoc routing protocols.

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Network Emulators

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About NS3

NS3 (Network Simulator 3) is a powerful, discrete-event network simulator primarily designed for research and educational purposes in the field of computer networking. As a free and open-source software licensed under the GNU GPLv2 license, ns-3 provides researchers, educators, and students with a comprehensive simulation environment for modeling and analyzing complex network behaviors and protocols. The simulator supports a wide range of network technologies including IP and non-IP based networks, with particular strength in wireless/IP simulations involving models for Wi-Fi, LTE, and other wireless systems for layers 1 and 2. Ns-3 also known as Network Simulator 3 distinguishes itself through its emphasis on realistic simulation models that can serve as real-time network emulators, allowing interconnection with real-world systems and reuse of existing protocol implementations. The ns-3 architecture supports research on TCP performance, mobile ad hoc routing protocols, and various other networking topics, making it an invaluable tool for academic research and network protocol development. With its modular design, extensive documentation, and active community support, ns-3 continues to evolve through regular releases that incorporate new models, extensions, and bug fixes contributed by a global community of developers and researchers.

Features

Discrete-event network simulation engine

Support for IP and non-IP networks

Realistic Wi-Fi and LTE models

TCP performance analysis capabilities

Mobile ad hoc routing protocol support

Real-time scheduler for emulation

Direct Code Execution framework

Python bindings for scripting

Modular architecture for extensibility

Open-source with community development

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

CPU

2.5 GHz processor or above

Memory (RAM)

4 GB

Storage

5 GB of free space

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Latest Version

3.46.1

Added

Oct 16, 2025

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40.7 MB

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