A Semi-Virtualized Testbed Cluster with a Centralized Server for Networking Education

Hands-on computer networking labs are essential in many computer science curricula. They are conducted either on physical testbeds consisting of PCs, routers, switches, cables, etc., or on fully virtualized testbeds. The latter consist of only virtual machines (VM) that can be interconnected via software configuration. Fully virtualized testbeds require less resources (hardware, space, energy) than physical testbeds but students miss important hands-on experience with networking equipment. In this work, we present a semi-virtualized testbed: students are given physical access to networking interfaces of VMs via patch panels so that they can interconnect them through cables. Similarly to virtualized testbeds, the semi-virtualized testbed requires only little hardware and maintenance effort while preserving the hands-on experience of physical testbeds. We present a Python-based orchestration platform for several virtual student workspaces on a single physical server. Each virtual student workspace contains several VMs acting as clients, servers, and routers that can be configured by students. It is made available to a physical workspace on a 19-inch cabinet consisting of a thin client and patch panels allowing students to physically interconnect their VMs with cables.