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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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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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