NetSim by Tetcos

NetSim by Tetcos is a packet-level, discrete-event simulator and emulator for wired and wireless communication networks. Its 5G and 6G models cover end-to-end networks with gNB, UE, 5G Core, MIMO, beamforming, network slicing and configurable propagation. C source code is provided for every layer of the 5G stack, allowing users to modify protocols. An external Python interface supports automation, AI/ML workflows and run-time control, while Standard and Pro interface with Python, MATLAB, SUMO and Wireshark. NetSim Emulator connects simulations to real hardware and live applications, with traffic passing through configured delay, loss and error conditions. NetSim Cyber adds network and attack emulation for power-system cyber-physical testbeds, with direct interfaces to listed power-system tools and platforms. NetSim runs on Windows; the emulator setup specifies a dedicated system running Windows 10 or 11. NetSim Lite is free for individual use. Other plan prices are on request. Tetcos lists universities, defence labs, telecom operators and research groups among NetSim users, and offers technical support by ticket, email and phone.

NetSim combines network simulation with hardware emulation, protocol customization and a power-system cyber layer. NetSim Lite is free for individual use; pricing for other plans is on request.

NetSim may suit universities, defence labs, telecom operators and research groups working on network simulation or emulation. NetSim Cyber is directed at power-system cyber-physical testbeds.

NetSim by Tetcos is a Windows desktop tool for packet-level network simulation and real-time emulation. It is best suited to academic and research teams, telecom operators and defence labs that need to model networks, alter protocols or connect simulations to hardware. Its standout advantage is the path from configurable models to hardware-connected experiments; custom pricing for paid editions and a Windows-only setup make it less suitable for casual or cross-platform use.

Overview

NetSim uses discrete-event simulation for wired and wireless networks, and can also pass traffic between a simulation and real hardware or live applications. In the emulator, configured delay, loss and error conditions let teams examine how those impairments affect a connected setup. That combination serves research and validation work better than a simulator focused only on diagrams or classroom exercises.

Its 5G and 6G models cover gNBs, UEs, the 5G Core, MIMO, beamforming, network slicing and configurable propagation. C source code across every layer of the 5G stack can be modified to build custom protocols, a meaningful advantage for protocol research but more capability than most learners need.

Key features

Automation and integrations

An external Python interface supports automation, AI/ML workflows and run-time control. Standard and Pro also integrate with Python, MATLAB, SUMO and Wireshark. These connections suit teams that already use those tools to analyze or automate experiments; the broader integrations are not included in the listed Lite or Academic plans.

Hardware and power-system emulation

The emulator connects simulations to hardware and live applications, with traffic passing through configured network conditions. NetSim Cyber adds a cyber-physical layer for power-system testbeds and interfaces with OPAL-RT, RTDS, HYPERSIM, PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, Typhoon HIL, OpenPMU and openPDC. This makes Pro with the Cyber add-on relevant to power-system security work, though it is specialized capability rather than a general-purpose networking need.

Licensing and support

Cloud licensing exchanges license-handshake data while simulation data and user files stay local. On-premises floating licensing keeps communication within the customer network and can work without internet after initial setup. Tetcos offers ticket, email and phone support, with replies stated to arrive within 24 hours; Pro includes priority support.

Pricing

NetSim uses a freemium model. Lite is free for individual use, while Academic, Standard and Pro use custom pricing. The listed plan limits and inclusions make the trade-offs clearer than the price: Academic is capped at 100 nodes, Standard at 500, and Pro at 5,000.

Lite is the only plan with a stated free price and is limited to individual use. Academic trades the larger node counts and integrations of higher editions for teaching-oriented labs and visualization; Standard provides the emulator and named integrations, while Pro raises capacity and adds priority support and add-ons. No trial length or renewal terms are stated.

Platforms

NetSim is a Windows desktop application. The emulator setup calls for a dedicated system running Windows 10 or 11, which is a practical constraint for labs and teams that need to reserve a machine for emulation. It is not a fit for users who require a native Linux or macOS deployment.

Who it's for

Tetcos identifies universities, defence labs, telecom operators and research groups as users. Academic's labs, animation and dashboard suit instruction; editable 5G source code, automation and multiple integrations speak to protocol researchers. Standard and Pro are the stronger choices when a project needs hardware emulation, while Cyber is aimed at power-system cyber-physical testbeds. Individual users can start with Lite, but teams that need larger capacities or specialized functions should weigh custom-priced editions.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Editable C code across the 5G stack supports custom protocol work rather than restricting users to fixed models.
• Pros: Real-time emulation connects simulated traffic to hardware and live applications, with configurable delay, loss and error conditions.
• Pros: Academic includes 35+ labs plus packet animation, dynamic plots and a results dashboard for teaching.
• Pros: Cyber's direct interfaces to power-system platforms make it relevant to specialized cyber-physical testbeds.
• Cons: Windows is the only stated platform, and emulator setup requires a dedicated Windows 10 or 11 system.
• Cons: Lite is free only for individual use; Academic, Standard and Pro have custom pricing, making team costs harder to assess upfront.
• Cons: Academic's 100-node limit is substantially below Standard's 500 and Pro's 5,000, so larger studies require a higher edition.

Alternatives

Network Simulation Software is the broader category for comparing tools. Consider these alternatives when their deployment, licensing or stated limits better match the job:

• EVE-NG is worth considering when Linux, macOS, web or self-hosted platform support matters; its free plan has 7 nodes per instance and 63 nodes per lab.
• IMUNES is an option for readers looking for free software with Linux, macOS, web, Windows or self-hosted support.
• Mininet suits users who want permissive BSD-licensed open-source software and can work within a single server's CPU and bandwidth limits; it requires a Linux kernel.
• OMNeT++ may suit noncommercial teaching and research, which its Academic Public License permits; commercial use requires a separate license.
• Cisco Packet Tracer is a free alternative for users willing to enroll in a course to download the latest version.
• EMANE is another free option for Linux or self-hosted use.
• GNS3 is a free, open-source alternative available for Linux, macOS, Windows, web or self-hosted deployment.
• Kathará is free open-source software with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

Verdict

Choose NetSim if your work needs detailed 5G/6G modeling, editable protocol code, automation or a bridge from simulation to real hardware; Academic is the natural starting point for teaching, while Standard and Pro address progressively larger and more specialized projects. Look elsewhere if you need a non-Windows platform, or if custom-priced editions and their higher node limits are not justified by your work.