NetSim by Tetcos

What NetSim by Tetcos is

NetSim by Tetcos is a packet-level, discrete-event simulator and emulator for wired and wireless communication networks. It runs as desktop software on Windows and can model end-to-end 5G and 6G networks, including gNB, UE, 5G Core, MIMO, beamforming, network slicing, and configurable propagation. Users can modify the C source code supplied for each layer of the 5G stack to create custom protocols. An external Python interface supports automation, AI/ML workflows, and control during runs; NetSim Standard and Pro also connect with Python, MATLAB, SUMO, and Wireshark.

The NetSim Emulator connects a simulation to real hardware and live applications, routing traffic through configured delay, loss, and error conditions. NetSim Cyber adds network and attack emulation for power-system cyber-physical testbeds, with direct interfaces to OPAL-RT, RTDS, HYPERSIM, PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, Typhoon HIL, OpenPMU, and openPDC. The plans include a free Lite edition for individual use, an Academic plan with 100 nodes and 35+ inbuilt labs, Standard with 500 nodes, and Pro with 5,000 nodes. Academic adds a GUI, packet animation, dynamic plots, and a results dashboard. Tetcos is headquartered in Bangalore, India, and lists universities, defence labs, telecom operators, and research groups among NetSim users.

Who it suits

NetSim suits universities, research groups, defence labs, and telecom operators working with wired or wireless network simulations. Its protocol source, Python interface, hardware emulation, and power-system integrations may fit teams building custom network experiments or cyber-physical testbeds.

Limits

NetSim Lite is free for individual use. Academic is limited to 100 nodes; Standard lists 500 nodes, and Pro lists 5,000 nodes.

Getting started

1. Visit the Tetcos website.
2. Choose NetSim Lite for free individual use, or review Academic, Standard, and Pro plans.
3. Use the Windows desktop deployment.
4. For emulator setup, use a dedicated system running Windows 10 or 11.
5. Contact Tetcos by ticket, email, or phone for technical support.

Verdict

Choose NetSim if you need packet-level wired or wireless simulation, custom 5G protocol work, or hardware and power-system testbed emulation. Look elsewhere if you need a non-Windows platform or a published price for a paid plan.