Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

ns-3

nsnam.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
Visit nsnam.org
Spec score 7.5 #20 of 31 in Network Simulation Software

What it is

ns-3 is a free, discrete-event network simulator for research and education. It supports simulations of IP and non-IP networks, including wireless work involving Wi-Fi and LTE, and provides a workflow from configuring a simulation through collecting and analyzing traces. A real-time scheduler supports simulation-in-the-loop use, including sending and receiving ns-3 packets on real network devices. Its Direct Code Execution framework can run C or C++ applications or the Linux kernel networking stack within ns-3.

The project is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use, with desktop deployment listed. It is free software under GNU GPLv2, priced at free. Releases arrive roughly two or three times each year, mainly as compressed source archives. Documentation includes tutorials, installation guidance, model library material, a reference manual, and Doxygen API documentation. NetAnim and Bake are listed as related tools. Support channels include mailing lists, Zulip chat, and the issue tracker; the project says volunteers maintain it without company backing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ns-3 is a discrete-event network simulator targeted primarily for research and educational use.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Intended users
The project targets networking research and education, and says most users write simulation scripts and may modify or extend its libraries.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Founded
2006Read 28 Sep 2026 · nsnam.org
Code execution
The Direct Code Execution framework allows users to run C or C++ applications or the Linux kernel networking stack within ns-3.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Distribution
Releases are primarily delivered as compressed source archives.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Documentation
Project documentation includes tutorials, an installation guide, model library documentation, a reference manual, and Doxygen API documentation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Network models
The simulator supports research on IP and non-IP networks, including wireless/IP simulations involving Wi-Fi and LTE.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
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.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Release cadence
The project ships new releases roughly two or three times per year, with new models, extensions, or bug fixes.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Security and license
The project describes ns-3 as free software licensed under GNU GPLv2.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org
Simulation workflow
Its simulation core supports workflows from simulation configuration through trace collection and analysis.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org

Plans and prices

ns-3 Free Free software · GNU GPLv2 · publicly available for research, development, and use Read 2 Oct 2026 · nsnam.org

Every ns-3 plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Models IP and non-IP networks, including Wi-Fi and LTE.
  • Real-time scheduler supports use with real network devices.
  • Direct Code Execution runs C, C++, or Linux networking.
  • Free software licensed under GNU GPLv2.
  • Tutorials, model documentation, and API documentation are listed.

Limits

  • Releases are primarily compressed source archives.
  • Users may need to write scripts or extend libraries.
  • Maintained by volunteers without specific company backing.

Who it suits

ns-3 suits networking researchers and educators, particularly those prepared to write simulation scripts or modify and extend libraries. It also supports users exploring simulation-in-the-loop workflows or running network code within the simulator.

Verdict

ns-3 offers a broad simulation workflow, real-time use, and a free GPLv2 license. Its source-archive distribution and expectation that many users write scripts or extend libraries are worth considering.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to ns-3All alternatives →