Cisco Packet Tracer Simulation as Effective Pedagogy in Computer Networking Course

Abstract

The Computer Networking course commonly taught in mixed mode involving lecture and practical session whereas beside face-to-face theory session, students need to experience hands-on activities in order to appreciate the technology and contents. Nevertheless the abstraction in Computer Networking course such as the complexity in TCP/IP network layering, the connection and configuration of client and server’s framework, differences in static and dynamic IP address configuration had imposed a great challenge for students to understand and grab the main concept of computer networking technology. As such, an approach of using computer network simulation and visualization tool in teaching and learning Computer Networking course is seen beneficial for educators and students. In this research, computer network simulation software of CISCO Packet Tracer was utilized in Computer Networking (MTN3023) course. Students (N=55) were exposed to CISCO Packet Tracer on which they developed Wide Area Network (WAN) that consists of configuration activities of Personal Computer (PC), Servers and Switches according to CISCO standard. Subsequently, student’s feedback and their insight on the effectiveness of CISCO packet Tracer in learning computer networking were probed using questionnaire. All the feedbacks were investigating statistically using SPSS 16.0. From the analysis, the descriptive results shown that all students were agreed (N=32 : Strongly Agree; N=23 : Agree) that CISCO Packet Tracer had successfully help them to understand several key concepts of computer networking and at the same quash some abstractions they faced in the course. In a nutshell, CISCO Packet Tracer as a simulation and visualization tool had been proven to be an effective software in supporting the teaching and learning of computer networking course.

Implementasi Remote Laboratorium Praktikum Infrastruktur LAN Pada Masa Work From Home

“…Packet Tracer memiliki fitur yang cukup menarik karena memberikan gambaran menumenu pada piranti aslinya, sehingga mahasiswa lebih bersemangat dan lebih kreatif dalam belajar desain jaringan computer [5]. Selain digunakan untuk pembelajaran, Packet Tracer juga dapat digunakan untuk mendesain dan mensimulasikan jaringan sebelum diterapkan pada jaringan riil dan dapat mendukung pelaksanaan praktikum dengan biaya minimal [6]. Packet Tracer memiliki keterbatasan pada konfigurasi piranti wireless yang hanya dapat dilakukan pada konfigurasi yang sangat sederhana [7].…”

Design and implementation of a smart learning environment for teaching computer networking

“…These options, however, are not available online. Although visualisation and simulation have been shown to be effective approaches to teaching the theory of networking (Goldstein et al, 2006;Jovanović & Zakić, 2018;Lampi, 2013;Rashid et al, 2019;Ruiz-Martinez et al, 2013), it remains difficult to use these approaches to convey advanced networking concepts that would otherwise require hands-on experience (Pan, 2010;Sarkar, 2006aSarkar, , 2006b. For example, working in a simulated scenario provides only a superficial experience compared to working with the real network and the real network devices (Shimba et al, 2017).…”

Remote Systems: Building up a Distributed Architecture

“…Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool developed by Cisco Systems. It allows users to create virtual network topologies to simulate the behavior of computer networks [12]. Using this tool, we will design, configure, and troubleshoot our proposed distributed network in a risk-free virtual environment.…”