Developing a reconfigurable network lab

Abbott-McCune, Sam; Newtson, A. J.; Girard, Jeffrey M.; Goda, Bryan

doi:10.1145/1414558.1414620

Cited by 16 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…In [1] a reconfigurable network lab based on VMware is described. Each physical interface can be assigned to at most one VM to provide physical access to Ethernet interfaces of VMs.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

A virtualized testbed with physical outlets for hands-on computer networking education

Schmidt

Heimgaertner

Menth

2014

Proceedings of the 15th Annual Conference on Information Technology Education

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Many computer science curricula include practical courses to undergraduate and graduate students to offer them handson networking experience by connecting PCs, switches, and routers in a testbed. Such testbeds are expensive, bulky, energy-intensive, and cause heat problems. Virtualization of PCs and routers on commodity hardware is a solution to those problems. A challenge is to provide physical interfaces for the virtualized components so that students still have the hands-on experience including cabling. In this work, we propose a solution based on inexpensive hardware that can be mounted in a standard 19-inch cabinet. As WiFi adapters, headsets, or additional serial interfaces are needed for advanced experiments, we provide means to connect them as USB devices to virtualized PCs and routers. The system is configured so that students have only access to the virtual machines and their physical interfaces.

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“…In [1] a reconfigurable network lab based on VMware is described. Each physical interface can be assigned to at most one VM to provide physical access to Ethernet interfaces of VMs.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

A virtualized testbed with physical outlets for hands-on computer networking education

Schmidt

Heimgaertner

Menth

2014

Proceedings of the 15th Annual Conference on Information Technology Education

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“…Another set of labs specific to older network security techniques are mentioned in [15]. The approach in [16] focused on the fast reconfigurability of lab infrastructure that may be shared by many classes. Other limited networking labs are presented with brief descriptions in [17].…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of a frugal, virtual and green computing lab infrastructure of the future

Uludag

Karakuş

Guler

et al. 2012

2012 Frontiers in Education Conference Proceedings

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The impact of the computing field is becoming more profound everyday in all facets of modern society. Despite significant efforts from academia and relatively high demand for computing, technology producers are needed more than ever. This has been corroborated by a recent NSF Press Release [1], stating that computing is the only STEM discipline with more job openings than college graduates to fill them up. A major responsibility for such an outcome rests upon educators' ability to produce professionals capable of handling ever more complex technical challenges.In this challenging environment, the importance of practical work in science and engineering, supported by lab exercises, is widely known. While it is desirable to create physical laboratories for teaching these technologies, it is not always possible nor desirable. In this paper, we present an effective alternative approach, in the form of an affordable, virtualized laboratory environment that can be used in a variety of computing and engineering courses, as well as in other fields, in lieu of physical labs.Results of a survey supporting the validity of this approach are also presented. Students in four different classes were surveyed concerning the effectiveness and desirability of this virtual laboratory approach. The survey results indicate that student response to and interest in the virtual environment is very strong.

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“…The New Zealand educational environment was transformed in the 1990s, particularly with the creation of the New Zealand National Qualifications Framework (NQF) 1 . This structure assigns 'levels' to education from 'year 11' (about 15 years of age) up.…”

Section: New Zealand Tertiary Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Instead of provisioning operating system classes using partition images stored on a local hard drive [4][3], VMware software was introduced, consistent with trends at the time. [8] [14][15] Server virtualisation can also be combined with use of virtual local area networks (VLANs) for further flexibility [1].…”

Section: Evolution To Current Technology In the Classroommentioning

confidence: 99%

Bringing together a low-cost networking learning environment

Cosgrove

2011

Proceedings of the 2011 Conference on Information Technology Education

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There are many challenges typically encountered by a tertiary institution setting up applied networking resources. Such labs are necessary to create industry-ready graduates. Smaller institutes face particular issues where they lose the benefit of economies scale. This is because networking resources usually scale particularly well as the number of users increases. In an earlier paper [5], the author discusses how the skills and equipment necessary to run a Cisco Network Academy can be used to build an effective Faculty-wide network for teaching and research use, at minimal cost. This paper builds on the first with an emphasis on equipment and personnel experiences. The focus in this paper changes from a 'Learning Network' built on Cisco Network Academy experience, to a wider 'Learning Environment' that is far more than just a computer network.This paper describes a range of elements of the Learning Environment. The political environment is described briefly, then put into context of an overall, 'living' environment of many different aspects, built over the years 2000 to 2011. Initially some relatively static elements of the environment are discussed, including an outline of the political and historical environment.The way in which the School of Information Technology at Whitireia New Zealand adapted to that environment is considered with reference to the physical classroom environment over the years of this study. Technical elements are then described, particularly hardware and networking resources available. People skills are described next -the way the Learning Environment is used by academic staff, and the invaluable technicians employed over the years. There is consideration of a recent, and very exciting, addition to the Environment, then a look at the crystal ball of future directions, and mirror of lessons learned. This paper will contain information useful to anyone managing an applied network lab, or a wider environment for teaching Information Technology (IT) courses.

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Developing a reconfigurable network lab

Cited by 16 publications

References 12 publications

A virtualized testbed with physical outlets for hands-on computer networking education

A virtualized testbed with physical outlets for hands-on computer networking education

Assessment of a frugal, virtual and green computing lab infrastructure of the future

Bringing together a low-cost networking learning environment

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