Introduction
Networking systems grow day by day to complex systems, from these educational materials are emerging in aid of teaching network technology. Cisco networking academy have designed a packet tracer program to keep track with the dynamic networking systems evolution by giving great curricula and rich educational tools that aid students understand complexities of ICTs. Packet tracer supplements the curricula of networking academy permitting instructors to easily demonstrate technical aspects. Individual multiuser activities can be customized by instructors giving room for real time lessons for students that enrich relevance and value in their respective classrooms. It specifically aids students and instructors to have own network worlds for experimentation and exploration of technologies in networks.
I learnt that Packet tracer consists of two workspaces namely physical and logical. Logical workspace permits users to create logical network topologies via connecting and bringing together virtual network devices. Physical workspaces gives a graphical side of the logical network, making a sense of scale and placement in the way network devices like routers and switches would be like in the real scenario. It extends to giving geographical mappings of networks factoring in various towns, constructions and wiring closets (Vacca, Ellis and Ellis 62).
The other component that I learnt is the packet tracer modes which the Cisco packet tracer has mainly two network behavior visualizing modes. The modes are real-time and simulation modes. The network acts as real devices do in real time mode, with instant response from all network activities. It allows students and alternative to real material and gives them room to acquire first hand practice on configuration prior to working with real material. Simulation mode on the other hand allow the user to view and control time intervals, data transfer inner workings, and the data via the network propagation. This aids students gain the fundamental aspects beneath network operations which can first track related concepts learning.
Modular devices are also another important packet tracer component that I learnt. Graphical representations often stimulate hardware visually and offer the chance to integrate interface cards onto modular switches and routers which becomes the stimulation part. Packet tracers do also have a multiuser functionality component via which with a mode of peer-to-peer it permits collaborative development of virtual networks across a real network. This component permits great competitive interactions giving an option to move further from personal to social learning and incorporates opportunities for competition, student instructor interactions, social networking and online gaming. Packer tracer also has an activity wizard which allows users to post own activities of learning by putting up environments using instructional text, and developing initial and end network topologies and prior defined packets. This component also incorporates feedback and grading capabilities with built scaffold experiences of learning’s both summative and formative assessments. It also incorporates components like the lab grading function, international languages support and most important of all compatibility with multiple platforms such as Linux and all windows platforms
Packet tracers also incorporate multiple clear and precise tutorials to kick start users with features of the product and give in detail how to engage in simulations. Extra advanced tutorials are also within reach for download (Matt 672).
Key benefits of packet tracer components
I also learnt the various benefits of packet tracer among them easing the teaching process by provision of free multiple user environments to aid in teaching technical aspects. It also makes learning easy by giving realistic visualization scenarios for explanation and exploration. Instructors and students can also make own virtual network worlds to aid in teaching and learning concepts of networking technologies.
I also learnt that packet tracer components have vital benefits to the instructor such as capability to teach complex networking concepts and even showcase technologies and configurations. The components can be applied in lectures demonstration, personal group labs, assignments and even reinforcement of hands on experimental activities.
I also learnt the benefits of the packet tracer to us students such as provision of free application and visualization environment for configuration and troubleshooting of network environments. Packet tracers also give important hands-on expertise to aid us succeed both in the classroom and on the job. Besides this the multiuser functionality enables more interaction, competition and enjoyable learning opportunities (Hallberg 6). Packet tracers also lays out a rich learning environment more than standard networking instructional methods. We can also build and design our own network with drag and drop devices thanks to the packet tracer. Lastly in permits us to view virtual packets one on one as they move through our networks and practice out of physical classes and labs that can run on home computers and mobile computing devices.
Works Cited
Hallberg, Bruce. Fundamentals of networking. New York: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.
Matt, Curtin. Introduction to Network security. New York: Wiley, 1997.
Vacca, John, Scott Ellis and Scott Raymond Ellis. Firewalls: Jumstart fro network and system administration. New York: Elsevier, 2005.
