Simulating Opportunistic Networks: Survey and Future Directions

TL;DR

This survey reviews existing simulation tools for Opportunistic Networks, compares their performance, identifies gaps, and suggests future research directions to aid both newcomers and experienced researchers.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of simulation tools, analyzes their scalability and precision, and outlines future research avenues in Opportunistic Network simulation.

Findings

Different simulators vary in scalability and accuracy.

Identified gaps in current simulation models.

Suggested future research directions for Opportunistic Networks.

Abstract

Simulation is one of the most powerful tools we have for evaluating the performance of Opportunistic Networks. In this survey, we focus on available tools and models, compare their performance and precision and experimentally show the scalability of different simulators. We also perform a gap analysis of state-of-the-art Opportunistic Network simulations and sketch out possible further development and lines of research. This survey is targeted at students starting work and research in this area while also serving as a valuable source of information for experienced researchers.