NETLAB+ VE Customers: The information on this page pertains to NETLAB+ AE & PE only. Please refer to the NETLAB+ VE documentation page.
This page describes the basic system requirements and hardware components that are part of a NETLAB+ system. Some components are optional depending on the labs and pods you choose to implement.
The interactive diagram below shows the hardware components that can be found in a NETLAB+ rack. Click on a component to learn more. The tables below the diagram also provide a brief description of each required component shown.
NETLAB+ integrates with VMware vSphere to provide remote PC support.
Control devices provide internal connectivity, console access, and managed power to support content using real lab devices.
Real lab devices are used for course work that requires access to routers, switches and firewalls.
The following table describes the core rack components that are the foundation of all NETLAB+ installations. The numbers in the left column refer to the red circle numbers in the interactive diagram above.
| # | Component | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NETLAB+ Server | NETLAB+® is a server appliance with all software pre-installed. | NETLAB+ Overview |
| 2 | VMware vCenter | VMware vCenter enables you to manage the resources of multiple ESXi hosts and allows you to monitor and manage your physical and virtual infrastructure. NETLAB+ integrates with VMware vCenter to assist the administrator with installing, replicating and configuring virtual machine pods. | vCenter Requirements |
| 3 | VMware ESXi | Physical VMware ESXi servers host the virtual machines in your pods. Virtualization using ESXi is performed on separate physical servers, not included with NETLAB+. You can interface with multiple ESXi servers if necessary. | Recommended Hardware for ESXi |
If your curriculum content selection is implemented using NETLAB+ to provide access to real lab equipment, such as the networking equipment required to support Cisco Networking Academy content, the additional hardware summarized below is required. Please refer to the specific requirements for Cisco Networking Academy content to determine the type and quantity of hardware needed.
| # | Component | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Access Servers | Access servers provide console connections to lab equipment. Using this approach, users can access lab gear even when no configurations have been loaded in the lab devices. NETLAB+ proxies all console connections through the access server. | Supported Access Server Models |
| 5 | Control Switches | NETLAB+ uses control switches to provide connectivity between the NETLAB+ server, access servers, remote PCs, and switched outlet devices. Control switches are not accessed by lab users. | Supported Control Switch Models |
| 6 | Switched Outlets | Switched outlets provide managed electrical power, allowing NETLAB+ and users to turn lab equipment on and off. | Suppported Switched Outlet Devices |
| 7 | Lab Routers | Lab routers are required for course work that requires access to real equipment. The number of routers and router types required is based on pod type and course work. | Supported Lab Routers |
| 8 | Lab Switches | Lab switches are required for course work that requires access to real equipment. The number of switches and switch types required is based on pod type and course work. | Supported Lab Switches |
| 9 | Lab Security Devices | Lab security devices are required for certain course work that requires firewall configuration. The number of lab security devices required is based on pod type and course work. | Supported Lab Security Devices |
Here is a list of other separately purchased hardware.
A UPS of 1200VA 670W or higher is recommended to handle small power outages and power surges. Currently NETLAB+ does not provide a UPS signalling interface for automatic server shutdown.
NDG provides three standard networking models described in the Remote PC Guide that can be used in various scenarios. Firewall requirements should be reviewed carefully. Many steps have been taken to make NETLAB+ secure and firewall friendly. We recognize that most sites may need approval from a network security administrator. To assist with this process, please refer to the following documents:
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Maximum active pods on one system ("active" refers to pods scheduled at the same time) |
16 active | 32 active |
| Maximum custom pods | 2 total | unrestricted |
| Maximum number of physical lab devices (routers, switches, ASA) | 64 | 128 |
| Maximum number of active virtual machines (that can be scheduled at one time) |
80 | 160 |
| Maximum number of access servers | 9 | 9 |
| Maximum number of control switches1 | 9 | 9 |
| Maximum number of switched outlet devices (APC) | 18 | 18 |
1Maximum number of VLANs supported vary by control switch model. Please check that all control switches in your installation will support the required amount of VLANs for the connected pods.
Lab content, special documentation materials, and support for certain academic programs is made available by request to eligible organizations pending verification of membership. These programs currently include:
Your NETLAB+ system must be connected to the Internet to receive lab content and updates for these academic programs. Current membership in an academic program is required for continued content updates, access to special materials, and technical support related to the program.
NETLAB Academy Edition® is discounted upfront with the right to use tied to a required annual license fee. This model provides a lower cost of ownership and keeps your system current as technology changes. If you purchase a NETLAB Academy Edition® system, please be aware that the annual license fee is included in the first year, and required for continued use after the first year. The annual license fee also includes software updates, lab content updates, and technical support. NDG is firmly committed to supporting the dynamic nature of academic programs which requires a continuous investment by NDG in both labor and equipment.
Client access is performed through a supported web browser. NETLAB+ provides several built-in applications that require the Oracle Java Plugin.
| Platform | Supported Browsers | Version | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Mozilla Firefox | 3.6+ | Supported |
| Windows | Internet Explorer | 8+ | Supported |
| Windows | Apple Safari | 5.0.2+ | Beta |
| Windows | Google Chrome | 7.0.517 | Beta |
| Mac | Mozilla Firefox | 3.6.15+ | Supported |
| Mac | Apple Safari | 5.0.2 | Beta |
| Linux | Mozilla Firefox | 3.6.15+ | Supported |
| Browser Plugins and Settings | Description / Setting |
|---|---|
| Java™ | A Java plug-in is required. The Apple iPad does not currently support Java and therefore cannot be used for NETLAB+ access. |
| JavaScript | Enabled |
| Cookies | Enabled (for this site) |
| Popup Windows | Enabled (popup blockers should be disabled for the specific NETLAB+ host. |
Client Internet Connection Requirements
Broadband Internet or campus LAN access is required. The following connection speed (or higher) is recommended:
Personal firewall software can interfere with NETLAB+. If you experience login or port test failures, please disable your firewall software to determine if this is causing the problem.
Browser security settings can interfere with required features. It is recommended that you add the IP address (or host name) of this site to your browser's trusted site list. NETLAB+ uses Java®, JavaScript, Cookies, Popup Windows, and IFRAMES. Please adjust your browser settings accordingly.
