Hi,
- Aruba Switch OS Switches (former known as "procurve switches") can not be suimulated.
- AOS-CX switches can be simulated using GNS3 and/or hypervisor like vmware. OVA is available. Not sure if its available to customers.
- Comware switches can be simulated with switchsimulator which is a tool to "automate" virtual box.
Since a lot, if not most of content is about Aruba Switch OS Switches, its up to you to decide, if simulation will help...
Maybe, you first look into above mentionend ACSA book and decide afterwards...
Regards, Jö