Improving learning outcomes and sustainability through new laboratory infrastructure

A set of advanced networking laboratory rooms have been designed and built as part of Swinburne University of Technology's new Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) to facilitate the learning of both fundamental and advanced networking concepts and to ensure that students attain conceptual, design, professional and social skills. The main aim is to give students a more realistic network experience, which is achieved through increased access to equipment, and increased flexibility in how equipment can be utilised. This facility allows students to dynamically connect various computers within the room to different physical networking devices through the use of virtual networks. Multiple devices can be interconnected, both within and between enclosures. Overall power consumption is reduced through the use of managed power cycling and end-host virtualization. This paper outlines the physical, logical and teaching rationale behind the design and construction of the laboratory environment. We discuss the use of virtualisation to establish multiple hosts per kit of equipment and its implications on sustainability.