Routerek

Routerek is a lightweight, open-source routing protocol simulator designed for network engineers, researchers, and educators to test and analyze routing behaviors in virtualized environments. It is particularly useful for simulating and experimenting with dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) without requiring physical hardware.

The tool operates by emulating network devices, including routers, switches, and links, within a software-based environment. Users can configure virtual topologies, define routing policies, and observe how packets traverse the network in real time. Routerek supports scripting and automation, allowing for the creation of complex scenarios, such as network failures, policy changes, or protocol misconfigurations, to study their impact on routing convergence and stability.

Developed with simplicity in mind, Routerek is accessible to beginners while still offering advanced features for experienced network professionals. It is compatible with common virtualization platforms like VirtualBox, VMware, and Docker, making it adaptable to various computing environments. The simulator also provides logging and visualization tools to help users analyze routing decisions, convergence times, and potential bottlenecks.

Routerek is distributed under an open-source license, encouraging community contributions and modifications. While it does not replace full-fledged network simulators like GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer, it serves as a practical tool for educational purposes and quick prototyping of routing scenarios. Its modular design allows for extensions, making it suitable for custom research or teaching specific routing concepts.