Cloonix vs NetSim by Tetcos

Cloonix is a free, AGPLv3 suite of C software components for creating virtual networks with KVM-based virtual machines and containers. It runs as a user-land application on a Linux distribution, with a web platform also listed. Users assemble machines, containers, and network items, connect them through Open vSwitch bridges, and view the topology on a graphical canvas. Virtual machines use QEMU-KVM; crun containers can use ZIP files or directories as root filesystems. Elements include NAT, host TAP and physical interfaces, links between Cloonix networks, and packet transit for dropping, shaping, or delaying traffic. The project names Open vSwitch, crun, QEMU-KVM, SPICE, and Wireshark as key components. A Wireshark spy can display or save captures on supported interfaces but is not the complete Wireshark application. Wi-Fi emulation uses vwifi and iw. Installation offers a privileged bundle or cloonix-toy without root requirements. The homepage lists version 53.01, dated November 4, 2025.

NetSim by Tetcos is a packet-level, discrete-event simulator and emulator for wired and wireless communication networks. It models end-to-end 5G and 6G systems with gNB, UE, 5G Core, MIMO, beamforming, network slicing, and configurable propagation. Each 5G stack layer includes C source code that users can modify for custom protocols, while an external Python interface supports automation, AI/ML workflows, and runtime control. Standard and Pro editions interface with Python, MATLAB, SUMO, and Wireshark. The Emulator connects simulations with real hardware and live applications, applying configured delay, loss, and error conditions. NetSim Cyber adds network and attack emulation for power-system cyber-physical testbeds and interfaces with listed power-system tools. Licensing can remain local through on-premises floating deployment, and cloud licensing exchanges only handshake data. NetSim runs on Windows; emulator setup specifies a dedicated Windows 10 or 11 machine.