Introduction

The LAN-T is a versatile laboratory system that supplements courses on Computer Network and LAN’s. The trainer exposes user to networking concepts at the physical, MAC, network and transport layers through a carefully designed series of experiment. The experiments reinforce exercises train users to fit into networking positions in industry. The Trainer can also be used for projects involving many of the networking hierarchy. With just a minimal investment in a single Trainer and 2-3 PC’s, users can obtain hands-on experience with a wide variety of different network topologies and protocols, including all the popular ones such as CSMA/CD (Ethernet) and token passing (Arcnet, Token Ring). The LAN-T consists of a Network Emulator Unit (NEU) with PC plug-in Network Interface Unit (NIU) and Windows based Experiment Software. The software consists of a series of experiments in the form stand-alone application, ‘C’ source code for the experiments and ‘C’ library to access the NIU. The source code provide better understanding of the experiments, while the library allows the user to program new experiments, modify existing experiments and try out various network layers and protocols. The NEU emulates 6 nodes, which can be configured to Bus, Star or Ring topologies. It also has error generator and delay generator between nodes. Each NIU card emulates 2 independent nodes supporting various MAC layers, on a single PC. The system scales up to emulate larger networks by adding on more NEUs, NIUs and PCs.

Features

• Comprehensive set of experiments to observe and measure the behavior of several LAN protocols.
• MAC layers: ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA/CD, Token Bus, Token Ring, Star
• Data Link Layers:Stop and Wait and various windows protocols for reliable data transfer
• Connection Management
• User configurable data rates 8 Kbps to 1 Mbps
• Generation of Bit Error and Frame Error between nodes up to 10-6
• Variable Network size up to six nodes with each NEU. NEUs can be cascaded to increase the network size
• Emulation of the two nodes by each PC halves the number of PCs require.
• User configurable delays between nodes – emulates the propagation delay in the real network
• Allows experimentation using the software provided; source code included for better understanding. Allows programming all experiment from scratch using the library, for more in-depth exposure
• Comprehensive manual – suitable for both lab instruction as well as self study, requiring minimal involvement on the part of the lab staff