Research Article
Developing an Interactive Web-Based Programming Platform for Learning Computer Networking Protocols
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-72792-5_48, author={Dewei Zeng and Zhiyu Zhang and Jiye Chen and Xiaojun Hei}, title={Developing an Interactive Web-Based Programming Platform for Learning Computer Networking Protocols}, proceedings={Simulation Tools and Techniques. 12th EAI International Conference, SIMUtools 2020, Guiyang, China, August 28-29, 2020, Proceedings, Part I}, proceedings_a={SIMUTOOLS}, year={2021}, month={4}, keywords={ns-3 Online learning Networking protocols Engineering education}, doi={10.1007/978-3-030-72792-5_48} }- Dewei Zeng
Zhiyu Zhang
Jiye Chen
Xiaojun Hei
Year: 2021
Developing an Interactive Web-Based Programming Platform for Learning Computer Networking Protocols
SIMUTOOLS
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-72792-5_48
Abstract
Computer networking protocols have become important domain knowledge for electrical engineering professionals. The learning-by-doing approach has shown its effectiveness to learn these complex protocols by reproducing research results. In this paper, we design a web-based ns-3 lab platform by integrating various open-source modules for beginners to get hands on network simulations to learn networking protocols with a smoothed learning curve. This platform consists of a vue-based front-end and a docker-based back-end to support elastic on-demand capacity expansion. We implement a simulator scheduling module based on Node.js and restify to achieve load balancing for reducing the simulation waiting time. We conduct a measurement study to evaluate the performance of this prototype system. The measurement results demonstrate the technical feasibility of the prototype design to develop a scalable but user-friendly computer network simulation platform for massive open online lab courses.
