Enhancing the Understanding of Computer Networking Courses through Software Tools

Abstract: Computer networking is an important specialization in Information and Communication Technologies. However imparting the right knowledge to students can be a challenging task due to the fact that there is not enough time to deliver lengthy labs during normal lecture hours. Augmenting the use of physical machines with software tools help the students to learn beyond the limited lab sessions within the environment of higher Institutions of learning throughout the world. The Institutions focus mostly on effective use of available resources i.e. a lab may have few lab sessions scheduled within a day for different courses. Hence a particular lab session must begin and end on time. A slow student who did not complete his/her lab exercise must vacate the lab because another class is about to commence. Hence using free software tools such as OPNET IT guru, Packet trace and NS2 will help the student to learn beyond the College time. A Student will gain an insight into Computer networking field by repeatedly doing the same labs at the comfort of his laptop or PC at home, hence increasing deeper understanding into the subject. The main objective of this paper is to explore the software tools which will enhance the networks practical skills among higher education students at College of Applied Sciences Salalah. The paper also discusses the methodologies of implementing and executing lab sessions after the normal college hours. The limitations and suggestions for the improvements are also specified at the end of this paper.