Teaching Lab-based Computer Networking through the Designing of a Miniature Internet (MINT)

In this paper, we propose a laboratory-based computer networking course to better teach various networking concepts to undergraduate students. Specifically, we ask students to build the lab network as a miniature Internet (MINT) from the ground up. Each laboratory builds upon the last until the desired infrastructure is in place. Students are then asked to set up common network services, extend/modify some networking mechanisms, and compare the performance of different topologies, hardware and protocols. This paper describes the necessary hardware and an overview of the procedures involved for each laboratory. More detailed information about each lab can be found at www.cs.utsa.edu/∼korkmaz/teaching/mint. Finally, this paper presents the method of student evaluation in relation to the course’s overall objectives.