APPLICATION OF CLIENTLESS REMOTE DESKTOP GATEWAY TECHNOLOGY IN BUILDING A VIRTUAL PRACTICE LAB SYSTEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61591/jslhu.26.1092Keywords:
Apache Guacamole, Clientless Gateway, Remote Desktop, Higher Education, Digital Transformation, Usability Scale (SUS), RDP/VNC Protocols, Open-Source Architecture, Educational EquityAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and Vietnam's national digital transformation initiative (Decision 749/QĐ-TTg) have accelerated the shift to blended and online learning in higher education. However, practical training in technical disciplines like information technology (IT) and applied sciences faces significant challenges due to limited access to physical laboratories, high costs, and digital divides highlighted by UNESCO/SEAMEO reports (90% internet connectivity but unequal device access).
This study develops a clientless remote lab system using Apache Guacamole to enable 24/7 browser-based access via HTML5, eliminating client-side installations. Objectives include designing an open-source architecture, automating workflows (booking, payment via PayOS, provisioning/deprovisioning), optimizing RDP/VNC protocols for low-latency performance, and evaluating usability.
Employing a mixed-methods approach—theoretical analysis, Agile/Scrum prototype implementation with Node.js, Nuxt.js, PostgreSQL, and Docker, plus quantitative metrics (bandwidth, latency, SUS)—the system was piloted with 20 virtual machines (10 Windows, 10 Ubuntu) and 30 students.
Results demonstrate low bandwidth (100-150 Kbps for text tasks), latency (30-80 ms), and SUS score (76.5, rated "Good"). The model promotes educational equity in resource-constrained settings, with limitations in multimedia tasks and network stability. Future enhancements include AI analytics and mobile support.
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