This research project systematically evaluates the effectiveness of signature-based and anomaly-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) through controlled simulations of normal and malicious network activities. The study addresses a critical gap in comparative research by measuring detection rates, false positive rates, and response times across different attack scenarios to determine each system's strengths and weaknesses. The findings will provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to enhance their network security posture by selecting the most appropriate IDS solution for their specific operational environment.