Simulation of scale-free networks

In this paper, we present a new simulation tool for scale-free networks composed of a high number of nodes. The tool, based on discrete-event simulation, enables the definition of scale-free networks composed of heterogeneous nodes and complex application-level protocols. To satisfy the performance and scalability requirements, the simulator supports both sequential (i.e. monolithic) and parallel/distributed (i.e. PADS) approaches. Furthermore, appropriate mechanisms for the communication overhead-reduction are implemented. To demonstrate the efficiency of the tool, we experiment with gossip protocols on top of scale-free networks generated by our simulator. Results of the simulations demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. The proposed tool is able to generate and manage large scale-free networks composed of thousands of nodes interacting following real-world dissemination protocols.