Communication Network and Protocol Design Automation

OPNET (OPtimized Network Engineering Tools) provides a comprehensive design environment for communication network engineers. Originally developed at the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems at MIT, this workstation-based CAE system includes hierarchically related graphical editors for the specification of network architecture, node structure, and protocols. Efficient event-driven simulations are automatically generated from user specifications and libraries of built-in models. Extensive control of network parameters permits the simulation of complex and stressed network environments involving point-to-point and broadcast transmission, jamming, varied modulation techniques, dynamic network topologies, and component failures. Simulations can incorporate multiple protocol models derived from Finite State Machine representations. Sophisticated post-processing utilities assist interpretation of simulation results, guiding the user through design iterations. OPNET provides a foundation for automating the design, test, and evaluation of communication networks and protocols.