In general, the invention relates to a method for managing a real network system. The method includes configuring, using Network Device State Information (NDSI) for at least a portion of the real network system, simulated network devices for a simulated network system. The method further includes obtaining simulation conditions for the simulated network system, simulating, using the simulation conditions, operation of the simulated network system to obtain a simulation result, and initiating an update of at least a portion of the real network system corresponding to the simulated network system.