A Sustainable Remote Access Architecture for Digital Inclusion through the Reuse of Discredited TV-BOX Devices

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.