OPNET Modeler 7.0 Gives Network Designers Boost to Optimize Performance of Wireless Infrastructures
Parallel Simulation Provides Acceleration of Run Times, New Terrain Module Adds Environmental Factors into Data Communications Performance ModelingWASHINGTON, DC -- February 28, 2000 -- OPNET Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of Decision Support Software for networks and applications, today unveiled OPNET Modeler 7.0 with powerful innovations that significantly accelerate the simulation of wireless communication systems. OPNET Modeler is the first commercial discrete-event simulation software capable of running a single simulation in parallel on multiple CPUs that dynamically manages the simulation of transceiver links in wireless models, greatly reducing simulation run-times.
"With OPNET Modeler's innovative approach to simulating services over wireless networks, product developers can now quickly and easily assess how wireless networking equipment, or an entire system, performs under real-world conditions," said Marc Cohen, OPNET's Chief Executive Officer. "These technology breakthroughs have the potential to shave weeks off development schedules and yield significant labor-related savings for organizations being pushed to shorten development cycles and control costs."
Parallel Simulation Turbo Charges Design Validation, Testing
Because wireless transmissions can be received by a potentially large number of recipients, modeling every possible connection can be a cumbersome, time-intensive task. In modeling wireless networks, up to 90 percent of simulation run time is consumed by modeling the interaction between the transmitter and every possible receiver. With OPNET Modeler's new parallel simulation and dynamic receiver group (DRG) capabilities, simulations can be completed up to 20 times faster than was previously possible, with performance gains increasing with each additional CPU.
OPNET Modeler's framework for modeling radio-link communications, including cellular, microwave, satellite, and wireless LAN, is called the Transceiver Pipeline™. The Transceiver Pipeline models the effects of the transmitter, the environment and the receiver on each transmission, including:
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transmission and propagation delays
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link closure
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directional antenna gain
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path loss
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background noise and interference
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modulation effects
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bit-error rates and error correction
Terrain Module, GUI Enhancements Bring New Level of Reality to Simulations
With Version 7.0, users have the option to incorporate OPNET's new Terrain Modeling Module when preparing/running simulations. The Terrain Module adds Earth topology, such as mountains, forests and valleys, as well as user-selectable environmental conditions to the simulated network model. Because these factors can have a significant impact on network performance, they add an important level of precision to simulation results and provide developers, early in the design process, with better insight into the expected performance of a design or proposal.
OPNET Modeler's user interface has been enhanced to allow users to add relevant graphics, such as building blueprints, maps, and systems designs to the background of OPNET Modeler simulations. This provides a visual context for the user and assists in relating performance issues to the physical environment.
Test Drive Real-world Applications on Virtual Prototypes
With OPNET's new Application Characterization Environment (ACE), product developers can determine how equipment will perform when exposed to the load of actual applications. ACE enables users to easily acquire a "fingerprint" of any application by importing traces from network analyzers. ACE breaks down multi-tier transactions and provides a graphical representation of client, network and server interactions. OPNET Modeler can then simulate the performance of the application when deployed over any wireless infrastructure. With this capability, developers can assess system performance in the context of service-level requirements.
To address these service-level requirements, Version 7.0 includes important additions to the OPNET Model Library. The enhancements include models for IP quality-of-service specifications CAR, CQ, RED and WRED as well as a new model for wireless LANs.
Product Availability
OPNET Modeler 7.0 and associated product modules are scheduled for availability in Q1 2000.
About OPNET Technologies
The OPNET family of Decision Support Software reduces the cost, labor and risk involved in the development of networking hardware and systems, the management of IT resources, the deployment of applications, and the delivery of communications services. The flagship products are Modeler, for research and development, IT DecisionGuru, for service providers and IT decision makers, and NetBiz, for network sales professionals. Using advanced visualization, modeling, and simulation technologies, these products enable OPNET customers to easily and quickly understand the impact of a design or proposal and make any necessary adjustments before committing to a course of action. The company's best-in-class products are complemented by outstanding consulting, training and support services.
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Note to editors: The word OPNET is spelled with all upper-case letters.
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