NETLAB+ Support of Cisco Networking Academy Content

Gary Coman, Director of Corporate Affairs, Cisco Networking Academy, discusses the long-standing partnership between the Cisco Networking Academy and the Network Development Group (NDG).

Overview

NETLAB+ enables Cisco Networking Academies to host real Cisco lab equipment and curriculum on the Internet for blended distance learning, remote Academy access, instructor led training, student team and individual student equipment access. Resources can be scheduled, automated, and accessed remotely, allowing Academies to maximize their investment in equipment and software.

Maximize the Return on Your Investment in Equipment

Using NETLAB+, Academies can maximize the return on their equipment investment by providing round-the-clock, worldwide equipment access to instructors and students. NDG works closely with Cisco to create topologies that will work across multiple curriculums, using the smallest amount of equipment possible.

Blended Distance Learning

NETLAB+ provides the remote lab access and equipment collaboration tools necessary for Blended Distance Learning. Program adoption and enrollment is no longer subject to geographical limitations. Instructors gain the tools they need. Students gain the convenience they desire. Carbon footprint is reduced. NETLAB+ can also be used effectively in the physical classroom, offering a true blended solution.

Increase Instructor Productivity

NDG works closely with Cisco to author labs that will work remotely using NETLAB+ topologies. NDG sweats the details of remote accessibility, so instructors are free to focus on providing training. Instructors can simultaneously share equipment consoles and PCs with students. Automated device actions assist with configuration management, student assessment, cleanup and password recovery tasks. NETLAB+ frees instructors from lab management details to focus on curriculum, labs and assisting students.

Real and Remote

NETLAB+ provides students with a high fidelity training experience through remote interaction with real routers, switches, firewalls, PCs and servers - all running real operating systems and software. Networking professionals support devices in multiple geographical locations and must possess the skills to configure, manage, and troubleshoot remotely. NETLAB+ mirrors the real and remote environment, which is vital to achieving success in today's marketplace.

Academy Benefits	Instructor Benefits	Student Benefits
Maximize equipment investment Implement blended distance learning Share access with other Academies Scheduled, round-the-clock lab access Increase student lab time Host Academy curriculum Discounted price, cost recovery	Provide remote instructor led training Record and assess student lab work Share sessions with your students Focus on labs (not lab management) Rapid lab assessment Automate device and PC cleanup Automate configuration management	Use real equipment Use real operating systems Use real software applications Schedule labs at your convenience Complete labs at home Attend instructor led training at home Develop remote management skills

Sharing and Cost Recovery

NETLAB+ licensing allows Academies who purchase NETLAB+ the option to share access to their system with other Academies throughout the world. Hosting academies may charge a cost recovery fee, which may help reduce their expenses. Remote Academies who may not have the resources to purchase hardware can greatly benefit from having access to equipment on a hosting Academy’s NETLAB+ system. Learn more >

Next Steps

• Compare NETLAB+ product versions.
• Learn more about the product features.
• See list of supported Cisco Networking Academy labs.
• View the topologies designed to support Cisco Networking Academy courses.