OASISNET: an OASIS network simulator

This paper describes a Web-based simulator of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) mandated Open Access Same-Time Information System (OASIS) network. OASIS is the real-time information network/electronic bulletin board whose specification are spelled out in FERC Order 889. The purpose of the simulator is to provide a tool for study of the various aspects of a multi-node OASIS network and to gain a strong intuitive feel for its operations. For a specified simulation period, the OASISNET simulator reproduces the behavior of an OASIS network using the same communications medium as the actual system, the Internet, and with multiple players using the simulator simultaneously. Users dynamically interact with the simulator through World Wide Web (WWW) browsers. Salient features of the simulator are its modular architecture, the ability to simulate multi-node OASIS network operations and to accept simultaneous access from remote users through the use of client/server technology. The simulation focuses on the dissemination and use of the available transmission capability information. Sample applications of the new simulator are discussed.