New Network Lab provides students with real-world experience

We’re bridging the gap between theory and practice and giving our IT students the chance to set up and manage real-world networks in our new Network Lab.

Senior Lecturer Kathiravelu Ganeshan spent the mid-year break setting up the lab, which is now being used by Bachelor of Information Technology and Graduate Diploma in Information Technology students studying our Introduction to Networks course.

Students in more advanced networking courses will also use the lab in the future.

Ganeshan says students are engaging in hands-on practical work in the lab, using physical hardware, including industry-standard Cisco routers, switches, and Wi-Fi routers from various vendors.

They’re setting up complete networks that mirror those found in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand, where over 90 percent of businesses are SMEs.

“The idea was developed to ensure students are work-ready upon course completion,” says Ganeshan.

The lab is helping students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to set up a computer network for a small business, preparing them to excel once they enter the workforce.

“Students are thoroughly enjoying the hands-on approach. They are learning the underlying concepts and theory while building real-life networks, which they find more engaging than simulations,” says Ganeshan.