A Comparative Study on DEVS and ns-2 Simulation and Modeling

Analysis and design of network systems relies on simulation models that can describe important traits such as performance and scalability. Essential for specifying network designs are concepts and methods that can support developing well-formed simulation models. The network simulator ns-2 can be used to model and simulate high resolution dynamics of network protocols. For developing new or existing application software systems, the system-theoretic DEVS approach can be used. An illustrative example is developed, simulated, and analyzed in the ns-2 and DEVSJAVA environments. The example helps to show the kinds of abstractions afforded by each approach and some key their differences in supporting simulation model verification and validation.