A Sustainable Remote Access Architecture for Digital Inclusion through the Reuse of Discredited TV-BOX Devices
2026-07-27 • Human-Computer Interaction
Human-Computer InteractionComputers and SocietyDistributed, Parallel, and Cluster Computing
AI summaryⓘ
The authors address the problem of making computers more accessible in schools while reducing electronic waste. They created a low-cost system by turning old, discarded electronics into useful devices that connect to a central server running Linux. This setup helps schools use fewer resources to run computer labs and supports digital learning sustainably. Their work shows it's possible to reuse hardware effectively and cut costs in educational technology.
digital inclusione-wastedesktop virtualization infrastructure (VDI)Linux serverARM thin clientscircular economyhardware reuseeducational technologyrefurbished electronicssustainable computing
Authors
Italo Thiago Felix dos Santos, Carlos Eduardo Correa Queiroz, Adevan Neves Santos, Edgard Luciano Oliveira da Silva
Abstract
Digital inclusion and the volume of electronic waste (e-waste) are major challenges for society, with direct impacts on the educational context. Educational institutions, especially those with limited resources, face difficulties in expanding and maintaining computer laboratories. This paper presents the implementation of a sustainable, low-cost Desktop Virtualization Infrastructure (VDI) developed through the reuse of discarded electronic equipment. The proposed solution employs a refurbished Linux server and repurposes confiscated TV Box devices (originally intended for disposal) into functional ARM-based thin clients by installing a compatible Linux distribution. This approach is aligned with the principles of the circular economy by promoting hardware reuse and seeks to reduce the costs associated with deploying computing environments for education. The paper describes the system architecture, the device repurposing process, and the observed results, indicating that this approach represents a viable alternative to support digital education initiatives with a focus on sustainability.