Mininet vs NetSim

Mininet is a free network emulator that creates virtual hosts, switches, controllers and links on one machine. Its hosts run standard Linux network software on the real Linux kernel and network stack, while switches support OpenFlow. The project describes uses including research, development, learning, prototyping, testing and debugging, including experiments with SDN systems using OpenFlow and P4. A topology-aware and OpenFlow-aware command-line interface supports debugging and network-wide tests. Users can select parameterized topologies or create custom ones, and an extensible Python API supports network creation and experimentation. Mininet networks can connect to real networks, and code developed in Mininet can move to real systems with minimal changes. Installation options include a pre-packaged virtual machine, native installation from source and packages for recent Ubuntu or Debian 11 and later; Fedora support is experimental. Mininet depends on the Linux kernel, while its VM can run through VMware or VirtualBox on Mac, Windows and Linux. Its networks are constrained by a single server's CPU and bandwidth, and it cannot currently run non-Linux-compatible OpenFlow switches or applications. Mininet is released under a permissive BSD open source license.

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.