Remote Laboratory Description Language Based On XML

In this paper, a language used to describe the structure and capabilities (attributes) of remote, or online, laboratories is presented. With reference to the Remote Access Laboratory (RAL) at the University of Limerick, the structure of this laboratory is presented in order to identify the use of the Remote Laboratory Description Language (RLDL). This is based on XML providing for a text based, standard format on which to build and extend RLDL. The structure of the language is presented and an example is given with reference to the specific case study remote laboratory. However, the language can be readily extended to describe current laboratory attributes in more detail and to extend the language in order to identify and present new laboratory attributes. Such a description can be used to exchange information between remote laboratory developers and maintainers.