Overview

IMUNES combines topology management, node configuration, and network emulation in a GUI. It is designed to run hundreds to thousands of virtual nodes on one physical machine, with experiments starting in seconds and using hardware resources efficiently. That makes it useful for labs that need to model sizable networks without dedicating a physical device to every node.

Each virtual node has its own IPv4 and IPv6 configuration, IPsec, sockets, firewall settings, and address space. Because standard UNIX APIs are preserved, BSD and Linux binaries can run without modification. This is a strong fit for experiments that need conventional operating-system behavior, rather than a simplified network model.

Key features

Topology and traffic control

The GUI supports management, automated creation of nodes and links, and configuration. Links can introduce delay, bit-error rate, duplication, and bandwidth limits. These controls let users reproduce specific network conditions in a repeatable lab, although they do not remove the need to understand how those conditions affect an experiment.

Execution and live configuration

IMUNES uses Docker for virtual nodes on Linux, and jails and netgraph on FreeBSD. Its JSON configuration and live mode support modifying nodes, interfaces, and links while an experiment is running. Those capabilities suit iterative lab work, while the underlying platform requirements make host selection part of the setup.

It supports real-time emulation and hardware-in-the-loop, with an automation API. Public downloads include source repositories, examples, security scenarios, manuals, and VMware and VirtualBox images. The latest listed image is an IMUNES-FreeBSD-14.3-RELEASE (BETA) 4GB amd64 OVA.

Pricing

IMUNES is open-source and free: its plan is free. There are no paid tiers to compare. The zero price makes it accessible for teaching, research, and engineering labs, but it does not eliminate the operational cost of providing a suitable host and administering experiments.

Platforms

IMUNES is categorized for Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows, while its stated emulation environments are FreeBSD and Linux. On Linux, the minimum kernel requirement is 3.10, the Docker daemon must be running, and experiments are run as root. That privilege requirement can rule it out on managed or restricted systems. FreeBSD execution uses jails and netgraph.

Who it's for

IMUNES is a good match for network engineers, researchers, and instructors who need configurable IP networks, control over link behavior, or many virtual nodes on one machine. Its reported use in Ericsson Nikola Tesla product testing and University of Zagreb teaching laboratories reflects both product-testing and educational applications. It is less suitable for someone seeking a low-privilege desktop tool or an emulator that avoids Docker on Linux.

Pros and cons

Pros: Its per-node network configuration and link controls support detailed, repeatable experiments.
Pros: The design targets hundreds to thousands of nodes on one host, which can reduce dependence on physical lab equipment.
Pros: UNIX API compatibility lets BSD and Linux binaries run unmodified.
Cons: Linux use requires Docker, at least kernel 3.10, and root privileges, limiting where it can be run.
Cons: The stated execution options center on FreeBSD and Linux, so users should not assume that the other platform categories provide equivalent native emulation.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Network Simulation Software.

OMNeT++ is worth considering for noncommercial teaching or research, with its Academic Public License offered free; it also has a free trial.
EVE-NG may suit users who want a web-accessible option and a defined free cap of 7 nodes per instance and 63 per lab; paid plans add different limits and terms.
Cisco Modeling Labs is a possible choice for Cisco-focused labs, with CML-Free capped at 5 running nodes and paid personal plans allowing 20 or 40 Cisco nodes for one user.
Kathar is another free option for users who want an open-source network lab categorized for API use as well as desktop platforms.
NetSim by Tetcos is a Windows-only alternative, with a free Lite plan for individual use and a separate academic plan described as supporting 100 nodes.
ns-3 is a free GPLv2 option for users who prefer publicly available software for research, development, and use.
OMNEST is a paid alternative with a free trial and annual commercial licensing by quotation.
Cloonix is a free alternative categorized for Linux and web, with a Linux host required.

Verdict

Choose IMUNES if you need detailed control over virtual IP nodes and network traffic, especially for a lab that benefits from real-time emulation, automation, or a large topology on one machine. Its free, open-source plan is compelling, but Linux users must be able to provide Docker and root access; look elsewhere if those requirements conflict with your environment.

	IMUNES	NetSim by Tetcos
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	Free	Free
Platforms	Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows	Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Simulation model	emulation	discrete-event
Real-time emulation	Yes	Yes
Hardware-in-the-loop	Yes	Yes
Deployment options	desktop	desktop
Automation API	Yes	Yes
Documented node limit		100 nodes

IMUNES vs NetSim by Tetcos

IMUNES

NetSim by Tetcos