Experiments

     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 and professionals. The simulation approach is highly useful because it provides a virtual environment for an assortment of desirable features such as modeling a network based on specified criteria and analyzing its performance under different scenarios.

     The Net-Seal project is currently utilizing the Network Simulation Experiments Manual, published by Morgan Kaufmann in 2007. This manual has 15 experiments that cover a variety of networking designs and protocols. The experiments in this manual do not require programming skills as a prerequisite. They are generic and can be easily expanded to utilize new technologies and networking standards. With the free easy-to-install software, the OPNET IT Guru Academic Edition, networking students and professionals can implement the experiments from the convenience of their homes or workplaces. The manual is suitable for a single-semester course on computer networking at the undergraduate or beginning graduate level. Professors can pick the experiments that are appropriate to their class.

     As part of the Net-Seal project an updated version of the experiments will be introduced. The update includes adding new experiments to cover topics such as Wireless Networks , Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks, Interdomain Routing, and Network Security. In addition, the updated version of the experiments will be implemented taking into consideration the requirements of the curriculum in both four-year universities and two-year colleges.