Stop-And-Wait Protocol Simulation

Stop-And-Wait Protocol Simulation

Abstract

• Networking Infrastructure is an important concept that many high school curriculums do not cover. One of the easiest ways to present students with Networking Infrastructure concepts is to discuss ways of how data is communicated over the Internet. The purpose of this module is to provide structure for a teacher to be able to implement the Stop-and-Wait Protocol which fulfills the basic need for network infrastructure education discussed above.

How to Complete this Module

• In this module, students create a virtual simulation of a simple protocol used for reliably sending information across the Internet.
• In order to complete this module, teachers should first read the Stop-and-Wait Curriculum Outline [pdf]. This guide will walk the teacher through what is required to complete this module.

Quick Look

Intended Audience

• Students who have completed first semester of AP Computer Science (or equivalent)

Material Requirements

• Programming language of instructor’s choice installed on computer (suggestions for IDE in the "Module: Suggestions" section)of the Stop-and-Wait Curriculum Outline on right menu

Total Instructor Preparation + Set-up Time Required

• 60 minutes

  reading (assuming no familiarity with infrastructures concepts)

• 60 minutes

  planning

Total Class-Time Required

• 120 - 200 minutes

  instructional time and programming time for students

• 5 – 10 minutes

  per student/group required to allow time to share work

Resources

Resources to Print:

• Stop-and-Wait Curriculum Outline [pdf]
• Stop-and-Wait Class Handout Exercise [pptx]
• Stop-and-Wait Class Handout Exercise Solution [pptx]

Additional Resources:

• Stop and Wait Class Handout Filled In By Student [pdf]
• PowerPoint file used to create picture templates [pptx]
• Stop and Wait Rubric [xlsx]
• Stop and Wait Completed Simulation Program Video [mp4]

References

• This source provides an excellent background to both the Stop-and-Wait Protocol and the extension of the Sliding Window Protocol. The teacher may ask advanced students to try and model Sliding Window once they finish modeling and identifying shortcomings of the Stop-and-Wait protocol.
• This source provides a very clear and simple understanding of the Stop-and-Wait Protocol. It is not recommended for its explanation of the Sliding Window Protocol.
• For annotations of the references above, and some additional references see Stop and Wait Resources [pdf]