University: Aichi Prefectural University
Name of Sponsoring Professor: Takashi OKUDA
Department: Department of Applied Information Science and Technology

We are using OPNET for the course described below:

1. Title and Scenario
"Implement Computer Network on Linux and Traffic Engineering" in senior computer laboratory

2. Participants and purpose
This "Implement Computer Network on Linux and Traffic Engineering" is an experimental class intended for the third academic year students of department of Applied Information Science and Technology. The class is one of contents of the senior computer laboratory constituted of "Implement Computer Network on Linux and Traffic Engineering", "Continuous Simulation", "Voice Reorganization" and "Communication System".

The purpose of this class is to give (1) experience of computer networks implement on Linux, and (2) knowledge of performance evaluation by using analytical approach (queuing theory) and computer simulation, to students.

First, they can understand how a real computer network is implemented on Linux, how data transmit in their implemented computer network, and evaluate the performance of the computer network. Next, they can understand visually how data transmit in computer networks, LANs, WANs, Internet, by using a computer simulation tool OPNET. In addition to mechanisms of computer networks, they can understand how the computer simulation tool is of use for designing computer networks and also understand analytical (queuing) approach. Since considerable number of students will get a job as an engineer of information and network systems after they graduate, this course give them valuable experience.

3. The number of class days and students
About 40 students are divided into 8 groups. Each group takes classes of 3 times. Each class is 180 minutes and held once a week.

4. Class designing
Each class consists of (1) and (2). In (2), students will be able to confirm clearly and deepen their understandings and idea obtained from the lecture by experimenting them in the computer simulation. A network design subject is given to students at the latter half of the course. The student teams of 3-5 people tackle the subject by using the computer simulation tool OPNET. Each team present results of their work in the last class and turn in a report.

5. Syllabus planning

Firs class: 180 minutes "Implement Computer Network on Linux".

2nd class: 90 minutes lecture and 90 minutes introduction of OPNET
- Introduction to the computer network, outline of network configuration, idea of OSI reference model and protocol stack
- Introduction of OPNET simulator and demonstration of its major functions.

3rd class: 90 minutes lecture and 90 minutes practicing OPNET
- Function of equipments used in networks, LANs, WANs, Internet.
- Mechanisms of data transmission in LANs, especially in TCP/IP Protocol.
- Practice by OPNET : performance evaluation of Ethernet and WAN.
- Presentation by each student team and is commented by teaching stuffs.

Above curriculum will be repeated 4 times in the period.