Thin Client Platform for Examination System
A thin client is a device connected to a network that functions as a virtual desktop and will use the resources residing on the server. Raspberry Pi is an IoT device that will be used as a thin client. The thin client runs an operating system locally and has flash memory rather than a hard
2025-06-28 16:36:21 - Adil Khan
Thin Client Platform for Examination System
Project Area of Specialization Internet of ThingsProject SummaryA thin client is a device connected to a network that functions as a virtual desktop and will use the resources residing on the server. Raspberry Pi is an IoT device that will be used as a thin client. The thin client runs an operating system locally and has flash memory rather than a hard disk. The client will get applications and resources through virtualization. In examination system, we need computer labs with proper functioning PC’s and need to buy hardware individually for every personal computer by eliminating traditional desktop computers with modern thin clients that will have no hardware (i.e. hard disk or processor). This will lead to an immediate effect on the total cost of ownership and will provide an effective solution to examination systems in reducing their maintenance efforts.
Project ObjectivesLiteracy rate in Pakistan is getting higher and people are moving towards modern technologies. The computer-based examination has become common that’s why we are providing a platform for examination by replacing Desktop Pcs with the thin client that will make the academic lab's hardware independent. This will lead to an immediate saving in cost and resources for IT operations. IT operators don’t need to update applications on each of the single clients. Thin client will not have extra I/O ports or unnecessary features. Thin client will run programs and access data from the server as they will not have any software installed on them. We are looking forward to deploying thin client at examination centers and propose this system to HEC for making a centralized examination center for all universities. This will hit the basic psychology of employers to hire the employees from just renowned universities and all university's degree will be equivalent to others. Thus maximizing the chance of students from government and lower universities to get employment as merit will be the only priority then.
Project Implementation MethodWe will make thin clients using Raspberry Pi that is a low-cost IoT device. We will use a highly configured server in which we install Elastic Sky X (ESXi). ESXi is a platform which runs directly on server hardware and will install window server 2019 for domains so we can install or configure the VMware Horizon for virtualizing of software and windows. VMware Horizon will provide virtual desktop capabilities to users. The V-center product is the centralized management utility used to manage virtual machine and hosts. It will perform the virtualization of the server to the clients. The resources will be shared to users as per their requirements and their access will be limited as per their needs defined by the administrator.
Benefits of the ProjectThe academic institutions are looking forward to staying with the modern technology market. The thin clients can be the best outcome because it will reduce the hardware and software maintenance cost and IT resources as all the problems and up gradation will be managed directly from the server. The examination system can be virtually pre-configured, packaged and put into operation in minutes. We will not have to buy licenses for each client. Productivity would increase as they will not take longer repair times. It will reduce electric bills as it has low power consumption so that the organizations budget will be used in an efficient manner.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableThin Client based platform for examination system is built on Raspberry pi 3 b+ and it will act as our thin client device. The Raspberry Pi will have USB ports that are a common connection port for peripheral devices of all types (including your mouse and keyboard). An HDMI connector allows you to hook up a high-definition television or other compatible device using an HDMI cable. The power is 5v Micro USB power connector into which you can plug your compatible power supply. These thin client devices do not have a hard disk, instead, it has flash memory. The server should be robust enough so the configuration for server is 1 Terabyte storage, 128 Gigabyte SSD storage, 32 Gigabyte RAM DDR3, Processor is Intel Zeon- E5-1650 V2 3.5 GigaHertz. The virtual configuration on the server includes ESXi, VSphere Client, VM Horizon and VCenter. The Windows Server 2016 will be installed on the server.
Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemType of Industry Education , IT Technologies Internet of Things (IoT), OthersSustainable Development Goals Quality Education, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 69900 | |||
| Server | Equipment | 1 | 50000 | 50000 |
| Raspberry Pi | Equipment | 2 | 5000 | 10000 |
| Switch | Equipment | 1 | 2500 | 2500 |
| Page Printing | Miscellaneous | 200 | 10 | 2000 |
| LCD | Equipment | 3 | 1000 | 3000 |
| keyboard and mouse | Equipment | 3 | 300 | 900 |
| printing | Miscellaneous | 1 | 1500 | 1500 |