Mastering (Virtual) Networks A Case Study of Virtualizing Internet Lab

In this paper, the authors describe a single-server-based system they developed for a large scale networking laboratory. The system, based on virtual machines, is capable of running many concurrent virtual networks, each consisting of PCs, routers and switches that can be connected in various configurations. Lab users can initiate and switch lab experiments with a simple web-based interface and remotely access each of the network devices for configuration and measurements, therefore, users can perform the lab either in a 30 student's lab session with a TA or from home at their convenience. In addition, administration tools are simple and most failures can be recovered using a web interface.