Practical Implementation of Web-Based Hands-on System for Network Security Classes

This abstract represents our full paper categorized under the ‘Innovative Practice’ category. In traditional network experiments students gathered in a classroom and built networks using specialized equipment. However, there was a problem of high financial costs associated with providing classrooms and equipment. On the other hand, with the advancement of virtual machine technology and the improvement of computer performance, it has become possible to realize networks on computers using virtual machines as network devices. E-learning systems have been developed to conduct network experiments by operating virtual machines from networked computers. The author proposed LiNeS Cloud, a web-based exercise system aimed at intuitive and seamless operation with quick responsiveness for network security exercises using the virtual machine User-mode Linux. The prototype of LiNeS Cloud was evaluated in a laboratory and received favorable evaluations re-garding its operability, and no issues were pointed out regarding its responsiveness. In This paper, The author proposes methods to reduce construction errors, minimize operational overhead, and make it easier to find errors during troubleshooting in the construction and operation of the system for practical use. The author then describes the measurement results of computer load and the evaluation of responsiveness from students when operating the system implemented based on this method in an actual class.