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Partov: a network simulation and emulation tool

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Journal of Simulation

Abstract

Network protocol design and evaluation requires either full implementation of the considered protocol and evaluation in a real network, or a simulation based on a model. There is also a middle approach in which both simulation and emulation are used to evaluate a protocol. In this article the Partov engine, which provides both simulation and emulation capabilities simultaneously, is presented. Partov benefits from a layered and platform-independent architecture. As a pure simulator, it provides an extensible plugin-based platform that can be configured to perform both real-time and non-real-time discrete-event simulations. It also acts as an emulator, making interaction with real networks possible in real time. Additionally, a declarative XML-based language is used, acting as a glue between simulation and emulation modules and plugins. It supports dynamic network modelling and simulation based on continuous time Markov chains. Partov is compared with other well-known tools such as NS-3 and real processes such as Hping3. It is shown that Partov requires less overhead and is much more scalable than NS-3.

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Notes

  1. NS 3.19 is used in the experiments.

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Momeni, B., Kharrazi, M. Partov: a network simulation and emulation tool. J Simulation 10, 237–250 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1057/jos.2014.22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/jos.2014.22

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