NSP's path simulation function provides the ability to simulate changes in the IP topology that was discovered by using NSP's path control function.

This function is run in a NSP instance and imports the IP topology and LSPs from NSP path control. The specific simulation functions supported are:

1. Modifying link attributes

2. Modifying the status links

3. Creating or deleting LSPs

4. Modifying the profile of imported LSPs

5. Optimizing LSPs via the GCO algorithm

Note: Despite being run in separate NSP instances, NSP’s path simulation function uses the same Control and Visualization Starter feature package as the NSP’s path control function. A single purchase of this feature package allows for two NSP instances to be installed (with the same license) in a disaster recovery configuration - while a second, modified license allows for third NSP instance to be installed, for the purposes of hosting the NSP’s path simulation function.

For each change, the Simulate button is activated to determine the visual impact of that change.

The general functionality supported in addition to the above functionality are:

1. Import IP/TE topology only

2. Import LSPs

3. Import profiles

4. Import SR policies

5. Delete an imported topology

Note: SR policies that are operationally down cannot be imported into path simulation.