An SDL-based platform for the simulation of communication networks using dynamic block instantiations

This paper discusses a new platform for network simulation. It combines the advantages of a functional description technique (SDL) with the advantages of graphical design entry and visualization possibilities known from network simulators. Thus it is well suited for protocol simulation and performance simulation. From basic considerations on simulation environments to the specific new platform this paper introduces the basic knowledge for network simulation with SDL. Further, a novel SDL construct for dynamic block instantiations is proposed, that simplifies this simulation platform and is also very useful for other applications.