Hardware
VoIP Multi-Network Laboratory Hardware Environment
Hardware
The laboratory combines centralized instructor-managed infrastructure with individual student equipment sets, using reusable and readily available networking and computing equipment.
Central Server Cart
Figure 1. Central mobile platform integrating the FreePBX/Asterisk server, Ethernet switching, routing, SIP endpoint, and local administration console.
The central platform provides the shared provider/interconnection network. It includes a dedicated Linux/FreePBX/Asterisk server, a multiport Ethernet switch, a laboratory router separating the school network from 172.16.0.0/16, and a physical SIP/IP phone for demonstrations and testing.
Student Equipment Set
Figure 2. Student equipment set with laptop, dedicated router, and physical SIP/IP telephone.
Each student receives:
- a laptop used for configuration, VirtualBox, PBX administration, and a softphone;
- a dedicated router providing WAN/LAN separation, DHCP, NAT, routing, and port forwarding;
- a physical SIP/IP desk telephone;
- and a mobile device that can run an additional SIP softphone.
The student therefore operates a complete independent VoIP network rather than sharing a single classroom PBX.
Equipment Reuse and Replication
The laboratory does not depend on a specialized commercial VoIP training platform. Standard computers, Ethernet switches, routers, IP phones, virtualization software, and open-source PBX software are combined to reproduce the technical functions required by the learning activities.
Equivalent equipment can be substituted when it preserves the same student workflow and functional relationships.