Virtualization Technology as a Tool for Teaching Computer Networks

Authors: Dalibor Dobrilovic, Borislav Odadžic

Abstract:

In this paper is being described a possible use of virtualization technology in teaching computer networks. The virtualization can be used as a suitable tool for creating virtual network laboratories, supplementing the real laboratories and network simulation software in teaching networking concepts. It will be given a short description of characteristic projects in the area of virtualization technology usage in network simulation, network experiments and engineering education. A method for implementing laboratory has also been explained, together with possible laboratory usage and design of laboratory exercises. At the end, the laboratory test results of virtual laboratory are presented as well.

Keywords: Computer network simulation software, teaching networking concepts, virtual network laboratory, virtualization technology.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1084696

References:

[1] Larry Peterson, Bruce Davie, Computer networks - A systems approach, 3rd Edition, Morgan Kauffman, 2004.
[2] Samuel T. King, George W. Dunlap, Peter M. Chen, Operating System Support for Virtual Machines, Proceedings of the 2003 USENIX Technical Conference, pp 71-84, June 9-14, San Antonio, TX, USA, 2003.
[3] R. Goldberg. Architectural Principles for Virtual Computer Systems. PhD thesis, Harvard University, February 1973.
[4] Fermín Galán, David Fernández, Javier Rúiz, Omar Walid, Tomás de Miguel. "A Virtualization Tool in Computer Network Laboratories", 5th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training (ITHET'04), Instanbul, Turkey, May 2004.
[5] Netkit project (Web site), http://www.netkit.org, retrieved 2006.
[6] M. Zec, M. Mikuc, Operating System Support for Integrated Network Emulation in IMUNES, Proceedings of the 1st Workshop on Operating System and Architectural Support for the on demand IT InfraStructure / ASPLOS-XI, Boston, USA, October 2004.
[7] Einar project (Web site), URL:http://www.isk.kth.se/proj/einar/, retrieved 2006.
[8] B. Kneale, A. Y. De Horta, I. Box, Velnet: virtual environment for learning networking, Proceedings of the sixth conference on Australian computing education - Volume 30, p 161-168, Dunedin, New Zealand, 2004.
[9] Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 (Web site), URL:http://www.microsoft.com/ windows/virtualpc/default.mspx, 2006.
[10] Dobrilovic D., Odadžic B., OSPF protocol simulation in virtual network laboratory (in Serbian), Proceedings of the 5th conference Infoteh- Jahorina 2006, March 22-24, Jahorina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, 2006.