Using network simulation in classroom education

The use of network simulation tools has become ubiquitous in nearly all areas of computer network design and research. However, simulations have been less prevalent in undergraduate and graduate level networking fundamentals classes. We believe that high-quality network simulation tools can be used to enhance the overall learning experience by students in these classes. We discuss the use of network simulations on our graduate-level ECE6110, “CAD for Computer Networks” class. The class has a two-pronged focus, first in simply learning the capabilities and use of one or more network simulation tools, and secondly to use those tools to demonstrate network behavior of a number of different network topologies and under a variety of conditions, both wired networks and wireless networks. We present a brief overview of the capabilities of the “ns-3” network simulator, followed by a detailed discussion of the simulation assignments and the learning objectives that are met by students running the simulations and analyzing the results.