  This paper presents the design and development of a networking laboratory
that integrates physical networking equipment with the open source GNS3 network
simulators for delivery of practical networking classes simultaneously to both
on-campus and online students. This transformation work has resulted in
significant increase in laboratory capacity, reducing repeating classes. The
integrated platform offers students the real world experience of using real
equipment, and the convenience of easy setup and reconfiguration by using
simulators. A practical exercise in setting up an OSPF/BGP network is presented
as an example to illustrate the experimental design before and after the
integration of GNS3 simulators. In summary, we report our experiences with the
integrated platform, from infrastructure, network design to experiment design;
and the learning and teaching experiences of using GNS3 in classes.
