INSIM: A Modular Simulation Platform for TSN-based In-Vehicle Networks

In-vehicle networks (IVNs) are rapidly evolving to support increasingly complex automotive applications, demanding higher bandwidth and deterministic timing bounds. Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) has emerged as a promising Ethernet-based technology that addresses these stringent requirements. However, evaluating TSN-based IVN strategies remains a challenge due to the lack of standardized benchmarks and simulation tools. This paper introduces INSIM, a modular simulation platform specifically designed for TSN-based IVNs, providing an intuitive graphical interface, an extensible plug-in architecture, and integrated benchmarking features. INSIM integrates analytical performance models and discrete-event simulations (as plug-ins), enhancing the workflow for engineers by refining topology design, adjusting parameters, conducting simulations, and assessing performance, while providing researchers with a flexible platform to plug in, analyze, and compare custom network resource managers or analytical performance models.