Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Network Protocols

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

6, 7

Overview

Computers talk to each other over the internet via messages. However, the internet is not reliable and sometimes these messages get lost. There are certain bits of information we can add to messages to make sure they are sent. This information makes up a protocol.

In this activity, students consider how different methods of communication operate successfully. By looking at rules and procedures in place, students are introduced to communication protocols. By working through a role-play scenario, pupils test their own protocol operating in an unreliable environment similar to that found in packet switching on the Internet, specifically, TCP/ IP.

On the internet, data is broken into packets for transportation. However, the channels in which these packets travel is not always reliable. Individual packets sometimes are damaged, lost or lose their ordering.

In the game Tablets of Stone, tablets are packets and their content is data. Packets contain both data and header information. The size of the header information affects how much data can be transferred – so a balance has to be reached, as packets are of finite size.

Students will find that they will need to swap some of their data boxed for information such as packet number and total packets, or whether or not the packet is an acknowledgment packet. Due to this information taking up data boxes, overall more packets will be needed.

    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 6

    DLCS18.6.20

    Identify data transferring protocols, visualization, and the purpose of data and methods of storage.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.6.20

    Vocabulary

    • transfer protocols
    • visualization

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • different transferring protocols are used for specific purposes depending on the data and storage methods.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • differentiate basic data transferring protocols from another and various methods of storing data.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • data is compressed and stored in various transferring protocols depending on the purpose.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 7

    DLCS18.7.21

    Compare common transfer protocols.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.7.21

    Vocabulary

    • transfer protocol

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • the difference between FTP as a client
    • server model and HTTP as a transfer and exchange hypertext.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • identify the difference between various transfer protocols as well as secured and unsecured.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • some transfer protocols are more secure than others and serve different purposes.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Learning Activity

    Resource Provider

    CS Unplugged
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
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