Network Simulator (NS2)

What’s the course about?

A computer network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. The connections between computers are established using either cable or a wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet. Today, the computer networks - including LAN and WAN - have become too complex that we need software tools to understand their behavior.

The software tools simulate events for us to analyze the behaviour of the networks. NS, standing for Network Simulators, is an open source, simulation software. The course is about using NS2, the second version of NS, to simulate networking protocols (like TCP, FTP, UDP, HTTP and DSR); wired and wireless networks.

Network Simulator Image

Course Objective :

This course gives an introduction to the basics of networking, working principle of protocols like TCP & UDP, and the two key languages: C++ and Object-oriented Tool Command Language (OTcl) used in NS2. The course helps students master the concept of routing for sending the data from one node to another node, evaluating the results through trace analysis as well as graphical visualization. Students are trained to edit & create protocols for new models and support for simulation of TCP, routing, and multicast protocols over wired and wireless networks.

Key course content

 Introduction to Basic Networks and Network Simulation

 Introduction to Tcl Script

 Program to create nodes and links in Tcl Script

 TCP and UDP implementation in Wired and Wireless Networks

 Program to analyze a trace file and Plotting with gnuplot, Xgraph

 Dynamic Node Creation

 Introduction to Unicast and Multicast Routing

 Simulation using RED

Who can enroll

Students pursuing their Bachelor, Diploma or Masters in ECE, CSE, IT & Telecommunication with basic networking skills can benefit from this course.

Job opportunities

There are plenty of job opportunities for students in the networking space. All organized sectors, right from corporate to small organizations using computer networks, need experts in simulation. Some of the popular job titles are: Network Simulation specialist, Simulation Engineer, Network Developer.