Inetwork: An Interactive Learning Tool for Communication Networks

Abstract

A country or a nation would be immobilized without computers and data communication networks. Computer networking courses are being offered by not only universities and tertiary institutions but also many technical colleges and secondary schools worldwide. The cost associated with purchasing networking devices and equipment to enable students to gain practical experience in setting up a customised network can be significant. Therefore, networking fundamentals are taught by combination of textbooks and lecture-only methods in many schools and publicly funded tertiary institutions. This chapter describes the development and use of an interactive learning tool called iNetwork for teaching and learning computer communication networks. iNetwork provides an environment in which students can experiment with different network configurations and gain hands-on learning experience in computer and data communication networks without the need for expensive equipment.