Project Overview
This project aims to develop a robust, scalable, and cost-effective platform to support remote teaching, collaboration, and experimentation using Open Source tools and Software Defined Networking (SDN) technologies. The solution targets institutions with limited access to hands-on experimentation and network infrastructure by leveraging virtual labs and federated testbeds.
Participating Countries & Organizations
Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN)
University of Peradeniya
Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN)
Druk Research and Education Network (DrukREN)
Nepal Research and Education Network (NREN)
Core Technologies
OpenFlow-based SDN controllers and switches
Federated experimentation environments
Community-driven development platform
Distance education and collaboration
Project Objectives
Main Objective: To create an open-source platform that facilitates remote teaching, collaboration, and network experimentation using SDN technologies.
Sub-objectives:
- Deploying a federated SDN testbed among partner NRENs
- Provide online training and hands-on sessions on SDN
- Facilitate collaborative research and education
- Promote gender equity and cross-country collaboration
Partner Organizations
Activities Conducted
Identified platform specifications and stakeholder needs to ensure technical feasibility and alignment with educational goals.
Developed and deployed federated SDN testbeds among participating NRENs using OpenFlow-based switches and virtual machines.
Created a centralized web platform enabling access to SDN testbeds, course materials, and collaborative tools.
Conducted multiple online sessions for faculty, students, and network engineers focusing on SDN principles and lab-based practices.
Delivered pilot training courses and gathered participant feedback to improve curriculum and platform usability.
Key Outcomes
A virtual, interoperable testbed was deployed across four countries enabling remote network experimentation.
A user-friendly platform was launched to manage courses, labs, and collaboration among educators and learners.
Over 150 participants trained through structured workshops, webinars, and guided labs.
Beneficiary institutions with limited lab infrastructure gained access to shared SDN environments.
Relevant SDGs
Challenges & Future Directions
Challenges Encountered
Need for more trainers with SDN experience affected early adoption and required repeated mentoring.
Variability in connectivity among partner countries sometimes impacted synchronous training sessions.
Logistics and customs-related delays hindered initial deployment schedules.
Future Directions
- Platform Expansion: Plans to onboard additional Asian NRENs to broaden the collaboration and resource sharing scope
- Integration with Emerging Technologies: Extend platform support to areas like Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and cloud orchestration
- Advanced SDN Curricula: Launch higher-level modules and research-oriented content tailored for postgraduate students
- Sustainability Through Community Building: Establish a user and developer community to maintain and evolve the platform