Using computer network simulation tools as supplements to computer network curriculum (original) (raw)

Using Simulation and Modeling Tools in Teaching Computer Network Courses

2013 International Conference on IT Convergence and Security (ICITCS), 2013

This paper describes the benefit of using modeling and simulation tools to aid educational process in teaching computer network engineers. These techniques motivate students and encourage them to be original and creative. The obtained results are promising to reduce the gap between the education in universities and real work environments. This in turn makes students prepared to face real-world problem during their future real jobs. Packet tracer, GNS2, OPNET, and fat-tree simulator tools are used in this paper.

Simulation As A Teaching Tool-Sharing Experience In Teaching Computer Networks Practicals

Teaching computer networking practical can be daunting task especially when teaching a large class of students of around two hundred (200) and using real network devices that are relatively expensive, requiring careful handling. Letting students start experimenting with the networking devices just after receiving theory may be a recipe of disaster. So many things may happen like corrupting, uninstalling, locking of the software and even physical damage of the devices. The resultant is at the end students will not get enough practice and will not be evaluated.

Tools and Techniques for Teaching and Research in Network Design and Simulation

SN Computer Science

Computer networking is taught for some time at universities. A network is a complex mix of applications, communications protocols and link technologies, traffic flows and routing algorithms. Teaching the networking concept, the network design process is a challenging task, requiring designers to balance user performance expectations with costs and capacities. One of the obvious approaches employed to deal with its complexity is through the use of modelling and simulation techniques. This paper examines three best educational tools that can be used in the Computer Networking course at Cardiff Metropolitan University or any University for educational purpose. The paper demonstrates that a successful teaching programme needs to combine a range of teaching tools to achieve its aims. Analysing various aspects of the course provides evaluation of the overall success of the tools. Many network design and simulation tools have been studied. Based on our research and experiment, the best edu...

Application of Computer Network Simulation Software in Virtual Environment

Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference - Sinteza 2023

The development of information technologies enabled interactive teaching and the application of various software in education. The paper analyzed problems observed in the standard way of teaching in the field of computer networks. The aim of this paper is to prove that the application of computer network simulation software in teaching can improve the understanding of the materials in the field of computer networks. A comparative analysis of three computer network simulation software (Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3 and OPNET) was performed regarding of use of these software in teaching. It is shown why Cisco Packet Tracer is the best solution for entry-level education in this area. By creating a simple computer network using Cisco Packet Tracer software, the necessary initial theoretical knowledge of computer networks is presented. It has been shown that the application of computer network simulation software cannot replace the classical form of teaching but represents good support in mastering complicated theoretical concepts in the field of computer networks.

Analysis, Deployment, and Evaluation of the Use of Network Simulation as a Learning Resource

IEEE Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnologias del Aprendizaje, 2014

This paper analyzes the benefits of using network simulation as a learning resource in the educational area of Telematics Engineering. Accordingly, a (students' skills) practice program, which can be done by using either network simulation or real equipment, has been introduced in the core subject "Telematics Architectures and Networks (TAN)" of the second year of the Bachelor's Degree in "Telecommunications Systems, Sound and Image Engineering". The satisfactory evaluation of this innovative teaching methodology is proved by the rating of the surveys answered by the students after the course

Computer Networks Lab Practicing with the NS simulator

In this paper we overview lab practicing exercises for generic computer networks course curricula. We will also present statistical data that shows how the new way of teaching affects the students' skills and knowledge obtained, and also their average grades and score.

DEVS-Suite simulator: a tool teaching network protocols

Winter Simulation Conference, 2010

Understanding of the underlying concepts, principles, and theories of computer network can significantly benefit from simulation tools. Usage and development of simulation models for computer networks, however, can be demanding in educational settings. While a variety of open source and commercial tools are available, there remains a desire for simulators that can better support student learning and instructor teaching. In this work, the DEVS-Suite general-purpose simulator is extended to support modeling of network protocols. A model library for the OSPF protocol has been developed such that the emphasis is placed on education to capture the basic principles of network protocols using sound modeling and simulation principles instead of supporting highly detailed network protocol simulations. The use and pedagogical effectiveness of the DEVS-Suite network simulator is carried out in a classroom setting. The results of the student survey are presented and discussed.

Teaching experiences with a virtual network laboratory

2007

The Open Network Laboratory (ONL) is an Internet-accessible virtual laboratory facility that can deliver a high quality laboratory experience in advanced networking 7]. Our experience with ONL indicates that it has potential to improve student understanding of fundamental networking concepts and increase enthusiasm for experimentation with complex technology. Furthermore, these benefits can be delivered with less effort from the instructor than using a traditional approach of socket programming and ns-2 simulation exercises. The system is built around a set of high-performance, extendible routers which connect personal computers acting as end systems. Users configure their virtual network through the Remote Laboratory Interface (RLI), an intuitive graphical interface. The RLI's realtime charts and user data facility make it easy to directly view the effect of system parameters on traffic behavior. These features can enhance learning by providing users with multiple representations of network phenomena. We describe how the ONL facilities have improved our ability to meet instructional objectives and discuss some approaches to improving the laboratory experience.

Experience on “Networking I” course using simulation software and real devices for practices

South Florida Journal of Development

The use of simulation software tools has demonstrated to be very useful in computer network teaching and learning processes for so long. Many advantages can be enumerated, but the outstanding one is a significant reduction in network devices acquisition cost such as routers, switches, wiring. Moreover, there is a time reduction on conventional physics laboratories launch (start-up). This article describes a study done in a Networking course context. It was organized by the Telecommunication Engineering Faculty at the Salta Catholic University (UCASal) in Argentina. The main study goal was to compare and contrast learning between students using laboratories with simulation software tools and those with real equipment.

IRJET- Virtual Laboratory for Computer Networks Education

IRJET, 2021

This paper presents skills development acquired in computer networks subject by using an interactive virtual laboratory and simulation program. The proposed virtual lab is useful for overcoming the difficulties facing the students in studying network courses and using the optimum of modern technology in education. The paper aims to provide the necessary information about the devices used in computer networks that are founded in the laboratory and simulate the different computer networks to help the student to build different experiments and correctly deal with the devices