Cloonix vs NetSim

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 is a browser-based network simulator for learning and practicing network configurations. It runs in the browser using WebAssembly and supports command-line practice for Cisco IOS, Huawei VRP and Aruba AOS-CX. NetSim Labs says it includes more than 35 labs from HCIA to HCIE level. The Free plan costs nothing, billed at $0 forever, and includes 10 basic labs, up to 15 devices per topology, AI Copilot with a bring-your-own-key setup, and local storage only. Pro costs $15 a month and adds 35+ advanced labs, unlimited devices, included AI Copilot, cloud sync across devices and priority support. Enterprise has custom pricing and lists SSO/SAML, an instructor dashboard, LMS integration through LTI, custom lab creation and dedicated support. Topology configurations and lab progress stay local unless cloud sync is enabled. The core engine is licensed under AGPL v3, with commercial licenses offered for organizations needing other terms.