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According to Wikipedia, network simulation is a technique by which a software program (simulator) models the behavior of a network, either using mathematical formulas to calculate the interaction between the parts of the network, or by recording and reproducing observations made of a real network.

Simulation is a fictional representation of reality. It means to imitate a situation. The best-known example is probably that of flight simulators, which enable pilots to train without risk.

In the context of networks, simulation refers to the reproduction of the architecture of a network without using any physical equipment. The interest of the simulation lies in its ability to test the features and operation of a network architecture at no cost and without hindering the normal operation of the production network.

To do this, the simulation uses a software program that calculates (we will also use the term “modeling” to refer to this process) and thus predicts the events that will be led to happen, taking their features into account. There are many free and paid tools to conduct these simulations, including GNS3, Cisco Packet Tracer, Cisco VIRL, Marionnet, Boson network simulator, Eve, etc.

A simulator can perform tasks to summarize the behavior of a network and its components, while an emulator can copy a network's behavior in order to stand in for it operationally.

Network simulators enable an architect or network engineer to build and assess an experimental model of a network, including its topology and application flow, bearing in mind that the network itself is being implemented in the real world.

In addition, network emulators enable architects, engineers and network engineers to precisely assess the reactivity, output and quality of an application before making changes or additions to a system.

Emulation is the ability to substitute something for the real object, while simulation has more to do with modeling the internal state of a target.