Preparing for TCP/IP: the role of CSA

This paper describes one well established case-study assignment (RingLAN) used within a first year undergraduate computer systems architecture (CSA) module which is a core component for Computer Science degrees. It requires the students to work in small groups and develop a simple ring LAN for transmitting short text messages. The principal aspects of the protocol (packet size and format, addressing method, packet types, checksum and error handling) are specified, but this still leaves the need for inter-group negotiation to ensure reliable inter-operability. Such lab activity introduces students to the basic concepts of end-to-end serial communication, leading into simple packet store-and-forward techniques. While the whole practical exercise is carried out using only PC COM ports it still offers a good challenge for programming skills.