A Portable Virtual Networking Lab For It Security Instruction

Information and computer technology programs are facing several challenges such as rapid developments of technologies, outdated lab equipment and materials, and increasing demands for remote labs from on-campus and distance education (DE) students. The purpose of this paper is to propose a solution to some of the issues enumerated above. As part of our ongoing effort to utilize virtualization technology to improve the learning experience of both face-to-face students and DE students, the authors present a viable design for a portable virtual network security lab. Virtual machine (VM) technology makes it possible to deliver lab-based courses with diversified network laboratory experiences at a minimal cost. In preparation for the virtual lab, two virtual machines were built by the instructor for student use. The students installed VMware Workstation on their personal computers and used it to open the pre-built virtual machines. The two virtual machines (VM1 and VM2) form a private virtual network, on which hands-on labs were performed. VM1 used Debian Linux and worked as the client. The students used VM1 to attack VM2 or to analyze the results of captured attacks. VM2 functioned as the server (target), running CentOS Linux. The students set up network defense systems such as Snort from scratch in VM2 and used them to detect and defend against attacks. This approach to virtual labs differs from the centralized remote labs, in that the virtual lab is performed not on university-provided remote servers, but on the students’ home computers. It differs from the live CD solution, in that the students install the virtual machines inside the host operating system on their personal computers. The lab is portable because the virtual machines can be moved to and be installed on different platforms. Most hands-on exercises can be done locally without Internet connection. Compared to the centralized remote lab, the virtual lab is very portable, inexpensive, can be run on the students’ computers, anywhere, and at any time. We have experimented with virtual machines in a number of labs with a high degree of success. Feedback from students indicated satisfaction.