Big picture: Animating data-packet exchange between network nodes. Each packet sent (from one node to another) is individually represented as an object moving along a path that connects the sender and receiver nodes.
Already finished: Network, nodes and paths along-which packets travel. Also, a couple of exemplary animations of data-packet exchange; one using particles and another where packets are represented as individual objects.
Incomplete/Missing part: While the network/nodes/paths are fixed in the scene, the number of packets transferred between nodes must be based on imported data that determines when a packet starts its animation (i.e. travel along its path) as well as how many packets start traveling. In other words, the missing part is a method to import data (XML file for example) that would affect both when and how many packets(objects) are created and traveling along a pre-existing path.
While not being quite experienced with XML and Python scripts within the context of Blender, Scripting-based feedback is also very much welcomed.
Alternatively, if the above described missing-part is simply outside the scope of Blender, then please feel free to suggest other solutions.
Note: NS-3 animation was sufficient, but based on the feedback received ... not quite presentation-level.
Thanks in advance for your feedback :)
