About

Open Networking Lab (ONL)

The Open Networking Lab (ONL) project made practical computer networking education more accessible through online learning and simulation. Delivered by The Open University’s Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and funded by the Ufi VocTech Trust, it supported vocational learners, including those in further education and apprenticeships, alongside educators and industry. About the project

At its core was PT Anywhere, a browser-based interface to Cisco’s Packet Tracer network simulator. This enabled learners to build, configure and test virtual networks without expensive physical equipment. Practical activities helped learners explore how networks operate, troubleshoot problems and develop network design skills. Project resources

The project worked with schools, colleges and vocational educators to develop and test its learning approach. Feedback from practitioners and learners informed the resources, connecting networking concepts with practical experience. Project development and evaluation

Achievements and outputs

In 2019, ONL launched the free OpenLearn course Discovering computer networks: hands on in the Open Networking Lab. It combined short screencasts, practical simulation activities, quizzes and self-assessment to help learners understand computer networks and how data travels across the internet. Course launch

The course was included in the UK Government’s Digital Skills Toolkit in 2020, extending its reach as a resource for people developing digital skills and improving their employment prospects. Digital Skills Toolkit announcement

A related Open Networking Lab Accessibility project extended PT Anywhere for blind and visually impaired learners. This work produced an accessible version of the simulator, helping more people gain practical networking skills and access vocational learning opportunities. Accessibility project

Project team

The project website lists the following team members, with roles and affiliations recorded during the project:

  • Dr Karen Kear — Project Lead, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.
  • Andrew Smith — Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.
  • Dr Jon Rosewell — Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.
  • Dr Allan Jones — Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.
  • Dr Helen Donelan — Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.
  • Dr Michel Wermelinger — Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.
  • Dr Alexander Mikroyannidis — Research Fellow, Knowledge Media Institute, The Open University.
  • Chris Sanders — Systems Operator, Knowledge Media Institute, The Open University.
  • Dr Allan Third — Research Fellow, Knowledge Media Institute, The Open University.
  • Nuno Guarda — Head of Corporate Affairs UK & Ireland, Cisco Systems.
  • Teresa Connolly — Research Associate, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.
  • Alice Peasgood — Research Associate, School of Computing and Communications, The Open University.

Project team profiles