ns-3
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Description:
Discrete-event network simulator
Type: Formula  |  Latest Version: 3.46.1@0  |  Tracked Since: Oct 16, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  @nsnam_project  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Networking
Tags: networking simulation research protocol development
Install: brew install ns-3
About:
ns-3 is a discrete-event network simulator used for research and education. It provides a realistic environment for simulating TCP/IP, routing, and application performance, enabling detailed protocol analysis and experimentation.
Key Features:
  • High-fidelity simulation of TCP/IP stacks
  • Extensive library of network protocols and models
  • Python bindings for scripting and integration
  • Support for real-time emulation and logging
Use Cases:
  • Researching and developing new network protocols
  • Evaluating network performance under various conditions
  • Teaching computer networking concepts
Alternatives:
  • OMNeT++ – OMNeT++ is a modular C++ simulation framework with a strong GUI, whereas ns-3 is specifically focused on IP network simulation.
  • Mininet – Mininet creates real network topologies using Linux containers for live testing, while ns-3 provides a purely virtual discrete-event simulation.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Oct 16, 2025 11:10pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 89c80522
Oct 2, 2025 12:51pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 89c4089c
Oct 2, 2025 4:20am 0 VERSION_BUMP 352218e8
Sep 16, 2025 3:29pm 0 VERSION_BUMP a8bf413a
Oct 9, 2024 9:58pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 0855d0b8
Sep 12, 2024 11:43am 1 VERSION_BUMP 93befc7a