Packet Switching Network Relay

Packet Switching Network Relay#

Groups simulate a packet switching network to assemble a puzzle. This activity is configurable for a variety of group sizes or configurations.

Materials#

Role Cards

Link to Google Doc with role names & descriptions

Participant Instructions & Handout

Link to Google Doc with instructions for participants.

Lots of options for what constitutes the data packets!

Setup#

You will need the following roles:

  • Computer hosts (at least 2, sending & recieving)

    • Responsible for giving the packets initial instructions and/or interpreting the reconstituted packet

  • TCP/IP (at least 2, sending & recieving)

  • Routers (at least 2)

role

# needed

description

computer host

at least 2 (sending/recieving)

responsible for giving the packets initial instructions and/or interpreting the reconstituted packet

TCP/IP

at least 2 (sending/recieving)

responsible for translating or reconstituting the packets once they arrive at a final destination

router

at least 1

responsible for directing packets through the network from their source to final destination

packet

at least 1

responsible for moving packets through the network based on the instructions from the routers. This role can help the TCP/IP role reassemble the packet once all components have arrived at the final destination

If additional roles are needed, expand the number of routers or packets.

Role Cards

class: tip, dropdown Link to Google Doc with role names & descriptions

There are lots of options for what will constitute the data packets. This activity uses puzzle pieces as the data packets. A variety of jigsaw puzzle template vector images are freely available online.

  • A DIY option is printing an image or design on cardstock and cutting with an exacto knife

  • Another potion would be a children’s puzzle (12 pieces is a good size)

  • Blank puzzles would allow creating a unique design

  • More sophisticated options could include using a cricut machine or laser cutter to create unique custom designs

Activity#

Participant Handout & Instructions

Link to Google Doc with instructions for participants.

When simulating a packet-switching network…

  • The computer host roles are responsible for giving the packets initial instructions and/or interpreting the reconstituted packet

  • The TCP / IP roles are responsible for translating or reconstituting the packets once they arrive at a final destination

  • The router roles are responsible for directing packets through the network from their source to final destination.

    • NOTE: Each leg of the network (or hop) can only support one packet at a time. If needed, packets can bottleneck and queue.

  • The packet roles are responsible for moving packets through the network based on the instructions from the routers. This role can help the TCP/IP role reassemble the packet once all components have arrived at the final destination.

Step #1: Groups form and decide on roles

Step #2: Run through a packet-switching simulation to get your network’s packets from a sending host to a recieving host. A couple notes:

  • Each leg of the network (or hop) can only support one packet at a time. If needed, packets can bottleneck and queue.

  • This is note a race. Work together to try to understand the individual roles as well as how they work together.

Step #3: Once packets have arrived at the destination, assemble your puzzle.

If time allows: Rotate roles and run the simulation a few more times so everyone has a chance to be…

  • A computer host or TCP/IP

  • A router

  • A packet

For Instructors

If it makes sense, you can frame this version of the activity as a type of local area network (LAN)

Large Group Version#

If time and size allow, groups can combine to form a more complex network.

For Instructors

If it makes sense, you can frame this version of the activity as a type of wide area network (WAN)

When working in this configuration, facilitators will need to clarify how IP addressing will work.

  • One option is creating a scenario (sending an email, sharing a document, etc) that establishes clear sending & recieving roles

  • Another option is using IP addresses to establish sending & recieving roles

Depending on the space configuration, it may be advisable for hosts to be on the perimeter, TCP/IP roles to be on the perimeter, in front of their hosts. Router roles should be distributed throughout the space.

Step #1: Clarify roles and logistics

Step #2: Run through a packet-switching simulation to get your group’s packets from a source computer host to a destination computer host. A couple notes:

  • Each leg of the network (or hop) can only support one packet at a time. If needed, packets can bottleneck and queue.

  • This is note a race. Work together to try to understand the individual roles as well as how they work together.

Step #3: Once packets have arrived at the destination, assemble your puzzle.

If time allows: Rotate roles and run the simulation a few more times so everyone has a chance to be…

  • A computer host or TCP/IP

  • A router

  • A packet

Danger

Disruption! Want to add a real-world element to your simulation? Consider giving individuals (or a group) the power to disrupt. A few possibilities…

  • Damage to a deep sea cable takes out a 3 routers

  • Fire takes out 3 routers

  • Extreme heat takes out a local-area network

  • Political protests cause a state actor to shut down the wide-area network

Discussion & Reflection#

These prompts could be used in a variety of settings for discussion and reflection:

  • How did this experience go for you? What was interesting, surprising, unexpected, challenging, fun, etc?

  • How are you thinking about packet switching or networks differently after going through this activity?

  • What have you learned? What isn’t clear? What do you want to know more about? Other comments or questions.

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