Abstract
An overview of computer network simulation tools is being conducted in order to create a methodology for studying the relevant disciplines in higher school. The analysis of positive and negative properties of virtual and physical means of simulation of computer networks is carried out. It is concluded that the best for educational institutions are combined models that are quite budget and allow to compile and study practically unlimited topologies of networks, as well as gain experience with real physical equipment. The analysis of virtual simulation tools shows that they contain the means of interaction of the virtual network with external real equipment. This makes it possible to create a composite platform in which part of the model is virtual and the part is actually physical. This allows budget funds to quickly create models of large numbers of networks and allows students to get more information on working with hardware in conditions close to real industrial networks. The platform of the combined modeling is very convenient to use for researching systems on the Internet of Things. It helps in designing to simulate and explore real-world control systems for a large number of virtual "Smart Things" that are presented in the new Cisco Packet Tracer 7.0 simulator. These virtual things can be controlled from external means of the real world through laptops, tablets, etc. Create realistic control programs and related software for this and adjust them in conditions of maximum approximation to reality. New modeling technologies are the basis for the emergence of new teaching methods that are used at the Kiev University of B. Grinchenko.

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