Hands-on Information Technology Virtual Laboratory Powered by Cloud Computing. Peng Li East Carolina University Global Collaboratory Consortium

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1 Hands-on Information Technology Virtual Laboratory Powered by Cloud Computing Peng Li East Carolina University Global Collaboratory Consortium 1

2 Who we are: East Carolina University n n n College of Technology and Computer Science Information and Computer Technology Program Lab-Based IT education; Large DE student population; Remote access labs critical to program success n HP catalyst project team members: Peng Li, Lee Toderick, Chengcheng Li, Phil Lunsford, Tijjani Mohammed and Joel Sweatte 2

3 Project Abstract n Online learning and/or blended learning will play a more and more important role in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. n The speed of scientific and technological advances, along with resource constraints makes it very difficult for academic institutions to maintain technical currency in instructional labs. n In this project, we explore how to leverage virtualization and cloud computing technologies to bridge the digital divide between schools and between countries. n The goal of the project is for students to engage in active, hands-on learning from any location, at any time, through our creation of a secure, stable, and scalable remote lab learning environment. 3

4 What have we put in place? HP ProLiant Servers Cloud Computing Technologies-Virtual Computing Lab and VMware vcenter Lab Manager Custom, Remotely Accessible Virtual Environments Hand-on Lab Manuals Assessment and Survey Tools 4

5 Key Outcomes and Evidence n n n Virtual lab infrastructures including VMware Lab Manager have been set up with HP ProLiant servers for students to use. Multiple custom virtual environments for handson information technology education have been developed. Suitability and usefulness surveys are being conducted. 5

6 The old physical lab setup could not meet the increasing demands for remote labs. The decentralized virtual lab approach allows students to do hands-on exercises using virtual machines on their personal computers. Virtualization technology makes it possible for multiple virtual machines to run concurrently on a single physical computer. 6

7 Virtualized Labs Powered by Cloud Computing n Cloud computing is a highly scalable model for delivering information technology resources and applications, on demand, as a service, to end users throughout the network. n Cloud computing can be implemented in many different forms. n Centralized virtualized labs are provided via VMware Lab Manager, Virtual Computing Lab and ProxMox VE Server. n Virtualization is NOT simulation. 7

8 VMware vcenter Lab Manager Internet End User DataStore Lab Manager Server Virtual Center Server Database Server ESX/ESXi Servers 8

9 VMware vcenter Lab Manager (Cont.) 9

10 Virtual Computing Lab (Cont.) n Virtual Computing Lab (VCL), is an open source remote access system that dynamically provisions computing resources to end users. n Initiated at North Carolina State University n Became an Apache incubator project and was released under the Apache license in n VCL is a cost-effective implementation of cloud computing n We have created multiple custom virtual cloud environments for teaching and research purposes. 10

11 Virtual Computing Lab 11

12 Centralized Virtual Labs Using Containerbased Technology 12

13 Project Status n n n We have developed and deployed custom virtual environments using VMware vcenter Lab Manager, Virtual Computing Lab and ProxMox in more than five courses. An independent VMware vcenter Lab Manager system was installed using HP ProLiant servers. Collaboration with the consortium partner Cairo University is ongoing. We are exploring collaborative opportunities with other member institutions. Datacenter Manager Native Hypervisor Virtual Cloud Environment Cluster Manager VM VM VPS VPS Container-capable Operating System Hosted Hypervisor Unmodified Host Operating System (Windows, Linux) Client VM(s) Virtualized Storage Server(s) Physical Server 13

14 Project Status (Cont.) n n Virtualization and cloud computing technologies provide teachers and students with many opportunities which have not been available before. Setting up and maintaining a cloud system is not an easy task. Capable technical support is critical to the success of this project. 14

15 15 Assessment n At the end of the semester, anonymous, optional surveys were conducted online. n Most students indicated that the virtual labs helped them understand the course topics and develop hands-on skills. n It is easier for the instructor to monitor the lab activities and for students to seek help or to collaborate in a centralized environment. n The collection and analysis of usage data to aid effective resource allocation is made easier within a centralized setting. 15

16 Reservation by Day Reservations by Day Number of Reservations Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Day of the week Sat ICTN 4505 ICTN 3900/1 ICTN 4200/1 16

17 Reservation by Hour Reservations by Hour Number of Reservations Checkout Hour ICTN 3900/1 ICTN 4200/1 ICTN

18 Summary n The centralized and decentralized virtual lab approaches are not only viable but also costeffective alternatives to the traditional centralized physical lab approach for distance learning. n Centralized virtual labs, powered by cloud computing, allow fast deployment of new labs and facilitate team cooperation. n VCL, VMware Lab Manager and ProxMox VE have been used in several courses, together with decentralized virtual labs. The preliminary results were positive. The centralized remote lab approache and the decentralized virtual lab approach are complementary. 18

19 Thank you! Questions? 19