ns-3

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About

ns-3 is ranked #8 of 29 in network simulation software on Inferse. It runs on Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Windows. There is a free plan.

Compared on network simulation software

Free plan: Yesnsnam.org
Simulation model: discrete-eventnsnam.org
Real-time emulation: Yesnsnam.org
Deployment options: desktopnsnam.org
Automation API: Yesnsnam.org

Facts

Purpose: ns-3 is a discrete-event network simulator targeted primarily for research and educational use.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Simulation workflow: Its simulation core supports workflows from simulation configuration through trace collection and analysis.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Network models: The simulator supports research on IP and non-IP networks, including wireless/IP simulations involving Wi-Fi and LTE.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Real-time use: A real-time scheduler supports simulation-in-the-loop use cases, including sending and receiving ns-3 packets on real network devices.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Code execution: The Direct Code Execution framework allows users to run C or C++ applications or the Linux kernel networking stack within ns-3.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Release cadence: The project ships new releases roughly two or three times per year, with new models, extensions, or bug fixes.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Distribution: Releases are primarily delivered as compressed source archives.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Documentation: Project documentation includes tutorials, an installation guide, model library documentation, a reference manual, and Doxygen API documentation.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Related tools: The project documentation lists NetAnim as a network animator for ns-3 and Bake as a package management tool for advanced ns-3 builds.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Support: Support is provided through mailing lists, Zulip chat, and the issue tracker, and the project says it is maintained by volunteers without backing from a specific company.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Security and license: The project describes ns-3 as free software licensed under GNU GPLv2.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026
Intended users: The project targets networking research and education, and says most users write simulation scripts and may modify or extend its libraries.nsnam.org · 2 Oct 2026