1. 1 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9429_03_2004_c1 Using Cisco Network Simulator

2. 222 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Pilot Release of Cisco Network Simulator The pilot release of CNS includes: a Skills-Based Mid-Term Exam for CCNA2 two forms of the Skills-Based Final Exam for CCNA2 During this pilot phase, we suggest instructors use CNS only as practice for the CCNA2 hands-on skills final.

3. 333 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Prepare Student Computers to Access CNS To access CNS exams, student computers MUST have the following: The browser must have the Java Run-Time Environment (or JRE) plug-in, which is distributed free of charge by its developer, Sun Microsystems. The computer must be able to communicate with the server named "skills.netacad.net" on the ports 80 and 443. CNS application is best viewed with screen resolutions set to 1024x768 pixels and above. Although the application works with 800x600 screen resolution, we are presently working on improving user experience in this mode. To ensure that student computers are ready to access CNS exams, please visit the link below for detailed installation instructions and confirmation of readiness using the CNS Validator tool. The steps included will demonstrate how to install the JRE and how to validate that it is operating successfully. http://skills.netacad.net/installation-instructions.html

4. 444 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Features of Cisco Network Simulator IOS simulation tool that complements traditional summative hands-on skills exams exams managed through the “Assessment Home” results reported to the gradebook include scored results proficiency reports running configurations

5. 555 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Activate CNS Exam Use the “Assessment Home” for the appropriate class Select the Skills-Based Mid-Term or the Skills- Based Final Choose desired exam logon period and attributes CAUTION: During this pilot, server performance, stability and load will be monitored. Due to server load limitations, students may be unable to access CNS during peak hours.

6. 666 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Student Selects the CNS Exam From the “Take Assessment” page, students must select the exam to be taken. All exams activated for a student will appear. Student selects the Skills-Based Mid-Term or Skills-Based Final exam.

7. 777 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 The student launches the CNS exam by selecting the “Start Assessment” button. NOTE: Make sure your web browser has the Java Runtime Engine installed or you will see a red X in place of the “Start Assessment” button or see no button at all. Student Launches the CNS Exam

8. 888 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Presentation Window Center line can be dragged to increase or decrease size of top and bottom panes Top pane displays the contents of the selected tab Bottom pane displays the work area of selected router or host

9. 999 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Description Tab provides a general review of the assigned task lists information necessary to complete the task top pane scrolls allowing all necessary information to be viewed

10. 10 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Topology Tab The topology tab displays relevant information regarding the physical and logical layout of the network used in the assessment.

11. 11 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Instruction Tab The instruction tab provides specific directions for completing the task.

12. 12 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Router Tab Selecting a router tab, displays workspace in the bottom pane that is used for entering IOS commands.

13. 13 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Host Tab Selecting a host tab, displays workspace in the bottom pane that is used for entering host commands. Typing “help” provides a list of supported host commands.

14. 14 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Submit Assessment Clicking on the “Submit Assessment” button begins the scoring process.

15. 15 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Exam Results Display An exam score and a proficiency rating are immediately displayed to the student.

16. 16 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Gradebook The instructors gradebook immediately reflects the exam results. A detailed Item Information Page (IIP) can be displayed by selecting the link to the Skills-Based Mid-Term or Skills-Based Final.

17. 17 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Instructor’s Item Information Page (IIP) The instructor’s gradebook IIP entries provide detailed information regarding student performance including the student’s final configs.

18. 18 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Student’s Item Information Page (IIP) The student’s gradebook IIP entries describe the scoring logic and provide item feedback but it does not include the final configs.

19. 19 © 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 9069_12_2003_c1 Future of Cisco Network Simulator The pilot release of CNS includes: a Skills-Based Mid-Term Exam for CCNA2 two forms of the Skills-Based Final Exam for CCNA2 During this pilot phase, we suggest instructors use CNS only as practice for the CCNA2 hands-on skills final. CCNA3 and CCNA4 exams will follow. After making CNS capable of CCNA-level assessments, its features could be expanded to include instructional uses such as labs.

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