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An Undergraduate Networked Systems Laboratory Maurice Aburdene, Dan Hyde, Xiannong Meng, John Janntzi, Brian Hoyt Bucknell University

Ralph Droms Cisco Systems

Abstract

This paper describes a new and innovative undergraduate networked systems laboratory, which supports both instruction and research in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments at Bucknell University. The two departments have been pioneers in developing laboratory exercises where students discover, design, explore and experiment with the latest concepts in their fields on state-of-the-art equipment. The laboratory facilities accommodate study of several computer networking hardware and software technologies, computer systems and organization.

Introduction

The Networked Systems Laboratory (NSL) provides new opportunities for undergraduate instruction and supports faculty and undergraduate research in parallel computing [1,2], distributed computing [3], and computer network systems [4,5]. The laboratory enables students to experiment “under the hood” of computer network systems much like a mechanic of a car. It is important that students have the experience of taking out and replacing components of the operating system or swap components of the computer network. The laboratory facility has the flexibility to allow students to experiment with and explore the issues and challenges associated with networked computing systems and computing and communication structures. The hands-on experience with software and hardware will improve their understanding of the underlying principles and concepts in computer networks while better preparing them for employment or graduate studies.

For example, in systems-oriented courses such as Operating Systems (CSCI 315), students should have the opportunity to modify the system software and/or the hardware. In particular, in an operating systems course, the faculty member may ask the students to design an I/O driver and compile the new driver with the kernel. In order not to interfere with the rest of the campus, any machines used for such under-the-hood activities should be isolated from the rest of the campus networks, for example, by a firewall router.

The Networked Systems Laboratory will be used in the Computer Science Department for teaching the Operating Systems course (CSCI 315), Networks course (CSCI 363), Parallel Computation (CSCI 366), Distributed Computing (CSCI 355) as well as the Senior Design course (CSCI 475). The Electrical Engineering Department will use the facility in the Senior Design course, Computer Communication Networks (ELEC 475/675) and Digital and Analog Communication Systems (ELEC 470/670).

“Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright ã2002, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Droms, R., & Jantzi, J., & Hyde, D., & Hoyt, B., & Meng, X., & Aburdene, M. (2002, June), An Undergraduate Networked Systems Laboratory Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10120