A network model for network management teaching

Experiences in leaching network management at undergraduate and post graduate levels of computer science courses has led to a recognition ‘f ~he need 10 offer some practical experience in xupport of Ike theore~ical material of the trzdilional course. This paper describes the developnwnt of a ‘model agm’, which can be programmed to present mal~agemtwt data 10 a network management platjhm in formats and sequences which simulate a range of network devices and patterns of bduzviour. The paper describes the way in which such a model agenr can be programmed, and shows, by means ofan example simulated network fiwh, how ~he model agents are z{tilised in a p~actical learning environment with a student (in ~.kerole of network manager) Izm’ing to identifi ~id diagnose the ‘fault’ using only data obtained f?om lke model agents forming ‘their’ network