Network simulations and future technologies in teaching networking courses: Development of a laboratory model with Cisco Virtual Internet Routing Lab (Virl)

The high demand for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) network experts requires the educational development of professionals to be capable of addressing problems from a theoretical and technical point of view. Accordingly, the integration of practical labs into traditional teaching techniques enables ICT High Education students to enhance the quality of their learning environment through the application of theoretical knowledge onto real-life professional scenarios. Three different laboratory models are currently identified: a fully virtualized environment, a combination of physical hardware and software and a fully physical hardware infrastructure implementation. Those solutions are integrated into the didactic environment in order to provide students direct hands-on experience onto theoretical networking concepts. This report aims to evaluate current virtual laboratory models, contrast them in terms of functionalities and capabilities and consequently present the development of a virtual lab solution, characterized by three virtual routers and two end devices, within the Cisco Virtual Internet Routing Lab (Virl) environment. The proposed model has been also evaluated against the same network configuration deployed onto GNS3 simulation software and real network infrastructure. Results demonstrate realistic data confirming the efficiency and reliability of the Virl Simulation environment for the delivery of IT networking subjects in High Education addressing some of the limitations of current GNS3 and Packet Tracer simulation software.