Research Review — Web-Based Computer Network Learning Platform

Web platforms for computer networks have become vital for studying, training, and conducting remote labs at colleges and universities. These tools include virtual labs, simulators, real-device control, visualization aids, and testing modules, all delivered online to teach networking practically. This review covers recent research (2018- 2025) on web based computer networking systems, grouping them into simulators, emulators, remote labs, and hybrid systems; compares their educational and technical aims; analyses strengths and drawbacks; discusses key platform design factors (scalability, accuracy, interaction, assessment); reviews evaluation methods; and highlights remaining challenges such as balancing realism with cost, ensuring security, maintaining student involvement, and preventing cheating. Finally, we propose future directions: cloud-edge hybrid testbeds, data-driven adaptive learning, containerized remote labs, and new standards for compatibility and reproducibility of experiments.