Integration of the programmability and automation concepts into the teaching of computer networks

• Published in: 2021 19th International Conference on Emerging eLearning Technologies and Applications (ICETA) pp. 175 - 180
• Main Authors: Katonova, E. A., Petija, R., Jakab, F., Fecilak, P., Michalko, M.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 11.11.2021
• Subjects: Automation; Computer networks; model driven programmability; NETCONF; Network topology; Programming; Protocols; RESTCONF; software defined networking; Training; XML; YANG models
• DOI: 10.1109/ICETA54173.2021.9726621

Automation is described as an operation of substituting manual tasks, such as device configuration in the field of computer networking, with programs that make configuration more efficient and reduce the percentage of unconsciously made mistakes. The concept of automation is closely related to programming, which creates a path to penetrate the process into this field. Purpose of this study is to create materials, which will fulfill the scarcity of related study content on the market. Suggested solutions and targets of our prior focus are the RESTCONF and NETCONF protocols in cooperation with the YANG models. Materials provide a full explanation of the individual protocols and models as well as their actual application demonstrated on real examples, which cover the curriculum of the entire CCNAv7 course. To summarize, the outcome of this work is primarily a Collection of practical problems, whose solution leads to a complete functioning unit, the Controller, which is the brain behind the working communication between network infrastructures and external applications (in this case Cisco Webex Teams). The result of this work has been evaluated on a Figure of more than 100 subjects, consisting of both national and international users. The initiated goal of effectiveness and guidance has been not only met but exceeded it, as proven in the evaluation part of the article. To conclude, created materials are valuable sources potentially used for studying and instruction process in both high school and university curriculum as well as a guidance for instructors and individuals employed in the computer networking field. The outputs of the work can also be used for automated management of QoS policies.