Experience on a Mikrotik certification course using GNS3 and real devices for practices

Abstract

The use of simulation software tools has demonstrated to be very useful in computer network teaching and learning processes for so long. Many advantages can be enumerated, but the outstanding one is a significant reduction in network devices acquisition cost such as routers, switches, wiring. Moreover, there is a time reduction on conventional physics laboratories launch (start-up). This article describes a study made in Mikrotik certification program context. It was organized by CIDIA (Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Informática Aplicada). This center depends on the Salta National University (UNSa) in Argentina. The main study goal was to compare and contrast learning between students using laboratories with GNS3 simulation software tool and those with real equipment.