Teaching computer networks using virtual machines

In this article, a teaching experience carried out with students enrolled in the course “Configuración Administración y gestión de Redes” (Network Configuration Administration and Management) is described. The experience consisted in using virtual machines to install, configure and test network services commonly used in small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and to implement and validate a firewall architecture well-adapted for SME. At the end of the course the students were more self-confident with their knowledge on computer networks and pleased because they had put in practice their knowledge about installing and verifying the proper functioning of commonly used computer network services. The subject was also useful for the students to develop the necessary skills to install, configure and evaluate systems based on virtual machines.