

For example, weather forecasting often involves simplified simulation models. In computer simulation, the basic idea is to use a simplified model to study the behaviour of a real world system, which might otherwise not be feasible to model. For example, automobile simulators are used to train drivers. The classical definition of simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. This definition gives a general description of simulation and it applies even to physical processes. Simulation and the need for simulation tools I am using ns-3 because that is the style used in the documents provided by the group overseeing the development of ns-3, which is the NS-3 Consortium. People often use NS3, NS-3 and ns-3 interchangeably. The first problem I faced with ns-3 was regarding the abbreviation of the namenetwork simulator version 3. ns-3 is a discrete event simulator with many features useful to the research community. But before that, lets briefly cover the fundamentals. This series of articles on ns-3 will definitely help researchers and students working in the area of computer networks.

It is a universal truth that life cannot be summarised in a single snapshot. The ns-3 project seeks to create an open networking environment that the network research community would prefer. This article is the first in a new series on ns-3, which is a discrete event network simulator for Internet systems, meant primarily for research and educational use.
