Computer Science Principles Unit 4 Chapter 1 Optional Lesson: One-Way Functions - The Wifi Hotspot Problem

In this lesson, students continue their exploration of computationally hard problems as they investigate a one-way function, a problem which is easy to construct in such a way that you know the solution, but it is computationally hard to solve. Students will begin the lesson by trying to solve the “Wireless Hotspot Problem” (also known as the vertex cover or dominating sets problem) to experience first-hand the challenge of solving it. They will then be instructed on how easy it is to create such a problem and will practice doing so themselves. In the Wrap-up, students are introduced to the concept of a one-way function and consider why such problems might be useful tools when constructing methods of encryption. If it’s easy to create a problem that is hard for a computer (or human!) to solve, then perhaps it is possible to make truly secure encryptions.

Students will be able to:
- describe the properties of a one-way function.
- construct a wireless hotspot map, starting from a solution key.
- explain why the wireless hotspot problem is a computationally hard problem.
- describe the difference between the Traveling Salesman Problem and the Wireless Hotspot Problem and why one-way functions are desirable when creating cryptographic methods.

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