ns-3
What it is
ns-3 is a free, discrete-event network simulator aimed primarily at networking research and education. Its core covers the workflow from configuring simulations through collecting and analyzing traces, with models for IP and non-IP networks, including wireless Wi-Fi and LTE work. A real-time scheduler supports simulation-in-the-loop scenarios that send and receive ns-3 packets on real network devices. Direct Code Execution allows C or C++ applications, or the Linux kernel networking stack, to run within ns-3. The project is GNU GPLv2 software for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployments, with a listed price of free. Releases arrive roughly two or three times a year, mainly as compressed source archives. Documentation includes tutorials, installation guidance, model library documentation, a reference manual, and Doxygen API documentation. NetAnim provides network animation, while Bake supports package management for advanced builds. Support is available through mailing lists, Zulip chat, and the issue tracker.
For and against
For
- Free GNU GPLv2 software
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Models IP, non-IP, Wi-Fi, and LTE networks
- Real-time simulation-in-the-loop scheduler
- Extensive technical documentation
Against
- Primarily distributed as compressed source archives
- Most users write scripts or extend libraries
- Maintained by volunteers without specific company backing
The verdict
ns-3 provides a broad, programmable environment for network simulation and research. Its source-oriented distribution and expectation of scripting make it better suited to technical users than casual experimentation.
Who it suits
ns-3 is intended for networking researchers, educators, and developers who write simulation scripts or modify libraries. It suits users needing discrete-event models, real-time simulation-in-the-loop, or programmable C and C++ execution.
Plans and prices
ns-3
Free software · GNU GPLv2 · publicly available for research, development, and use
Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
On the record
- Code execution
- The Direct Code Execution framework allows users to run C or C++ applications or the Linux kernel networking stack within ns-3.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- Releases are primarily delivered as compressed source archives.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Project documentation includes tutorials, an installation guide, model library documentation, a reference manual, and Doxygen API documentation.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project targets networking research and education, and says most users write simulation scripts and may modify or extend its libraries.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Network models
- The simulator supports research on IP and non-IP networks, including wireless/IP simulations involving Wi-Fi and LTE.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ns-3 is a discrete-event network simulator targeted primarily for research and educational use.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Real-time use
- A real-time scheduler supports simulation-in-the-loop use cases, including sending and receiving ns-3 packets on real network devices.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Related tools
- The project documentation lists NetAnim as a network animator for ns-3 and Bake as a package management tool for advanced ns-3 builds.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Release cadence
- The project ships new releases roughly two or three times per year, with new models, extensions, or bug fixes.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Security and license
- The project describes ns-3 as free software licensed under GNU GPLv2.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Simulation workflow
- Its simulation core supports workflows from simulation configuration through trace collection and analysis.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support is provided through mailing lists, Zulip chat, and the issue tracker, and the project says it is maintained by volunteers without backing from a specific company.nsnam.org · read 2 Oct 2026
