Experience on “Networking I” course using simulation software and real devices for practices

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 done in a Networking course context. It was organized by the Telecommunication Engineering Faculty at the Salta Catholic University (UCASal) in Argentina. The main study goal was to compare and contrast learning between students using laboratories with simulation software tools and those with real equipment.