Last updated: Oct 2026
NetSim is a tool for packet-level simulation of communication networks. Thousands of engineers and researchers worldwide use it. The Professional edition is for industry and defence. It gives access to all the technology libraries, scales to thousands of nodes, and connects to real hardware. Teams can size, plan and prototype networks before they deploy them.
Flagship technologies for industry and defence
These standards-based libraries include protocol source C code. Explore the full stack of each library.
Full-stack 5G New Radio
Simulate 5G networks end to end at packet level, with system-level fidelity and link-level abstractions. Model the RAN and core, then study throughput, latency and capacity.
- Devices: UE, gNB (omni and sector), 5G Core (SMF, AMF, UPF), per TS 23.501 and TS 23.502
- SA and NSA deployments (NSA options 4, 4a, 7, 7a)
- Massive MIMO and beamforming, gNB antenna counts up to 128
- Network slicing, carrier aggregation, FR1 and FR2 bands, numerologies and 256QAM
Non-terrestrial and satellite networks
Extend 5G/6G to space with LEO, MEO and GEO layers. Model the satellite link, long propagation delay, and Doppler for non-terrestrial deployments.
- Orbits: LEO (160 to 2000 km), MEO (2000 to 35786 km), GEO (35786 km)
- 3GPP Release 17 NTN bands (FR1) and Release 18 NTN bands (FR2)
- Channel and geometry per TR 38.811 and TR 38.821
- Satellite Radio Interface on the feeder link, elevation-angle and path-loss analysis
Military and tactical radio
Model tactical communication networks with mobility and jamming, from the routing layer down to the waveform. The models cover VHF, UHF, L-Band and S-Band radios.
- Tactical MANET routing: OLSRv1 (RFC 3626), OLSRv2 (RFC 7181), AODV, DSR, ZRP
- DTDMA: Link 16 based TDMA with a GUI slot planner and waveform code rates 1/2 to 5/6
- Omni-directional and sector antenna models with configurable patterns
- Single-band jammer with configurable on and off times for anti-jam studies
More capabilities
NetSim Professional also covers these three areas in detail.
Underwater networks
Design and analyze underwater acoustic networks. The Underwater Acoustic PHY has the Thorp propagation model, propagation delay from the speed of sound, and BPSK to 64-QAM modulation.
Explore underwater »Machine learning for networks
Generate data and train AI/ML algorithms at the system level. The RAN use cases range from MAC scheduling to beamforming. They use Non-RT, Near-RT and RT RIC feedback loops, similar to the O-RAN E2 interface.
Explore AI / ML »Emulator
Connect NetSim to real hardware that runs live applications such as video, voice and file transfer. For military radio and 5G tests, the physical devices and the simulation operate as one system.
Explore the emulator »Why NetSim Professional
The Professional edition adds these features to Standard and Academic.
All technology libraries
You get access to each NetSim technology library: 5G/6G, NTN, MANET, military radio, satellite comm, IoT, VANET and more. Select the ones you need.
Network coverage and capacity studies
Plan deployments with coverage, capacity, throughput, latency and PRB-utilisation analysis before rollout.
Scales to thousands of nodes
Simulate large real-world networks, from dense urban RAN to wide-area tactical and satellite scenarios.
Protocol source C code
NetSim ships with protocol source code in C. Modify the stack and write your own algorithms. Source access is available on request.
Connect to real hardware
The NetSim emulator add-on links the simulator to real devices running live applications.
Automation utilities
For automated studies, NetSim has batch execution of hundreds of runs, a multi-parameter sweeper and a large-scenario generator.
Enterprise licensing
Licences are perpetual or annual, node-lock or floating, cloud or on-premise. Select the libraries you need.
Priority support
Production and defence programmes get priority technical support and direct access to the engineering team.
What your organization gains
NetSim shortens network R&D, from the first model to a validated design.
Boost R&D productivity
Build on validated models, integrated analysis tools and protocol source code. Your team then spends its time on the new part of the work, not on the infrastructure.
Validate before production
Test technologies and network designs in realistic scenarios before you commit to hardware or field deployment.
Reduce time to market
Develop and prove designs faster, and show their value to management, partners and customers.
Specialized Services
We also offer simulation services. Visit our Services page.
Evaluate NetSim Pro
Do you want to evaluate NetSim Pro? Do you have questions?