Abstract:

This paper presents the educational research carried out for the creation of new practical topologies in communication networks, using the GNS3 software. The motivation of this work is due to the introduction of more complex simulation environments and close to the real networks systems. After a study of our new educational needs, the proposed work has been developed.

To carry out the development of new topologies and their correct simulation in any computer equipment we need to perform a more complex installation of the GNS3 software tool than we had it before. Specifically, we must work with the VMware configuration instead of VirtualBox, which was our the choice so far.

Among the new topologies, we can highlight the implementation of the OSPF routing protocol (Open Shortest Path First). We made new topologies with this protocol to compare the results with RIP (Routing Information Protocol) that until now was the only one explained in practical lessons of our subject. In addition, we have created a powerful and stable topology for the simulation of the popular NAT service in real networks. NAT stands for Network address translation and it is a method of remapping one IP address space into another, by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. Finally, we simulate a complex FTP service environment. The File Transfer Protocol is especially important for our Degree's students since it simulates the transfer of audiovisual resources in real networks.

All of the new topologies are analyzed and discussed in this work. The creation of these new topologies and their versatility to changes or customizations by a group of students allows us a battery of new practical proposals for students.

Keywords:

Communication networks, Virtualization, GNS3, VMWare.