NetLab: A framework for remote engineering and science experiments

This paper presents results from the construction of the NetLab framework, which provides remote network experiments. NetLab facilities were improved to provide not only network experiments but also any scientific experiment, since hardware and software resources reutilization is a critical aspect in any experimental area. The framework development considers experiments might be offered through high-speed networks, since some experiments will always transmit images, videos and any kind of ldquoheavyrdquo media. These considerations made us realize how important a network measurement experiment dealing with network quality parameters is. NetLab is being developed using Java technology and will be totally integrated to Tidia-Ae platform (powered by SAKAI). It will offer all remote experiments from the undergraduate networks class at the computer engineering course at Polytechnic School of Universidade of Sao Paulo virtually to regular students and students of other correlated courses.