SC23 Proceedings

The International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis

Workshops Archive

The World's Worst Optical NIC


Workshop: EduHPC-23: Workshop on Education for High Performance Computing

Authors: Danielle A.Dan Ellsworth (Colorado College)


Abstract: Computer networking is mostly experienced as an invisible, mysterious, and ubiquitous presence. Core problems in networking are grounded in the physicality of the network, which most students will not have experience or intuition with when taking a networks course. To better ground students in the physicality of computer networking, this work describes an experimental course delivered in Fall 2022 using custom built hardware.

A feature poor optical NIC was developed and students were directed to "reinvent the Internet''. Challenges were encountered with the NICs during delivery that required some substantial changes to the course during delivery. Overall, the course was successful at the intended goals.





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