Open-Source Routing and Network Simulation

http://www.brianlinkletter.com/open-source-network-simulators/

Psimulator2 – a graphical network simulator

http://www.brianlinkletter.com/psimulator2-graphical-network-simulator/

ns-3

https://www.nsnam.org/

ns

OMNeT++

If you want an integrated IDE, you can use omnet++, there is an academic version that is free and they offer the source code of the models and the simulator. it offers and GUI with the animation of the simulation.

We have worked with NS-2/NS-3 and OMNET and struggled with it for many years. It is simply not worth the time and effort.

I would instead recommend you choose the discounted educational versions of OPNET or NetSim (https://www.tetcos.com). It will save you months of time.

I would recommend Contiki/Cooja simulator (http://www.contiki-os.org/) which is the most sought after open source simulator for IOT and it even supports WSN simulations. Also coding with Cooja is simpler as it uses embedded 'C' and provides good GUI support. The code can be easily ported from simulation to real-time deployment as well.

NS-2 or NS-3 is good. For animation, you can use netanim.

TETCOS NetSim is the best in my opinion

NetSim is definitely better than Cooja or NS-3. I wasted more than 6 months of NS-3 and I would suggest you stay away from it.

I would definitely recommend NetSim. The source codes are well documented and simple to modify.  NetSim UI is easy to use. The complete list of technologies supported is available at https://tetcos.com/technology-libraries.html

Thanks all for your suggestions and time. Currently I am working on SciLab script for PHY task. Once I move to next task of MAC, will explore the options you shared, and share feedback too.

in addition to all the benefits mentioned, NetSim provides c++ source code for its protocol implementation so researchers can tweak to their research interest

I suggest you NetSim standard is best simulator but its not free, its commercial tool and very useful if once you buy it.

can any one help that how much to pay for NetSim discounted version ? and the procedure please.

You could contact them https://tetcos.com/contactus.php or email [email protected]

I think you should write official from a university to get the discounted academic version

Cisco Packet Tracer and OMNET++

its good for GUI and best for research in general

NetSim is our preferred tool because it speeds up protocol R & D. We can quickly learn the GUI for both scenario creation and results analysis. The C code that is reliable and well documented for Researchers to understand to develop their own algorithms. 

Packet tracer and omnet++

I recommend you the Cooja Simulator from Contiki-NG, it allows the emulation of common sensor network platforms like TelosB, Zolertia, etc. More over, Contiki implements 6LoWPAN which brings the abitlity to build sensor networks based on IP addressing, you can access to MAC protocol implementations because is open source and that brings the oportunity of disccus your results compared with standard or other related works imprlemented using Contiki and Cooja simulator. The emulation feature brings several adventajes for debuging, testing communication and other things.

I don't know C/c++.

Can I work with Netsim?

For MANET ns2 and ns3 is the best simulation tool. If you are interested to work with NetSim then you must know C language. FYI

Though not free, Netsim Simulator offers a very user friendly GUI. It has emulators and different modules for IoT applications. We were able to publish papers on IoT security using it. I would strongly recommend it for your research interests.

NS2 and NS3

Sweta Kumari Barnwal Yes you can, since NetSim comes with a GUI.

I think NS2 is better

Marijana Cosovic

NS-3 requires coding in python and C++. Quite difficult and very time-consuming. Better to use GUI tools like NetSim or OPNET.

We use NetSim in our labs. It has a wide selection of interoperative toolboxes in wireless communication and their support is reliable and responsive.