VISIR Remote Laboratory: The Switching Matrix Limitations

In a rapidly evolving world, technology plays a fundamental role in transforming the way students learn and interact with theoretical and practical concepts. A striking example of this progress is the Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality (VISIR), a popular remote laboratory platform developed for teaching specific subjects such as analog electronics and electricity. This laboratory allows students to conduct practical experiments over the internet, potentially using real equipment, installed in a distant location, and controlled remotely. Therefore, students can access the VISIR remote laboratory through a web browser and interact with instruments and circuits as if they were in a conventional laboratory. However, probably because it has not received any relevant updates for quite some time, this platform presents several limitations, which will be explored in this paper, essentially those currently existing in the Switching Matrix. This approach was based on information published in scientific literature combined with feedback from intensive user and owner experiences. This evaluation aims to identify various weaknesses (technical, educational or pedagogical, operational, and economical) of the Switching Matrix, which may be considered threats to the future of the VISIR remote laboratory and affect its performance and stability, as well as its expansion to a wider community of users. It should be noted that suggestions for solutions to correct the limitations of this part of the remote platform are not given.