The computer science department is developing a course laboratory component--based on a networked computer laboratory-- for its upper-division undergraduate course on the principles of telecommunication and computer networks. Students in this course benefit from well-designed programming assignments that illustrate and reinforce the principles discussed in lecture classes. The laboratory adapts easily to different network hardware and software configurations, enabling students to fully explore a wide range of telecommunication issues, from bit-level signal transmission to Internet exploration. Advanced students from related departments benefit as well as computer science majors. The computer laboratory is also used to enhance exploration of traditional, networked, and distributed operating systems in the computer operating systems course. This project presents the student with an integrated view of telecommunications and operating systems. Project development and results will be recorded and disseminated through workshop participation, conference presentation, and journal publication.
