IMUNES vs NetSim

IMUNES is a free multiprotocol emulator and simulator for general-purpose IP network experiments on FreeBSD and Linux. The project says a single physical machine can run hundreds to thousands of virtual nodes. Its GUI helps create and configure nodes and links, and each node has its own IPv4, IPv6, IPsec, socket and firewall configuration and address space. Link controls can introduce delay, bit errors, duplication and bandwidth limits. Standard UNIX APIs are preserved, so BSD and Linux binaries can run unmodified. On Linux it uses Docker for virtual nodes; on FreeBSD it uses jails and netgraph. The project says experiments can be instantiated in seconds and use hardware resources efficiently. Downloads include public source repositories, examples, security scenarios, manuals and VMware and VirtualBox images. Linux use requires kernel version 3.10 or newer and the Docker daemon; the README also instructs users to run experiments as root. The listed latest image is IMUNES-FreeBSD-14.3-RELEASE (BETA), a 4GB amd64 OVA. The project describes JSON configuration and live changes to nodes, interfaces and links during a running experiment.

NetSim is a browser-based simulator of Cisco networking hardware and software for certification training. Its preconfigured labs provide the materials needed to complete each objective. Learners can compare their configurations with expected configurations to identify mistakes and get instant feedback, while lab progress and history sync between devices. Labs run in a web browser on modern internet-capable devices without installation; supported systems include Linux, macOS, and Windows. Network Designer lets users create custom labs with complex topologies, devices, connections, annotations, imported icons, and saved device configurations. It is included with the listed certification-specific plans. NetSim also includes the IOS images needed for its labs, without requiring additional licensing of those materials. Listed lab packs cost $29 a year and include 10 or 16 guided labs. Certification plans cost $179 a year and list between 70 and 101 guided labs. Online licenses last one year from purchase and can be used without usage limits during that period.