There are special software systems focused on modeling computer networks in which the process of creating a model is simplified. Such software systems themselves generate a network model based on initial data on the topology and protocols used, the intensity of request flows between computers on the network, the length of communication lines, the types of equipment and applications used. Simulation software systems can be highly specialized and versatile enough to simulate networks of different types. The quality of the simulation results largely depends on the accuracy of the initial network data transmitted to the simulation system.

Network modeling software is a tool that can be useful to any corporate network administrator, especially when designing a new network or making drastic changes to an existing one. Products in this category allow you to check the consequences of implementing certain solutions even before you pay for the purchased equipment. Of course, most of these software packages are quite expensive, but the potential savings can also be quite substantial.

Network simulation programs use in their work information about the spatial location of the network, the number of nodes, the configuration of the connections, the data transfer rates, the protocols used and the type of equipment, as well as the applications running on the network.

Thesystems engineerwill often work together with a project manager and the engineering crew and becomes the primary point of communication to interlink between the two to simplify the accomplishment of a successful system.

Usually, a simulation model is not built from scratch. There are ready-made simulation models of the main elements of networks: the most common types of routers, communication channels, access methods, protocols, etc. These models of individual network elements are created based on various data: the results of tests of real devices, analysis of their operating principles, analytical relationships. As a result, a library of typical network elements is created, which can be configured using the parameters previously provided in the models.

Simulation systems usually include a set of tools for preparing the initial data about the studied network - preprocessing the data about the network topology and the measured traffic. These tools can be useful if the simulated network is a variant of an existing network and it is possible to measure the traffic and other parameters needed for the simulation. In addition, the system is equipped with tools for statistical processing of the simulation results obtained.

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