Katharsis

Katharsis is a network emulation utility designed for Linux environments. It allows users to configure and run multiple virtual machines and network devices on a single host system. The software utilizes containerization technology to isolate distinct network nodes, enabling the simulation of complex routing protocols and network topologies without requiring physical hardware.

Operators define network topologies through configuration files, specifying routers, switches, and links between them. Katharsis manages the underlying network namespaces and bridging interfaces to connect these nodes according to the user specification. This application suits educational purposes and network testing scenarios where isolated virtual labs are necessary on local machines.