Observe the symptom
Use the workstation screen to see a failed ping, missing network access, or link down message.
Training design
Lesson plan
Start with one focused troubleshooting exercise that proves the environment, UI, and simulation model work together.
First vertical slice
Scenario: “Lab workstation 2 cannot reach the server.”
The student starts at a workstation, sees a failed connectivity message, follows the problem to the wall jack and rack, identifies the disconnected or wrong switch port, fixes the connection, then verifies success.
Student tasks
Trace the path
Inspect the wall jack, patch panel label, switch port, and router/server path. The goal is to connect physical layout with network logic.
Fix the issue
Connect the correct port, enable an interface, or correct a simple device state depending on the lesson.
Verify
Run a simple CLI command or workstation check. Completion happens only when the simulator state matches the lesson success condition.
Lesson progression
- Lesson 1: identify and reconnect a missing cable.
- Lesson 2: find a powered-off switch or device.
- Lesson 3: match wall jack labels to patch panel ports.
- Lesson 4: diagnose link up but wrong VLAN.
- Lesson 5: compare physical link state with CLI output.