iLab architecture separates online labs into three distinct modules connected by a Web service architecture. - The Lab Server is operated by the lab's owner and deals with the actual operation of the lab hardware.
- The Lab Client runs on the end user's computer, and provides the interface to the operation of the lab.
- The Service Broker mediates exchanges between the Lab Client and the Lab Server and provides storage and administrative services that are generic and can be shared by multiple labs within a single university.
The iLabs Shared Architecture resulting from this prior work is:
• Highly scalable in the sense that it minimizes the work involved on the part of the lab provider;
• Decentralized, in the sense that each organization manages its own students' accounts, lab time scheduling, data storage, etc.
• Secure, in the sense of providing a mechanism for encrypted authorization and access control;
• Open, in the sense of having an open set of web service specifications and an open source reference implementation;
• Compatible, in the sense of allowing users of commercial software, particularly National Instruments LabView®, to couple their applications with the iLabs web services. |