Wednesday, August 26, 2020

The Difference Between Network Simulation & Network Emulation?

 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 entry level 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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