2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

MTU Superior Cyber Range: An Architectural and Strategic Overview for Cybersecurity Training and Workforce Development

Presented at CEED Technical Session 2: AI, Emerging Technologies & Innovative Learning

This paper details the architectural design, implementation, and future trajectory of the MTU Superior Cyber Range, a scalable and portable cybersecurity training platform. While various architectures have been explored in the literature, from cloud-based solutions to virtualized environments built for cyber warfare training, our project focuses on a scalable and portable design based on a multi-node virtualization cluster. This approach aligns with principles of flexibility and open-source technology. The project's core principles of portability and scalability were successfully validated through a real-world proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstration at a local high school in Spring 2025. Looking forward, the project is strategically integrating the assets of the Michigan CyberRange (Merit), a move poised to significantly expand the platform's content library and consolidate regional cybersecurity training efforts. This initiative is positioned to become a central resource for developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce across a wide range of educational and professional sectors.

Authors
  1. Prof. Victoria Behringer Walters Michigan Technological University [biography]
  2. Noah Hansen Michigan Technological University
  3. Carter Ravenstone Michigan Technological University
  4. Alexander Jay Briggs Michigan Technological University
  5. Ethan Irwin Ashley Michigan Technological University
  6. August Staples Michigan Technological University
  7. Anders Thor Lien Michigan Technological University
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