Facilitating Remote Laboratory Deployments Using a Relay Gateway Server Architecture

Hands-on experiments prepare students to deal with real-world problems and help to efficiently digest theoretical concepts and relate those to practical tasks. However, shortage of equipment, high costs, and the lack of human resources for laboratory maintenance and assistance decrease the implementation capacity of the hands-on training laboratories. At the same time, the Internet has become a common networking medium and is increasingly used to enhance education and training. In addition, experimental equipment at many sites is typically underutilized. Thus, remote laboratories accessible through the Internet can resolve cost and access constraints as they can be used at flexible times and from various locations. While many solutions have been proposed so far, this paper addresses an important issue of facilitating remote lab deployments by providing remote connectivity services to lab providers using a Relay Gateway Server architecture. A proof-of-concept solution is described which also includes other previously reported useful features. The system has been tested in engineering labs and student assessment is provided.