Home // International Journal On Advances in Intelligent Systems, volume 5, numbers 1 and 2, 2012 // View article

Multiuser Simulation-Based Virtual Environment for Teaching Computer ‎Networking Concepts

Authors:
Ammar Musheer
Oleg Sotnikov
Shahram Shah Heydari

Keywords: IT learning tools; Serious Gaming; Cisco Networking Academy; ‎Blended Learning

Abstract:
In this research we focus on primary design principles ‎for ‎creating interactive activities and serious games based on ‎Cisco Packet Tracer tool for the purpose of training in the field ‎of Computer Networks. We present a general architecture for ‎a library ‎of simulation-based interactive activities and games ‎for CCNA-level content. We demonstrate how ‎students’ skills ‎in important networking topics such as routing, remote access ‎and security help them ‎succeed in these activities. We discuss ‎various challenges in setting up efficient multi-user ‎environments based on Packet Tracer, and propose solutions ‎for a number of technical problems such as scalable ‎addressing, VLAN handling, individual student ‎monitoring, ‎and offline exporting. Conceptual collaborative activities and ‎their design principles are ‎also discussed in this research. We ‎also provide testing results to evaluate the performance of ‎packet ‎trace in an interactive multiuser environment‎.

Pages: 76 to 88

Copyright: Copyright (c) to authors, 2012. Used with permission.

Publication date: June 30, 2012

Published in: journal

ISSN: 1942-2679