For tests in the area of networks, the terms emulation and
simulation are often used interchangeably. In most cases, the terms explain
what the individual wants to say. But in practice, there are big differences
between a network emulator and a network simulator.
For a network engineer, an incorrectly configured
application can cost a lot of time to find the problem. If you want to avoid
such problems in advance, the network engineer only has thorough and
efficient testing of the applications. It does not matter whether it's
installing a new network, migrating to the cloud, or adding a new device to the
rack. The individual steps within the entire life cycle of an application
should be validated with appropriate tests.
For tests in the area of networks, the terms emulation and
simulation are often used interchangeably. In most cases, the terms explain
what the individual wants to say. In practice, however, there are big
differences between a network emulator and a network simulator.
Network Simulation
v/s Network Emulation
Network Simulators
A network simulator uses mathematical formulas to represent
a complete virtual model of a network. Simulators are usually implemented as
software solutions and various simulators are available today for the various
applications. These are primarily used in the field of research and teaching,
but can also be used as test instruments in the design and development of
networks.
Simulators (such as the open-source solution ns-3 can
simulate network and routing protocols.) Riverbed's OPNET Simulator has been
integrated into its Steel central product line to provide a standalone
simulation environment.
Both network simulators provide a discrete simulation of network
events and are able to chronologically display and monitor the respective data
flows. On this basis, a network architect can create and evaluate a model
(including the topology and application flows) of a network. Since a variety of
scenarios can be simulated in the virtual network construct, a hypothetical
performance assessment is possible before the network is implemented in the
real world.
Although testing a network-based network simulator saves
time and money, these components are not without problems. The simulation of
highly complex operations requires a certain amount of experience and training
to properly configure the network simulators or to provide reliable results. In
addition, network simulators are not always usable because certain events
cannot be achieved independently of a physical network.
Network Emulators
A network emulator is used to test the performance of a real
network. These devices can also be used for quality assurance, to prove the
functioning of a concept or for troubleshooting. Available as network or
software solutions, a network emulator allows the networker to test the ability
to react, measure throughput, and assess the application before making changes
or additions to a system, or impacting the user before the actual test Changes
are made to the network.
When a network emulator is placed between two LAN segments,
it can mimic a WAN connection (without the need to install routers) and even
replicate real-time traffic. The network emulator can be configured to have bandwidth
limitations and connection problems (such as packet loss, delay, and jitter) on
the emulated connection. Latency can also be specified to emulate data
transmission over long distances and to test the correct behavior of
applications.
Software solutions such as NetEm (already integrated into the
Linux kernel) are ideal for network testing at low data rates. The limitations
are caused by the platforms the emulator works on.
Hardware solutions (such as Linposropy 8510 from Apposite
Technologies / Digital Hands have been specifically designed for this single
use case and therefore offer correspondingly higher performance.
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