Simulation software for uni dissertation

Hi,

I'm planning to do my final year project on performance differences between routing protocols and am not sure which software to use.

Is Packet Tracer sufficent for this or should I get VIRL (student discount) and use that. Are there a lot of advanctages from using VIRL over Packet Tracer and vice versa?

edited:

Or would GNS3 be sufficient for this project? My main aim is to test performance differences between the two using a simulator, I have read that some software lacks the capabilities to do this effectively.

Thanks.

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Comments

networker050184

If you want real world results you'd likely need to use real hardware. If not VIRL or CSRv with a lot of resources to make sure your machine doesn't weigh into the performance would be second best. I definitely wouldn't test performance with GNS3 though.

PikeyMikey

Thanks for your reply, I've decided to do it as you suggested on real hardware. My work place has allowed me access to as many Cisco 1841 routers that I need all running version 15.

How many routers do you think I would need to put together a decent test topology?