The analysis of user behaviour of a network management training tool using a neural network

A novel method for the analysis and interpretation of data that describes the interaction between trainee network managers and a network management training tool is presented. A simulation based approach is currently being used to train network managers, through the use of a simulated network. The motivation is to provide a tool for exposing trainees to a life like situation without disrupting a live network. The data logged by this system describes the detailed interaction between trainee network manager and simulated network. The work presented here provides an analysis of this interaction data that enables an assessment of the capabilities of the trainee network manager as well as an understanding of how the network management tasks are being approached. A neural network architecture is implemented in order to perform an exploratory data analysis of the interaction data. The neural network employs a novel form of continuous self-organisation to discover key features in the data and thus provide new insights into the learning and teaching strategies employed

The Analysis of Network Manager’s Behaviour using a Self-Organising Neural Networks

We present a novel neural network method for the analysis and interpretation of data that describes user interaction with a training tool. The method is applied to the interaction between trainee network managers and a simulated network management system. A simulation based approach to the task of efficiently training network managers, through the use of a simulated network, was originally presented by Pattinson [2000]. The motivation was to provide a tool for exposing trainee network managers to a life like situation, where both normal network operation and ‘fault’ scenarios could be simulated in order to train the network manager. The data logged by this system describes the detailed interaction between trainee network manager and simulated network. The work presented here provides an analysis of this interaction data that enables an assessment of the capabilities of the network manager as well as an understanding of how the network management tasks are being approached. A neural network architecture [Lee, Palmer-Brown, Roadknight 2004] is adapted and implemented in order to perform an exploratory data analysis of the interaction data. The neural network architecture employs a novel form of continuous self-organisation to discover key features, and thus provide new insights into the data