An affordable program for computer networking experimentation.
The Netkit software enables users to "create" a variety of virtual network devices, such as routers, switches, and computers, that can easily be interconnected to form a network on a PC. Although these networking devices are virtual, they still possess many of the capabilities of their real-life counterparts, including a configuration interface.
Netkit's development is built upon open source software, which is, for the most part, licensed under GPL. The software is also heavily reliant on the User Mode Linux (UML) variant of the Linux kernel. The aim of the Netkit project is to simplify the usage of UML for networking, and to provide users with an easy-to-use-and-install package that effectively emulates a network. Furthermore, Netkit offers a plethora of teaching materials for use in courses at various levels.
In summary, Netkit provides an accessible and cost-effective solution for networking experiments that would traditionally be challenging and expensive to perform. Its virtual networking devices offer many of the functions of real-life equipment, while the software's reliance on open source components and UML make it easy to use and install. Finally, the abundance of teaching materials also makes it an attractive choice for learners at various levels.
Version 4: N/A