Abstract: A system and method is provided for simulating computer network devices. The method executes a user interface which presents a scenario which includes tasks a user is to perform by interacting with one or more simulated network devices. A network diagram having icons displays a network topology. By selecting an icon a simulated network device is executed and a communication interface to the simulated network device is opened. Commands to the simulated network device issued through the communication interface are interpreted and responded to in substantially the same manner as a corresponding actual network device. In addition, for each simulated network router a routing table is generated and maintained to allow the simulated network devices to respond to commands as realistically as possible. Tasks completed by a user are monitored and evaluated to determine whether the user successfully completed the required tasks.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for simulating a computer environment and evaluating a user's performance within a simulation which uses the computer environment. The method reads base data which defines a simulated component within a simulated computer environment. Initial condition data may also be read to modify a simulated component. The simulated computer environment is represented by executing one or more simulators to simulate actual software modules. A simulation is presented to a user. The simulation includes a scenario and a set of tasks to be completed. As the user interacts with the simulators, tasks completed by the user are recorded. Finally, the set of completed tasks are evaluated to determine a user's performance within the simulation. The system and method allows a simulation author to automatically define a set of possible tasks for a simulation by performing the desired tasks in the simulated computer environment. The system and method provides a robust evaluation process for simulations.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for simulating a computer environment and evaluating a user's performance within a simulation which uses the computer environment. The method reads base data which defines a simulated component within a simulated computer environment. Initial condition data may also be read to modify a simulated component. The simulated computer environment is represented by executing one or more simulators to simulate actual software modules. A simulation is presented to a user. The simulation includes a scenario and a set of tasks to be completed. As the user interacts with the simulators, tasks completed by the user are recorded. Finally, the set of completed tasks are evaluated to determine a user's performance within the simulation. The system and method allows a simulation author to automatically define a set of possible tasks for a simulation by performing the desired tasks in the simulated computer environment. The system and method provides a robust evaluation process for simulations.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for simulating computer network devices. The method executes a user interface which presents a scenario which includes tasks a user is to perform by interacting with one or more simulated network devices. A network diagram having icons displays a network topology. By selecting an icon a simulated network device is executed and a communication interface to the simulated network device is opened. Commands to the simulated network device issued through the communication interface are interpreted and responded to in substantially the same manner as a corresponding actual network device. In addition, for each simulated network router a routing table is generated and maintained to allow the simulated network devices to respond to commands as realistically as possible. Tasks completed by a user are monitored and evaluated to determine whether the user successfully completed the required tasks.