Abstract:

Inter-networking laboratory students are always recommended to learn and develop their technical skills by using real physical laboratory equipment (routers, switches, firewall, etc.). Emulation software for those physical devices, nowadays, could be considered as an alternative, especially for budgeting and other management related issues. Although the pedagogy value of complex inter-networking devices was already considered as low for novice student, it is noticeably lower with emulated devices. Regardless of the low pedagogy value, providing emulated laboratory environment is a popular method for experienced learners, which is economically worthwhile solution. However, novice learner may considered these purely emulated laboratory as another blockage or challenging hurdle for their learning progress. Therefore there is a need to re-design a laboratory that could transit novice student from learning their basic skills from physical equipment while maintaining economically and expediently sounds of emulated laboratory. This article will discuss about designing such pedagogy rich environment that could help students’ need, by benefiting both physical and emulated laboratory.

Keywords:

Inter-networking education, laboratory design, pedagogy, network emulation.