A comparative study of different network simulation tools and experimentation platforms for underwater communication

Abstract

Study of computer networks and their performance parameters like delay, bandwidth utilization, throughput, latency, jittering, and packet loss. have gained significant importance in the recent times. Simulation studies have been preferred for these parameters in computer networks, which in a real time is a difficult task. A network consists of many networking devices as gateways, routers, bridges, wireless access points and hub connected to it. To implement any new protocol or algorithm in a network is costlier and time consuming. Recently lot of research is going on underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). Conducting real time experiments for underwater applications are overpriced, so as an alternative solution for this, we can conduct simulation studies to reduce the cost and quicken the research activities.In this paper we explore the different experimentation platforms and simulation tools available that help the network architects to develop new protocols or do changes to the existing protocol in a productive manner. We classify the tools based on various parameters and provide guidelines for researchers to choose a suitable platform based on their requirements.