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Activity 3.1.4

The document outlines a role-playing activity designed to help students understand data movement in a computer network by assigning them roles such as Router, Switch, Client, and Server. Students simulate the flow of messages through the network, following specific rules and scenarios, while discussing the importance of each role and potential network issues. The activity aims to enhance understanding of network communication, roles, and packet flow while practicing technical vocabulary.

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yared mulatu
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5 views3 pages

Activity 3.1.4

The document outlines a role-playing activity designed to help students understand data movement in a computer network by assigning them roles such as Router, Switch, Client, and Server. Students simulate the flow of messages through the network, following specific rules and scenarios, while discussing the importance of each role and potential network issues. The activity aims to enhance understanding of network communication, roles, and packet flow while practicing technical vocabulary.

Uploaded by

yared mulatu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Activity 3.1.

4
Role-Playing Activity: Simulating a Computer Network
Objective:
To help students visualize and understand how data moves through a
network by taking on the roles of different components (Router, Switch,
Client, Server, etc.).
1. Form Groups
 Each group should have 4–7 students.
 Assign roles (one per student):
o 📡 Router
o 🔀 Switch
o Client/PC
o Server
o 📶 Wireless Access Point
o 🔒 Firewall (optional)
o 🌐 Internet Cloud (optional)
2. Prepare Materials
 Envelopes or cards = Data packets
 Label each packet with:
o Source IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10)
o Destination IP (e.g., 192.168.1.20)
o Message (e.g., “Request File”, “Send Image”)
 Use name tags or signs for each student’s role:
o "I am a Router" / "I am a Client" / "I am a Server"
3. Simulation Rules (How to Play)
Scenario Example:
Client wants to download a file from the Server
Step-by-Step Message Flow:
1. Client writes a "Request File" message and gives it to the Switch
(if wired) or Access Point (if wireless).
2. The Switch/AP forwards the message to the Router.
3. The Router checks destination IP:
o If internal (same network), sends directly to Server.
o If external, routes to Internet Cloud.
4. Server receives the request and sends back a "File Data" packet.
5. The packet follows the same path back to the Client.
💬 Each student must say their role and action:
“I am the Switch. I received a packet from the Client. Forwarding it to
the Router…”
4. Add Realism with Rules
 🔐 Firewall: Blocks messages based on content or IP.
 ⏳ Delay or Drop packets for discussion: “What if the Router is
offline?”
 ⚠️Simulate collisions, routing errors, or bandwidth limits.
5. Debrief After the Activity
Ask questions like:
 What part of the network was the most important?
 How did your role feel—was it busy, idle, central?
 What happens if one part fails? (e.g., switch goes down)
 What did you learn about how the internet or LAN works?
Optional Add-ons:
 Create different scenarios: Email sending, website browsing,
video streaming.
 Use network diagrams or whiteboard to map the packet path as it
happens.
 Introduce IP addresses and ports to build deeper understanding.
Learning Outcomes:
 Understand how devices communicate
 Recognize roles of network elements
 Visualize packet flow
 Practice using technical vocabulary

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