A container-based web platform for multi-user Cisco Packet Tracer : browser-accessible network labs
Kuruwita Arachchige, Kalpa Prabashwera (2026)
2026
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604015433
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604015433
Tiivistelmä
This study examines accessibility problems in networking education caused by the rise of modern hardware incompatibility. Cisco Packet Tracer, a common network simulation tool, typically requires desktop installations, which restricts its use on devices such as ARM laptops and inexpensive Chromebooks. This thesis addresses these limits by creating PacketTracerWeb, a web platform that lets students use all of Cisco Packet Tracer's features through a web browser. The platform aims to lower administrative work and provide scalable multi-user access
Design science research method to build a working prototype. Docker containerization enclosed Packet Tracer in a headless environment with OpenGL rendering using VirtualGL and TurboVNC. A Python Flask web app was built to run container lifecycles, handle user logins, and provide storage. Security steps, such as GeoIP filtering, network isolation, and rate limits, were put in place to protect them. Tests, performance checks, and load tests were conducted to measure cross-architecture and scaling under simulated multi-user conditions.
The results show that PacketTracerWeb gives access to Cisco Packet Tracer, with support for ARM-based devices, while keeping sessions separate and data stored. The management dashboard was useful for user setup and resource assignment, and security features stopped unauthorized access and network attacks.
Design science research method to build a working prototype. Docker containerization enclosed Packet Tracer in a headless environment with OpenGL rendering using VirtualGL and TurboVNC. A Python Flask web app was built to run container lifecycles, handle user logins, and provide storage. Security steps, such as GeoIP filtering, network isolation, and rate limits, were put in place to protect them. Tests, performance checks, and load tests were conducted to measure cross-architecture and scaling under simulated multi-user conditions.
The results show that PacketTracerWeb gives access to Cisco Packet Tracer, with support for ARM-based devices, while keeping sessions separate and data stored. The management dashboard was useful for user setup and resource assignment, and security features stopped unauthorized access and network attacks.