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