Student preferences in networking education

Abstract

Data networking instructors experience the challenge of giving students the lab environments that allow them to best apply and continue their learning. This is generally done using three different environment options: physical hardware, remote labs, and simulation software. Each different type of environment provides its own benefits and obstacles. The high cost and limited accessibility associated with both physical hardware and remote labs are major obstacles for a student's learning. Simulation software provides better accessibility, but not full configuration compatibility. I will address many of the main benefits and drawbacks of each system and also present the preliminary results of a student survey about preferences in their networking education lab environments.