Using a nested virtualization tool for teaching VPN fundamentals

A common problem of undergraduate courses about security and computer networks is the difficulty of providing practical exercises to students. Although different approaches have been followed to solve this problem, it is still an open issue. In this work, we first discuss several possible open-sourc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCluster computing Vol. 27; no. 5; pp. 6081 - 6095
Main Authors Orduña, Juan M., Pérez, Carlos
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York Springer US 01.08.2024
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Computer Communication Networks
Computer networks
Computer Science
Computers
Learning
Linux
Network security
Operating Systems
Processor Architectures
Professional development
Public Key Infrastructure
Reproducibility
Simulation
Software
Students
Teaching
Usability
Virtual environments
Virtual networks
Virtual private networks
Network security
Problem-based learning
Computer networks lab
Nested virtualization tools
Virtual private networks
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Summary:A common problem of undergraduate courses about security and computer networks is the difficulty of providing practical exercises to students. Although different approaches have been followed to solve this problem, it is still an open issue. In this work, we first discuss several possible open-source simulation/emulation/virtualization tools that could be used in the design of a lab session for teaching Virtual Private Networks (VPN) fundamentals based on OpenVPN. Next, we describe how a hands-on lab about VPNs can be carried out with the selected virtualization tool, called NETinVM. The proposed lab starts installing the OpenVPN packages in client and server machines, as in a real-case scenario. Although in this case both client and servers are Kernel-based Virtual Machines (KVM) connected to networks inside NETinVM. The nested virtualization included in NETinVM allows to deploy all the required types of VPNs within the virtual machine, allowing the students to reproduce the lab without the need of a network infrastructure, and following exactly the same process required in a real scenario. The evaluation results show that the level of learning achieved by the students through this lab session seems to be high, and they consider this lab useful for their professional development, showing that virtualization technology can help in computer network education.
ISSN:1386-7857
1573-7543
DOI:10.1007/s10586-024-04291-z