Overview

Students use the Internet simulator for the first time in this lesson. It is configured to represent two parties connected on a single shared wire that only hold one of two possible states. Students invent a binary call-response protocol that can overcome the coordination, timing and synchronization problems that arise when forced to use such a truly binary system.

Vocab

• Bandwidth - Transmission capacity measure by bit rate
• Bit - A contraction of "Binary Digit"; the single unit of information in a computer, typically represented as a 0 or 1
• Bit rate - (sometimes written bitrate) the number of bits that are conveyed or processed per unit of time. e.g. 8 bits/sec.
• Latency - Time it takes for a bit to travel from its sender to its receiver.
• Protocol - A set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices.

Resources

• Coordination and Binary Messages - Activity Guide (copy as MS Word, Google Doc)

• Flashlight Binary Signal Test - Presentation

• Internet Simulator - Part 1 - Video (download)

• The Internet: Wires, Cables & WiFi - Video (download)

• Worksheet - Video Guide for “Wires, Cables & WiFi” (optional) - Video Worksheet (copy as MS Word, Google Doc)