Academic · Standard · Pro
NetSim has three editions that share the same simulation engine. They cover teaching labs, protocol research with source-code access, and large-scale commercial network studies. Compare the technology libraries, tools and scale of each edition below.
Select the edition that matches how you work. You can upgrade each edition when your requirements grow. NetSim Astra and NetSim Cyber are separate products.
For teaching & labs
For university R&D
Everything in Academic, plus
For industry & defence
Everything in Standard, plus
The table compares each technology library and capability side by side.
| Features | AcademicTeaching & labs | StandardUniversity R&D | ProIndustry & defence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology coverage | |||
| Internetworks: Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, switching, routing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Legacy networks: Aloha, Slotted Aloha | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced routing and switching | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SDN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile ad hoc networks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular networks (GSM, CDMA) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless sensor networks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internet of Things | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cognitive radio networks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LTE / LTE-A networks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VANET | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5G / 6G | No | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite communication networks | No | Yes | Yes |
| Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater acoustic networks | No | Yes | Yes |
| TDMA radio networks (military radios) | No | No | Yes |
| OLSRv2 tactical routing (RFC 7181) | No | No | Yes |
| Features and tooling | |||
| EmulatorConnect to real hardware running live applications | No | Yes | Yes |
| Results dashboard with plots | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Packet trace | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Radio measurements | No | Yes | Yes |
| Protocol source C code | No | Yes | Yes |
| External interfacingPython, MATLAB, SUMO, and Wireshark | No | Yes | Yes |
| Time-series plotsGraph performance metrics over simulation time | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Simulation services and custom developmentModeling, customization, and consulting | No | No | Yes |
| Support | Standard | Standard | Priority |
| Scale and users | |||
| Simulation scale | 100 nodes | 500 nodes | 5000 nodes |
| Target users and segment | Universities (labs) | Universities (R&D) | Commercial (industry & defence) |
Tell us about your use case: a teaching lab, a research project or a commercial deployment study. We will recommend the correct edition and arrange an evaluation.