Cisco Training

Remote Labs

Skyline has successfully delivered Certified Cisco training classes, utilizing Remote Labs, for the past several years. As a progressive Advanced Technology Partner, we made a conscious decision to create and support our classroom learning environments, in a configuration that closely emulates a true production network.

To this end, our Remote Labs utilize a combination of equipment and technologies, which are tactically located within the classroom, as well as in our "data center" - based upon need. To help illustrate the benefits, and identify what a "Remote Lab" really is, consider the following:

In training environments with hands-on labs, there will be some components that students need to touch (e.g., phones and switches in an IP Telephony {IPT} lab) and some equipment that students need to (only) configure, but not directly 'touch' (e.g., the CallManager servers). Equipment not requiring physical manipulation is normally accessed using some common technology, such as Telnet or Web Services.

To use an analogy, in many enterprises the CallManager servers are installed in a raised floor (data center) environment, but are actually maintained by someone in a separate office or location. In essence, the real world functions in much the same way as remote labs do, where equipment that does not require direct hands-on contact, will be housed at a location other than the classroom. And as long as the access to this equipment is transparent to the students, the physical location of this equipment is not important.

Advantage: Remote Labs

Reliability of Equipment

Remote labs are continually maintained and monitored, as they are stationary. Nothing is left to chance regarding software versions or component levels, and upgrades and problem resolution are handled proactively. In fact, if there is an equipment failure, the lab staff can work on the failure while the instructor continues to teach, ensuring class time is not lost while the instructor works on the equipment. And, there is no chance of loss or damage during transit, so all equipment is consistently available and in proper working order for every class.

Real World Environments

Using remote labs offer situations where technical personnel do not have physical access to the gear they're configuring. With the growing concerns surrounding security, how many times does your technical staff actually go into a data center environment? Additionally, network problems often occur, off-hours, so personnel have to troubleshoot from their home, office, or other remote location.

Functionality

Remote labs present the ability to leverage and create unlimited configurations and scenarios. Traditional classroom equipment is typically limited to the subject matter, but our remote labs offer students a chance to include components outside the box, for "what if" situations. In addition, students have dedicated (physical) access to their own console (Pod) to implement and change configurations, at will.

Versatility/Acessibility

Gain access to more varied equipment, software versions, and configurations. In addition, remote labs provide the ability to easily incorporate many different components, negating the physical limitations of classroom-based gear.