Analysis and comparison of different network simulators

A network simulator is a software program that imitates the working of computer network. In simulators, the computer network is typically modeled with devices; traffic etc. and the performance are analyzed. Typically, users can then customize the simulator to fulfill their specific analysis needs. This paper gives analysis and comparison study of different wireless network simulators. Simulators in consideration are Glomosim/Qualnet, Omnet++, Ns-2, Opnet, and J-Sim. The information about each of the simulator abilities, their internal structure advantages and disadvantages has been discussed in this paper. This paper analyses situations wherein simulators can be used for their best need. Finally, the paper contains analysis, comparison study and conclusion about making the suitable choice of network simulator based on the researchers needs.