Network simulation tools provide advanced simulation solutions. These tools reduce costs and simplify the testing of scenarios to mitigate risks before deployment. However, many of these tools still possess shortcomings that hinder their usability and widespread adoption. Notably, many tools cannot accommodate dynamic scenarios, thus limiting the scale and complexity of simulations they can support. Our study explores professionals’ experiences with network simulation tools, with a focus on CORE/EMANE, aiming to understand their shortcomings and future potential. While existing research highlights technical drawbacks, our mixed-methods approach, uses a questionnaire to gather perspectives on network simulators and a design workshop to explore both technical and usability barriers associated with CORE/EMANE from an industry perspective. Our research highlights critical technical and usability barriers and challenges as perceived by industry professionals who frequently use these tools. Our work improves the understanding of the technical and usability requirements of network simulation tools. More importantly, we provide features that are grounded in participants’ feedback, aiming to streamline user interfaces and align tools capabilities with the evolving network simulation landscape for improved project outcomes. These insights are key for informing future development, emphasising the need for tools that address technical requirements while ensuring user-friendliness.