With regards to the IOS's I have grasped that and I know I will require an IOS - just which IOS I will need is something I will have to decide.
The program initially looks complicated however I guess the more practice the easier it will become.
With regards to what I want to achieve - I have basically been asked to have a look at it and create some kind of network simulation using it. I know that I may be able to use WireShark as part of this?
The thing that I implement isn't the only thing I am going to be creating but it is the thing that I am going to be using to get my practical marks (i.e build, test, draw conclusions). Therefore I don't think it is going to be too over complicated just something good that I can demonstrate I guess.
I am also going to be doing some research on various things so the actual thing I am going to simulate doesn't have to be the be all end all kind of thing.