Work-in-progress: Designing a virtual reality simulation to teach elements of network routing

Students studying computer networking often have difficulty with relating theoretical models like TCP/IP with actual components. The use of illustrations and diagrams are only partially successful in helping students to grasp what happens 'inside' networking equipment such as routers. Virtual Reality (VR) provides a unique opportunity for students to step inside a router and physically simulate the routing process, helping to build a more solid mental model. This paper presents the design of a novel virtual reality system for teaching elements of network routing. Through providing a physical simulation of network address calculation, it aims to improve student conceptual learning and retention. © 2020 Immersive Learning Research Network.