Internet-based model for technology integration and access, Part 1: Software and hardware testbed models

This paper is the first of a two-part paper and presents the conceptual framework and generalized approach for the development of Internet-based Software and Hardware Testbeds. Software Testbeds allow university research collaborators to communicate and cooperate directly via Internet on technology development and integration projects, thereby creating an agile research and development environment. Software Testbeds also allow industrial partners to access software under development, experiment with its application on real problems of the day, and provide direct and timely feedback to the researchers. The paper describes the technical mechanisms for the establishment of software testbeds using the World Wide Web protocols and discusses both user- and client-based issues related to testbed development and management. Part 2 of this paper provides specific examples of testbeds that have been established. Hardware Testbeds provide for Internet-based access to unique laboratory facilities so that experiments may be viewed remotely, allow data being collected to be transferred in real time to the client, and also allow the client to communicate instructions and to exercise control over the facility at the remote location.