A Sequence Of Closed Laboratory Exercises For A Course In Data Communications

Abstract

A sequence of closed laboratory exercises for a course in Data Communications is described in this paper. The exercises are a combination of client-server programming, and simulation. The socket API using C/C++ is used for the client-server programming exercises. This allows students an opportunity to look under the hood and use networking protocols like TCP and UDP to develop their own client-server applications. COMNET III is the tool used to simulate communication networks. It is used to model networks, their control algorithms, and workload. Network simulations add a practical flavor to the course and enable students to observe the operation of an internet comprising dissimilar networks and protocols. Keywords: Data communications, networks, closed labs, education.

I. Introduction

The field of Computer Networking is making rapid advances. Courses in Data Communications and Networking are now offered on a regular basis in Computer Science programs. The course generally includes topics in data communications, computer networking, and internetworking. Laboratory exercises in support of this course provide a rich learning environment. However, developing and testing laboratory exercises require a substantial time commitment on the part of the instructor wanting to develop this type of pedagogy. This paper describes the lab exercises developed and tested by the author. It is hoped that the lab exercises described here could serve as a starting point to an instructor wanting to develop a lab for a similar course.

In a course on Data Communications and networking, it is essential that students be exposed to the client-server paradigm. Programming exercises are very valuable in this regard. With the advent of Java and its inherent support for networking and distributed computing one possible approach is to .