Teaching and Learning Wi-Fi Networking Fundamentals Using Limited Resources

International Journal of Wireless Networks and Broadband Technologies

2011

Self Cite

One of the limitations of the IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function (DCF) protocol is its low bandwidth utilization under medium-to-high traffic loads resulting in low throughput and high packet delay. To overcome performance problems, traditional IEEE 802.11 DCF (“DCF”) protocol is modified to the buffer unit multiple access (BUMA) protocol. The BUMA protocol achieves a better system performance by introducing a temporary buffer unit at the medium access control (MAC) layer to accumulate multiple packets and combine them into a single packet (with a header and a trailer) before transmission. This paper provides an in-depth performance evaluation (by simulation) of BUMA for multiuser ad hoc and infrastructure networks. Results obtained show that the BUMA is more efficient than that of DCF. The BUMA protocol is simple and its algorithm (software) can be upgraded to 802.11 networks requiring no hardware changes. The BUMA protocol is described and simulation results are presented to verify the performance.

Section: Model Validationmentioning

confidence: 82%

Improving WLAN Performance by Modifying an IEEE 802.11 Protocol

International Journal of Wireless Networks and Broadband Technologies

2011

Self Cite

“…The extended versions of several students' miniprojects have been published in refereed journal and conference proceedings (Houliston & Sarkar, 2004, 2005Sarkar, Byrne, & Al-Qirim, 2006;Sarkar & Lian, 2003;Siringoringo & Sarkar, 2006). This refereed publication is one of the measures of the quality of student work and their research potential that they have devel-oped through the MPBL.…”

Section: Examples Of Student Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Miniproject-Based Learning as an Effective Tool for Teaching Computer Networks to Graduate Students

International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education

Petrova

2009

This article reports on the experience of using the technique of miniproject-based learning (MPBL) as a key pedagogical method for teaching advanced computer networks within the context of a Master's programme. A two-threaded approach was adopted. The MPBL thread within the course allows the students to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the key concepts of network protocols and technologies. The lecture thread uses face-to-face teaching, group discussion and class presentations to allow students to develop better communication and presentation skills. The effectiveness of MPBL approach has been evaluated extensively formally by students and by an external moderator, and informally in discussion within the teaching team. The implementation of the MPBL was judged to be successful because of the positive student and an external moderator feedback. Therefore, the authors propose that MPBL is a suitable pedagogical tool for the teaching of advanced computer networks to graduate students.

Teaching Advanced Computer Networking

Online Courses and ICT in Education

Petrova

This chapter reports on the authors’ experiences of using miniproject-based learning (MPBL) as a key pedagogical method for teaching advanced computer networks within the context of a Master’s course in Net-centric computing at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). A two-threaded delivery approach was adopted that comprised an MPBL thread and a lecture thread. The MPBL thread within the course allows the students to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the key concepts of network protocols and technologies. The lecture thread uses face-to-face teaching, group discussion and class presentations to allow students to develop better communication and presentation skills. The effectiveness of the MPBL approach was evaluated extensively - formally by students and by an external moderator, and informally in discussions within the teaching team. The implementation of the MPBL was judged to be successful because of the positive student and external moderator feedback. Therefore, the authors propose that MPBL is a suitable pedagogical tool for teaching advanced computer networks to graduate and postgraduate students.