System and method for simulating computer network devices for competency training and testing simulations

A method for simulating a plurality of computer network devices within a simulated computer network, the method comprising:

• executing computer-executable code which simulates a plurality of network devices defined by a data store which is distinct and separately modifiable from the computer-executable code, the data store defining the configuration information for, and
• network connections between each simulated network device within the simulated computer network;
• displaying a network diagram which represents the simulated computer network and includes icons associated with each of the simulated network devices;
• in response to a user selecting an icon of the network diagram, executing a communication interface for a simulated network device associated with the selected icon;
• and
• monitoring and storing tasks completed by the user interacting with the selected simulated network device.

A system for simulating at least one computer network device within a simulated computer network, the system comprising:

• a user interface that presents a scenario which includes a set of tasks for a user to complete pertaining to a simulated computer network, the user interface including a network diagram having at least one icon, each icon representing a simulated network device;
• a simulator that simulates a network device, in response to a user selecting one of the icons of the network diagram corresponding to the network device, the simulator reads configuration information to configure a simulated network device associated with the selected icon and opens a communication interface between the user and the simulated network device;
• a simulation engine that drives the user interface and executes at least two simulators which cooperate with each other to simulate the computer network;
• wherein the simulator interprets commands issued by the user to the selected simulated network device through the communication interface and responds to the commands in substantially the same manner as a corresponding actual network device within an actual computer network would respond.

A computer-readable medium containing instructions for simulating at least one computer network device within a simulated computer network, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising:

• executing a user interface to present a scenario that includes a set of tasks for a user to complete pertaining to a simulated computer network, the user interface including a network diagram having at least one icon, each icon representing a simulated network device configured according to configuration information;
• in response to a user selecting one of the icons of the network diagram, executing a simulated network device associated with the selected icon and opening a communication interface between the user and the selected simulated network device;
• and
• interpreting commands issued by the user to the selected simulated network device through the communication interface, the selected simulated network device responding to the commands in substantially the same manner as a corresponding actual network device within an actual computer network would respond.

A computer-readable medium containing instructions for simulating a plurality of computer network devices within a simulated computer network, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising:

• executing computer-executable code which simulates a plurality of network devices defined by a data store which is distinct and separately modifiable from the computer-executable code, the data store defining the configuration information for, and network connections between each simulated network device within the simulated computer network;
• displaying a network diagram which represents the simulated computer network and includes icons associated with each of the simulated network devices;
• in response to a user selecting an icon of the network diagram, executing a communication interface for a simulated network device associated with the selected icon;
• and
• monitoring and storing tasks completed by the user interacting with the selected simulated network device.

A method for simulating at least one computer network device within a simulated computer network, the method comprising:

• displaying a user interface including a network diagram of at least one icon representing a simulated network device;
• in response to a user selecting an icon of the network diagram, executing a corresponding simulated network device configured according to configuration information and opening a communication interface between the user and the corresponding simulated network device;
• in response to a user command, displaying, by way of the user interface, a scenario that includes a set of tasks for a user to complete pertaining to a simulated computer network;
• and
• interpreting commands issued by the user to the selected simulated network device through the communication interface, the selected simulated network device responding to the commands in substantially the same manner as an actual network device within an actual computer network corresponding to the simulated computer network.

A method for simulating at least one computer network device within a simulated computer network, the method comprising:

• executing a user interface to present a scenario that includes a set of tasks for a user to complete pertaining to a simulated computer network, the user interface including a communication interface associated with a simulated network device within the simulated network environment;
• in response to a user selecting a communication interface, executing an associated selected simulated network device configured according to configuration information;
• and
• interpreting commands issued by the user to the selected simulated network device through the communication interface, the selected simulated network device responding to the commands in substantially the same manner as a corresponding actual network device within an actual computer network would respond.