MacBook Air · MacBook Pro
Apple silicon models, including M1 and newer M-series generations.
COMPATIBILITY
Will it work
on your Mac?
Run NS-2 and NAM on Apple silicon Macs with Docker Desktop and XQuartz. This includes M1 and later M-series Macs; the project uses an emulated linux/amd64 container.
APPLE SILICON MACS
One setup across the Mac lineup.
From an M1 MacBook Air to an M-series Mac Studio, NS2-Nam uses the same Docker and XQuartz workflow.
Mac mini · iMac
Compact and all-in-one Apple silicon Macs for a desktop lab setup.
Mac Studio · Mac Pro
M-series systems, including Pro, Max, and Ultra chip variants where offered.
How compatibility works
NS-2 and NAM run in Docker Desktop’s emulated linux/amd64 environment; XQuartz displays NAM. This is a target for Apple silicon Macs with M1 and later chips, not individual certification of every configuration or a native ARM build. Check Docker Desktop’s current macOS requirements.
START HERE
Three things you need.
Docker runs the simulator; XQuartz displays the NAM window.
Apple Silicon Mac
Targeting M1 and later M-series chips:
M1M2M3M4Newer
Docker Desktop
Install it and keep it running.
REQUIREDXQuartz
Use it to view NAM’s animation windows.
FOR NAMHOW IT WORKS
Under the hood.
The pieces connect in this order, from your Mac to the NAM window.
HOST
Your Mac
Apple Silicon
RUNTIME
Docker
linux/amd64
WINDOWS
XQuartz
NAM display
DISPLAY NETWORK
en0 → en1X11 ACCESS
xhost +localhostAUTH FILE
~/.Xauthority · read-only The launcher checks en0 and then en1 for an IP address. If your Mac uses a different interface, see troubleshooting.