Using computer virtualization and software tools to implement a low cost laboratory for the teaching of storage area networks

Abstract

This article presents a lab approach for teaching storage area networks (SANs). Physical SANs are complex and costly infrastructures that require significant space. Both the cost and size are serious difficulties in setting up labs for teaching SANs. The lab approach presented in this article solves both problems by using computer virtualization, as well as software tools to emulate storage systems, so that lab activities can be carried out in a single physical computer. The article discusses the selection of a virtualization platform suitable for the teaching of SANs. Using the selected platform (the Hyper-V hypervisor), a set of learning modules is designed. These modules teach students fundamental concepts and skills about SAN architecture, configuration and operation. The article provides brief descriptions of the modules. Then, the configuration schema of the practice platform used to support the SAN lab is explained. This configuration schema is designed for the cohabitation of multiple hypervisors (required to support the SAN lab activities) and a client operating system in the same physical computer. Thus, the SAN lab can be taught in a general purpose computer laboratory and coexist with other courses in the same physical lab. The proposed approach has been successfully implemented and verified by teaching the SAN lab in the context of an information technology degree in . ß 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:715-723, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae;

On the Design of Virtual Reality Learning Environments in Engineering

“…Within the engineering field, nowadays VR is being effectively used in engineering education [2][3][4][5] since the use of VR presents several advantages, namely: (i) VR allows simulating in real time the use of otherwise unavailable expensive laboratory equipment [6][7][8][9]; (ii) the use of VR avoids potential damages to a real machine caused by students' misuse during practical classes [9]; (iii) VR solves the difficulty of developing practical classes in a real laboratory environment when the groups are overcrowded [10]; (iv) VR improves the prevention of occupational hazards [11][12][13][14][15]; and (v) VR allows the students to interact with complete manufacturing processes, which would be practically impossible otherwise [16][17][18]. This paper deals with didactic virtual resources designed by means of VR systems.…”

CLIK: Cloud‐based Linux kernel practice environment and judgment system

“…Second, looking at the virtualization approach, four studies, [7,11,12,14], have been published. The virtualization technique provides the illusion that a single user has a single computer, even though there are multiple users, by isolating and demultiplexing physical hardware at the system level.…”

“…Another study, VirtEmbed [12], also makes a cost-effective lab environment for embedded system education by virtualization. Additionally, VirtSAN [7] applies virtualization for storage area network (SAN) education, and they also mention that virtualization can reduce the cost and effort that is required for building real-world SAN facilities. Third, we reviewed three studies that took a cloudbased approach.…”

Learning network storage curriculum with experimental case based on embedded systems

“…Vladan and Timur presented content, delivery, and assessment mechanisms used for an undergraduate course on Networked Storage Technology . In order to overcome the complex and costly infrastructures of physical storage area networks (SANs), García and Entrialgo presented a laboratory approach for teaching SANs . In China, the Department of Computer Science of the Shenzhen University began to set up the “Network Storage Technology” courses in 2006, and the teaching model had been formed in a simplistic way in 2008.…”