Reinforce Networking Theory with OPNET Simulation
ARTICLE
Jinhua Guo, Weidong Xiang, Shengquan Wang, University of Michigan, United States
JITE-Research Volume 6, Number 1, ISSN 1539-3585 Publisher: Informing Science Institute
Abstract
As networking systems have become more complex and expensive, hands-on experiments based on networking simulation have become essential for teaching the key computer networking topics to students. The simulation approach is the most cost effective and highly useful because it provides a virtual environment for an assortment of desirable features such as modeling a network based on specific criteria and analyzing its performance under different scenarios with no cost. In this paper, we present our approach to develop an OPNET simulation networking laboratory that complements classroom lectures. Our simulation labs emphasize the understanding of the dynamics of network protocols instead of configuration and management. Students learn, through these experiments, a wide range of networking aspects including the design and the limitations of protocols, simulation and performance evaluation techniques, interpretation of data and packet analysis. Furthermore, we try to ensure that labs contain some extension or development of the topic beyond the lecture/reading and provide students additional active learning opportunities to discover knowledge. We have been using OPNET simulation in an introductory computer networks course for the past three years. Feedback from the students has been very positive. Overwhelmingly, students have indicated that the OPNET labs help them better understand the intricate details of actual networking protocols, and they generally indicate that they enjoy these labs as well. In summary, students benefit from the OPNET simulation laboratory in the following three ways. First, the OPNET simulation labs reinforce the networking theory taught by regular lectures. Second, the open design of the labs encourages active learning. Third, students gain the knowledge of modeling and simulation techniques for performance evaluation of networking systems. This active learning approach gives students experience in the subtleties of the design of a complex system, as well as prepares them for the networking industry.
Citation
Guo, J., Xiang, W. & Wang, S. (2007). Reinforce Networking Theory with OPNET Simulation. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 6(1), 215-226. Informing Science Institute. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/111417/.
Keywords
References
View References & Citations Map- Bagrodia, R.L. & Liao, W.-T. (1994). Maisie: A language for the design of efficient discrete-event simulations. IEEE Transaction on Software Engineer, April, 225-238.
- Brakmo, L. & Peterson, L. (1996). Experiences with network simulation. Proceedings of ACM SIGMETRICS 96, 80-90.
- Brown, R. (2002). Network management: A capstone design experience. 32nd ASEE/IEEE Frontier in Education Conference, Boston, MA, November 2002.
- Casado, M. & Mckeown, N. (2005). The virtual network system. The Proceedings of the 36th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE’05), 76-80.
- Computing Curriculum. (2001). IEEE/ACM CC-2001 Task Force. Retrieved January 6, 2006, from http://www.acm.org/sigcse/cc2001/index.html
- Comer, D. (2004). Hands-on networking with internet technologies (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall.
- Fabrega, L. (2002). A virtual network laboratory for learning IP networking. ACM 7th Annual SIGCSE Conference on ITiCSE 2002, 161-164 Guo, Xiang, & Wang
- Fitzhugh, S. (2002). Portable network laboratory. 32nd ASEE/IEEE Frontier in Education Conference, Boston, MA, November 2002.
- GloMoSim. (2001). Global mobile information systems simulation library. Retrieved January 26, 2006, from http://pcl.cs.ucla.edu/projects/glomosim Jipping, M.J., Bugaj, A., Mihalkova, L. & Porter, D.E. (2003). Using Java to teach networking concepts with a programmable network sniffer. Proceedings of the 34th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, 120-124.
- Keshav, S. (1988). REAL: A network simulator. Technical report 88/472, University of California, Berkeley.
- Kneale, B. & Box, L. (2003). A virtual learning environment for real-world networking. Information Science, 71.
- Kurose, J., Leibeherr, J., Ostermann, S., & Ott-Boisseau, T. (2002). Workshop report. ACM SIGCOMM Workshop on Computer Networking: Curriculum Designs and Educational Challenges.
- Mayo, J. & Kearns, P. (1999). A secure unrestricted advanced systems laboratory. The Proceedings of the 30th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE’99), 165-169.
- Nakagawa, Y., Suda, H., Ukigai, M., & Miida, Y. (2003). An innovative hands-on laboratory for teaching a networking course. 33rd ASEE/IEEE Frontier in Education Conference, Boulder, CO, November 2003. NS-2 (2006). The Network Simulator– NS2. Retrieved February 18, 2006, from http://www.isi.edu/nsnam/ns OPNET (2006). OPNET network simulator. Retrieved February 21, 2006, from http://www.opnet.com
- Richards, B. (2001). Rtp: a transport layer implementation project. Proceedings of the Sixth Annual CCSC Northeastern Conference on the Journal of Computing in Small Colleges, 134-141.
- Steenkiste, P. (2003). A network project course based on network processors. Proceedings of the 34th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, 262-266.
These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.
Suggest Corrections to References