Specifying Distributions for OPNET Models

Complex modeling scenarios require stochastic values that conform to a variety

of probability distributions, such as the exponential, normal, and pareto distributions. Probability distribution arguments are specified as a mean (when
only a mean is required), or as a pair of arguments when two parameters are
required (for example, mean and variance for a normal distribution).
The distribution specification dialog box contains the following main fields:

Distribution Fields

Special Values

Distribution Fields

The selection of an appropriate distribution depends upon the parameter for

which the choice is being made. For example, if you want the same outcome
every time, use the constant distribution, or if you want the outcomes to fall
within a certain range, use the uniform distribution. The various distributions
available for selection appear in a pull-down list as shown below:

Specifying Distributions for OPNET Models

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The number of arguments required to be specified depend upon the distribution

selection. In the above example, if the Distribution Name is set to be modeled
using a pareto distribution, the following arguments will appear for your specification:

Special Values

Some model parameters also provide specific symbolic values as choices for
distribution specification. These values appear in the Special Value pull-down
menu. The following special values can be assigned to the Object Size
attribute:

Selecting a symbolic value automatically disables the distribution argument

fields as shown below (i.e., you can either specify a distribution and its arguments or a special symbolic value):

Distribution fields
are disabled.

In order to specify an explicit distribution and corresponding arguments, you

must set the Special Value to Not Used. You will then be able to select a distribution he distribution from the list of available ones.

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Specifying Distributions for OPNET Models

Predefined Distributions

A list of the predefined distributions appears below, along with their supported
arguments. For more information on the framework of these distributions, consult OPNET Modeler documentation on Distribution package:
Predefined Distributions
Name

First Argument

Second Argument

bernoulli

mean outcome

<ignored>

binomial

num_samples

p_success

chi_square

mean outcome

<ignored>

constant

outcome

<ignored>

erlang

scale

shape

exponential

mean outcome

<ignored>

extreme

location

mode_scale

fast_normal

mean outcome

outcome variance

gamma

scale

shape

geometric

prob_success

<ignored>

laplace

mean

scale

logistic

mean

scale

lognormal

mean outcome

outcome variance

normal

mean outcome

outcome variance

pareto

location

shape

poisson

mean outcome

<ignored>

power function

shape

scale

rayleigh

scale

<ignored>

triangular

min

max

uniform

minimum outcome

maximum outcome

uniform_int

minimum outcome

maximum outcome

weibull

shape parameter

scale parameter

scripted

filename

<ignored>

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2000 OPNET Technologies, Inc.