Design of a web-based computer network experiment teaching demonstration system

Computer network experiments are usually done in experimental environments which require some dedicated network hardware and software systems. So, the computer network experiments are often limited to the fixed LAN environment, and require a large amount of investment. In this paper, we analysed the advantages and disadvantages of some common network protocol analysing tools, computer network virtual experimental systems, and network experimental teaching platforms. We proposed a web-based network lab teaching demonstration system. Based on the web and flash technology, the system can demonstrate interactively the abstract knowledge of the computer network model, network protocols, network topology, and the process of computer network communication. The system is easy to use and intuitive. A complete demonstration of the data encapsulation and the data package transmission process, when the ping command at one computer to ping another computer is executed, is presented as an example.