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AUTHOR: Sami Siddiqui
ABSTRACT:
The following project documents the creation of a Wide Area Network (WAN) using the reference guide, "Understanding Internet Protocols Through Hands-On Programming" written by J. Mark Pullen. The book is divided into sections pertaining to the individual components of the network and thus, chapter by chapter, the user completes assignments that aid in the construction of the final project. In conjunction with the reference guide, a simulation software package titled NetworkBench also facilitates in the development of the WAN by executing the coding written by the user as well as providing the correct output as a comparison to sample code. The primary goal of undertaking such a project is to gain insight as to how networks that are used in day-to-day business actually function from a computer aspect. However, such a program is a more creative way of gaining this knowledge as it allows for hands-on programming, which aids in the learning process. In addition, another component of this project is an algorithm that creates a visual representation of the network using OpenGL. Such a representation will allow users to better understand the concept of a WAN by providing a visual aid that depicts how the WAN functions on an elementary level.
INTRODUCTION:
The internet consists of numerous Wide Area Networks that are connected, allowing users across the World Wide Web to be able to interact with others. Thus, the premise of this project is to simulate the construction of such a network through a user-friendly software simulation package known as NetworkBench. Inherent with the development of this network is also an understanding of how a network actually functions and transfers information between nodes. Thus, in addition to completing the code that simulates the network, research will be conducted documenting the OSI 7-Layer Reference Model, which emulates the operation of a Wide Area Network. In addition to following the tutorial outlined by the reference guide, another aspect of this project is to study OpenGL and construct a visual representation of how a network functions using this language. Although it is not necessary to create such an image, it will aid in the learning process and will help others in the future to visualize exactly what this program does. Therefore, the purpose of this project is primarily to understand how networks operate on basic levels and in addition, to gradually construct a network that applies the principles learned from research, eventually resulting in a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the internet.
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