Design and implementation of a smart learning environment for teaching computer networking
and | Oct 31, 2023
Article Category: Research Article
Published Online: Oct 31, 2023
Page range: 162 - 179
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/eurodl-2023-0013
Keywords
© 2023 Geoff Woolcott et al., published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
The grade distribution of the 2019 and 2020 offerings
| Grade | 2019 (blended) offering | 2020 (online) offering | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male (39) | Female (13) | Total (52) | Male (17) | Female (3) | Total (20) | |
| High distinction | 0 | 0 | 0 (0%) | 1 | 0 | 1 (5%) |
| Distinction | 1 | 0 | 1 (2%) | 1 | 0 | 1 (5%) |
| Credit | 1 | 0 | 1 (2%) | 3 | 1 | 4 (20%) |
| Pass | 6 | 5 | 11 (21%) | 8 | 1 | 9 (45%) |
| AF |
31 | 8 | 39 (75%) | 4 | 1 | 5 (25%) |
A summary of the common network simulation tools in teaching computer networks
| Tool | Features | Accessibility | Supporting features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Packet Tracer | Simulate:
+ Cisco network device OS (some) + Some protocol behaviours + Limited wireless LAN support + No mobile support |
+ Free to Cisco academy students; + Run on PC; + Cross-platform + Easy-of-use with GUI |
+ Very rich learning materials and documentation + Create and manage learning activity; self-marking; etc. |
| GNS3 | Emulate:
+ Cisco network device OS + Full-stack protocol behaviours + Limited wireless support + No mobile support |
+ Open-source but need licence to use vendor OS + Run on PC + Cross-platform + Easy-use with GUI |
+ Rich learning materials and documentation |
| Huawei eNSP | Emulate:
+ Huawei network device OS + Full-stack protocol behaviours + Limited wireless support + No mobile support |
+ Free + Run on PC + Windows only + Easy-of-use with GUI |
Some learning materials and documentation |
| OPNET | Simulate:
+ Full-stack protocol behaviours + Traffic models + Communication channels + Wireless support + Mobile support |
+ Commercial product + Run on PC + Easy-of-use with GUI + Need programming |
+ Rich documentation and learning example + Teaching support |
| EVE-NG | Emulate:
+ Multivendor network device OS + Full-stack protocol behaviours + Limited wireless support + No mobile support |
+ Commercial and free but need licence to use vendor OS + Run on PC + Cross-platform + Easy-of-use with GUI |
+ Rich documentation and learning example |
| Cisco VIRL | Emulate:
+ Cisco network device OS + Full-stack protocol behaviours + Limited wireless support + No mobile support |
+ Commercial licence + Run on PC (client only) but need access to simulation server + Easy-of-use with GUI |
+ Rich documentation and learning example + Teaching support |
| NetSim | Simulate and Emulate:
+ Multivendor network device OS + Full-stack protocol behaviours + Wireless support + Mobile support |
+ Commercial licence; + Run on PC (client only) but need access to simulation server + Easy-of-use with GUI |
+ Rich documentation and learning example + Teaching support |