Design, Implementation and Use of a Remote Network Lab with Multiple Users Support as an Aid Teaching Computer Networks

Abstract

This article presents the design, implementation and use of a remote network lab with multiple users support as an aid to teaching computer networks. The purpose is to enable multiple students complement their theoretical learning with practical experimentation in networking devices which can be carried out synchronously to theoretical classes and from any room with internet access. Unlike the current solutions based on mainly software emulation and simulation, the students interact remotely with commercial network devices, such as cutting-edge and widely used switches, routers and firewalls at the workplace. This proposal reduces the expenses or installing new laboratories in all the campuses where lectures are held and also moving the students to laboratories that are not located near their classrooms. The use of the remote laboratory has been tested with senior students majoring information technology engineering. The results shows that a remote network lab is an effective aid for teaching computer networks in a remote and secure way.