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Automated Dynamic Topology Configuration: An Innovative Approach to Online Rack Renting

Authors:
Vimukthi S. M. W. T. Mudiyanselage
Rashmi Dravid

Keywords: online rack rental; dynamic topology configuration; Layer 2 Protocol Tunneling; VLAN

Abstract:
The facility to rent access-time to computer network hardware on the Internet has been available for a number of years. Provided as a service targeted at academics engaging in the study of Computer Networks, it has been a viable solution successfully filling the void created by numerous obstacles encountered in procuring physical equipment due to various factors. However, current business models offer limited flexibility to end users because the online labs are offered as a predetermined selection of devices prewired to a topology deemed suitable by the service provider; consequently the end user, although paying for this service, has no control over the composition or topology of the labs they hire. This paper introduces a new improved model and the underlying technological implementation, which features a paradigm shift in the way online labs are defined, configured and ultimately offered to the end user. It aspires to eliminate the above limitations through automated and dynamic configuration of the network topology, allowing the end user to select the composition and topology of the labs they hire, thus unleashing their true potential.

Pages: 1 to 7

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2013

Publication date: March 24, 2013

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4006

ISBN: 978-1-61208-256-1

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from March 24, 2013 to March 29, 2013