Performance of Virtual Machine Managers for Computer Network Learning

COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to the world with various challenges that were never imagined before. High infectiousness and no cure has been found, causing university in most parts of the world to implement lockdowns and implement online distance learning. Some students have difficulty in online practical learning and do not have sufficient materials, such as in computer networking courses. Computer network hardware are not cheap and not all students have it. On the other hand, almost every student has a computer at home. This allows virtualization technology to be carried out at home. This study aims to utilize virtualization technology by using student computers in their respective homes study computer networking courses without having to visit a computer lab during the pandemic. To determine the best virtualization technology, we tested the capabilities of VMWare and Virtual Box in managing and computing guest operating systems. Testing with the same hardware on the host, VMWare performs better in terms of virtualization, both in terms of computing and data transfer through virtual computer networks. Virtual Box's failure to pass the 2D Graphic Mark test demonstrates that it has a limited ability to calculate or render 2D graphics. This will manifest itself later in the slowness with typical Windows actions such as drag & drop and scrolling. Furthermore, computer network programs that rely significantly on 2D capabilities, such as Cisco Packet Tracers and GNS3, would be affected. These findings also become the foundation for the development of further research on the VMM capabilities in managing and running virtual machines.