Networking has a vital role in connecting devices. At this point, network simulation plays a critical role. Before establishing a physical network, we use network simulation and modeling tools that can simulate the problems and deficiencies we may face in advance. There are many network simulation and modeling tools that we can use to design and simulate the physical network. But not all network simulation and modeling tools provide us with the same opportunities. Commonly used network simulation and modeling tools are as follows: Boson Netsim, Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, VIRL, EVE-NG etc.
We need to create a network so that devices can communicate with each other. In the network we will create, we use topologies to ensure that the cabling and devices work in harmony with each other, to control the exchange of packets from a device over the network, and to organize the physical and logical appearance.
By using these tools, network design and analysis is easier and less costly. Additionally, network simulator tools are useful for allowing network designers to test new network protocols or modify existing protocols in a controlled and repeatable manner to evaluate how a network behaves under different conditions. By this way, we can design, configure, and test different scenarios in varied topologies and protocol without the need for physical hardware. It provides us flexibility and reduces cost as well as allows troubleshooting. It has a valuable significance not only for engineers but also educators, and students.
Since these tools has a crucial role in testing, designing, and optimizing networks, upon questions, in this article, I will not explain how to use the tools, but discuss and compare two of them (PacketTracer and EVE-NG) that I have mostly used and benefit from. Instead of focusing one of them specifically, both have different advantages, that’s why both can be used per scenario especially for the beginners. Before deep-diving, let me explain briefly why I exclude GNS3-Graphical Network Simulator (as an answer for one of the questions). Despite it supports multiple vendor environments, VIRL images, and virtualizes complex networks, doesn’t provide IOS images and required well-performed infrastructure (as the main reason), and it performs not properly and becomes problematic if you have a less hardware configuration in your home-lab.
Packet Tracer is virtual network simulation software developed by Cisco to learn and understand various concepts in computer networks. Individuals can customize configurations by interacting with various network devices on Packet Tracer. It is an effective teaching and learning application. After this virtual environment, users gain confidence when it comes to working in the real-time environment. We can track the path a packet that moves from source to destination and also learn and understand how to troubleshoot a network when a packet does not reach the destination. Packet Tracer can be used to learn concepts more clearly by creating different scenarios. It has both logical and physical workspace to create customized scenario-based labs and has both Real-Time and simulation Modes to understand various networking concepts. It also has user-friendly GUI and CLI interfaces that are easy to use. Basic networking concepts such as DNS, DHCP, NAT, routing, network cabling etc. can be easily explained using packet tracer and individuals can create, configure and conduct troubleshooting. Individuals can create their own scenario-based laboratories and provides real simulation and visualization environment. The lab can be also connected to a real network with PTBridge.
These are, for instance, what I’ve done a years ago… IOT devices controlling remotely (when there are exhaust smoke, then alarms and sprinklers works), another IOT topology to control devices remotely in and around house, routing, SFP, trunking, office scenario and WLans (connecting office Wi-Fi with cell phone over guest Access point and reaching webserver)…
So, Packet Tracer is easy to use and install, needs less resources, has user-friendly interface so that can be ideal for teaching and learning purposes mostly in networking concepts. This educational methodology provides beginners a hands-on training in configuring and troubleshooting networks for simple network simulations. However, it supports only Cisco routers and switches, has limitation on some devices and no integration with a real-physical device. In this point, we may go further for additional features and capabilities with alternatives: EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment – Next Generation).
EVE-NG is a virtual simulation platform that enables network and systems engineers to run complex network devices and virtual servers. This platform simulate real network conditions to test different scenarios, and simulate network infrastructure in a secure environment. It provides tools for you to use around virtual devices and interconnect them with other virtual or physical devices. Its features simplify the usability, manageability, interconnection, the ability to understand and share topologies, and “labs.”
It can be used on different type of technology, and supports various virtualization platforms with its versatility. We can learn about general technologies or vendor-specific topics. We can test new technologies such as network automation and SDN. It can be used to rebuild enterprise networks and test changes before realize it. We can create proofs of concept for customers and fix network problems by rebuilding them and integrate the Network Traffic tools to examine packets. EVE can be used not only for networking, but for testing software on simulated networks, testing all kinds of vulnerabilities, systems engineering such as LDAP and AD servers, and many more. You can set it up to automate protection against unknown files/software and use software to analyze short- and long-term behavior for malicious intent in a much simpler way on EVE-NG.
It has cloud integration, real-time collaboration, and web-based interface for an easy access as a powerful feature. It can also integrated HTML5 client, provides real interfaces of the devices and configurations and policies on real GUI such as Fortinet Firewalls so that you can perform real scenarios and connect real network and devices. It’s a time-saver simulator and enables changes on topologies while simultaneously running.
This is one of example that I’ve done: IPsec-Tunnelling click here for more details.
To sum up, it can be considered to choose simulator: Network type and scalability, because different tools can be more suitable for different size and types of networks/topologies. Currently, the integration of simulator with AI is one of top trends topic. It increases security manners and response dynamism against changing network conditions. This technology provides us more accurate emulation of diverse network environments. After learning basic concept and fundamentals of networking on PacketTracer, it can be simulated cybersecurity scenarios on EVE. These training helps the individuals to develop practical skills.
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