A new DEVS-based network simulator for online routing protocol education

Simulation continues to be highly attractive and indispensable for studying networked systems. There remains the need for simulators that can support efficient execution in large-scale, complex models and can offer a theoretical underpinning with model abstractions. A qualified and effective simulator is still hard to find in education and research. To obtain a better solution in education and research, a collection of the parallel DEVS-based computer network model components is presented in this article. The Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) is a mathematical modeling formalism for describing (discrete and continuous) dynamical systems. Among discrete event modeling approaches, it is well suited for formally describing concurrent processing and the event-driven nature of arbitrary configuration of nodes and links forming network systems. The suggested system is developed by emphasizing the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol. These expressive models are realized in the DEVS-Suite simulator as DEVS-Suite provides a robust environment with rich support for designing experiments and visualization. Visualization representation of a typical routing protocol logic with routing tables and control packet provides better support for active learning, particularly for distance education in COVID-19 disease. The resulting OSPF-DEVS simulation environment offers a model abstraction well-suited to educational environments. An exemplary computer network model is developed and evaluated in both simulators. The simulation models have proved very helpful in understanding the basics of the computer network’s principles, designs, routing protocols, etc.