MIMIC Simulator
Encyclopedia
MIMIC Simulator is a product suite from Gambit Communications consisting of simulation
software in the network
and systems management
space.
MIMIC SNMP simulator
solves a classical simulation problem: network management
software typically manages large networks. Traditionally, in order to set up such networks for the purposes of software development
, software testing
or training
, physical equipment had to be separately purchased and assembled in laboratories. To reduce the expense, most of the network can be simulated.
The principle behind SNMP
simulation is that the SNMP protocol is an interface that can be simulated. SNMP requests carry data values for MIB
objects, which can be shaped at will by the simulator, thus representing any device which has an SNMP interface. In contrast to network simulation
, where the entire network is modelled within a computer, this type of empirical simulation is visible on the network, and one can communicate with the simulator over the network.
The concept can be extended to other protocols such as for cable modems, CLI such as Cisco IOS
or TL1, or IPMI.
Simulation
Simulation is the imitation of some real thing available, state of affairs, or process. The act of simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or behaviours of a selected physical or abstract system....
software in the network
Network management
Network management refers to the activities, methods, procedures, and tools that pertain to the operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning of networked systems....
and systems management
Systems management
Systems management refers to enterprise-wide administration of distributed systems including computer systems. Systems management is strongly influenced by network management initiatives in telecommunications....
space.
MIMIC SNMP simulator
SNMP simulator
An SNMP Simulator is a type of Computer simulation, that simulates the Simple Network Management Protocol interface. Contrary to Network simulation, which models the behavior of a network within a computer, the SNMP simulator actually interfaces with outside systems, for example Network Management...
solves a classical simulation problem: network management
Network Management Application
As defined by the ISO/OSI Network management model and its subset of protocols, namely SNMP and CMIP a Network Management Application is the software that sits on the Network Management Station and retrieves data from a Management agent for the...
software typically manages large networks. Traditionally, in order to set up such networks for the purposes of software development
Software development
Software development is the development of a software product...
, software testing
Software testing
Software testing is an investigation conducted to provide stakeholders with information about the quality of the product or service under test. Software testing can also provide an objective, independent view of the software to allow the business to appreciate and understand the risks of software...
or training
Training
The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. It forms the core of apprenticeships and provides the backbone of content at institutes of...
, physical equipment had to be separately purchased and assembled in laboratories. To reduce the expense, most of the network can be simulated.
The principle behind SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
Simple Network Management Protocol is an "Internet-standard protocol for managing devices on IP networks. Devices that typically support SNMP include routers, switches, servers, workstations, printers, modem racks, and more." It is used mostly in network management systems to monitor...
simulation is that the SNMP protocol is an interface that can be simulated. SNMP requests carry data values for MIB
Management information base
A management information base is a virtual database used for managing the entities in a communications network. Most often associated with the Simple Network Management Protocol , the term is also used more generically in contexts such as in OSI/ISO Network management model...
objects, which can be shaped at will by the simulator, thus representing any device which has an SNMP interface. In contrast to network simulation
Network simulation
In communication and computer network research, network simulation is a technique where a program models the behavior of a network either by calculating the interaction between the different network entities using mathematical formulas, or actually capturing and playing back observations from a...
, where the entire network is modelled within a computer, this type of empirical simulation is visible on the network, and one can communicate with the simulator over the network.
The concept can be extended to other protocols such as for cable modems, CLI such as Cisco IOS
Cisco IOS
Cisco IOS is the software used on the vast majority of Cisco Systems routers and current Cisco network switches...
or TL1, or IPMI.
Sources
- Network Management That Works
- New tools ease Cisco IOS mgmt.
- Virtual router labs
- Gambit simulates the network with virtual software
- Advanced HP Network Node Manager Software
- Simulated labs offer low-cost alternative to IT pros seeking Cisco certification
- Create a virtual router lab using Gambit's MIMIC
- 12th Annual Well-Connected Awards: Network Infrastructure