A Comparative Study of Network Simulators with Focus on OTN (Optical Transport Networks)

Researchers, Students and Industry experts rely on simulators to experiment and study the behavior of network under test conditions. From multiple available simulators with different features and specs, which simulator is most appropriate fit for their specific research work, is daunting question. The objective of the paper is to contribute to simulator selection process, by presenting useful comparative analysis, considerations and specific information, to other fellow researchers, thereby making their selection process efficient and more reliable approach with focus on OTN (Optical Transport Network). The data presented in this paper is collected from reliable sources such as product manuals, manufacturer data sheets, published articles. For empirical data (such as ‘installation time’), actual measurements were carried out by the author and by surveying other researchers for their observations. The paper is structured in multiple sections. First section (“Introduction”) introduces the need of simulator in network research, describes preparatory activities before selecting simulator and data collection methodology used by author. The second section (“Challenges”) explains the challenges that researchers may face at any step during simulator selection for Optical Network research. This comprehensive list of challenges, include techno-functional challenges, challenges related to support and usability, soft aspects like GUI and reporting, licensing/commercial challenges etc. This is one of the unique contributions made by this paper. It helps readers to get a 360- degree view and anticipate issues they may encounter during selection process. In next section (“Listing and Grouping Network Simulators”), a comprehensive list of available network simulators is presented. The list is obtained using various criteria: highest popularity, highest usage in research projects, highest voting/ranking in analyst surveys. This list of 25 network simulators helps readers to quickly know available options, thereby avoid time-consuming search. A key finding for reader is to get a clear grouping of simulators with focus on optical domain which is also a unique contribution of this paper. In the next section (“Simulators Overview”), a summary of key features and characteristics of Optical Network simulators is provided. This information is vital for simulator selection. In the last section (“Simulators Ranking Tool”), there is a simple tool (xls based) presented for ranking these simulations based on criterion. This ranking tool is useful for researcher's in methodically approaching the simulator selection, and finding its fitment to their research area. This tool is another unique contribution of this paper. This paper helps in providing a step-by-step approach for simulator selection, accelerating simulator selection, reducing any surprises/challenges and finding useful information at one place. The approach and information provided in this paper helps accelerate the simulator selection from top 25 network simulators to only few that are appropriate fit for any research related to optical transport network. Thus, researchers can utilize the saved time and effort, in their actual research work.