Scalable Network Technologies (SNT), a provider of parallel processing technology for network performance evaluation, has rolled out VisNet, a new network design tool that enables planning and deployment teams to visualise, design, and optimise the performance of mobile ad-hoc networks.
SNT said that VisNet is the new planning tool for mobile wireless networks that combines the processing capabilities of QualNet, the fidelity network simulation technology, with 3D visualisation technology from ESRI’s ArcView GIS platform.
VisNet enables non-cyberspecialist users to view and grasp the mechanics of the network, construct simulated networks for operations planning and review. No network protocol knowledge is needed; users can click-and-drag components from a pre-populated list of devices and applications, the company said.
Once simulations are configured and computed, full-motion visualisation, network topology graphs, and packet throughput graphs are played out simultaneously.
According to SNT, the capability of VisNet lies in the embedded SNT QualNet simulation technology, which has been stripped of the technical complexities of network construction for use by non-technical teams. This is expected to create a front-end planning tool that allows to directly output scenario files to advanced simulation and emulation tools for test, evaluation and deployment.
The company said that network components and dynamics modeled in VisNet include: wired links; wireless links – 802.11 and LANs/WANs/MANs; pre-defined devices such as hubs, switches, routers, computers; and enterprise applications such as VoIP, web browsing, email, chat and video.
Reportedly, VisNet also supports the ArcView API which enables other ArcView-based GIS applications to interface with VisNet. It is available in defence, commercial/enterprise, and cellular network versions.
Dirk Eastman, VP of marketing and sales at SNT, said: “Our customers were asking for a simple to use tool for quick network set-up and analysis. VisNet demystifies network planning by providing preset network parameters and rich visualisation, and also allows users to directly export their promising network designs into QualNet or EXata for further evaluation.”
