Enhancing Teaching and Learning Wi-Fi Networking using Limited Resources to Undergraduates

Abstract

Motivating students to learn Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) wireless networking to undergraduate students is often difficult because many students find the subject rather technical and abstract when presented in traditional lecture format. This paper focuses on the teaching and learning aspects of Wi-Fi networking using limited hardware resources. It provides a walk-through tutorial on setting up Wi-Fi networks using wireless laptops and access points. Students can easily set up and configure Wi-Fi networks using relatively few computing resources to learn networking concepts more effectively. By measuring the key performance metrics such as network throughput and response times, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of Wi-Fi network performance and related issues. The effectiveness of these Wi-Fi practical learning activities has been evaluated both formally by students and informally in discussion within the teaching team. This paper describes the overall effectiveness of teaching and learning Wi-Fi network fundamentals using limited resources.