Network architectures of remote laboratories: Proposal of a new solution and comparative analysis with existing ones

Abstract

Remote laboratories are being built upon different network architectures. This paper analyzes major classes of such network architectures from the point of view of network infrastructure, with examples of currently employed solutions. Pros and cons of each architecture are discussed. A new solution making network communications between laboratory servers and laboratory users to be more efficient is proposed. This solution is based on using high-performance computers such as IBM Mainframe as common layer for laboratory servers, simplifying and unifying software development of remote laboratories for their producers