617 Hands-On Networking Labs

617.1 Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

Build network simulators using ESP32 and Wokwi
Measure network performance including latency, throughput, and packet loss
Implement basic packet protocols with sequence numbers and acknowledgments
Debug network issues using simulation tools

617.2 Overview

These hands-on labs provide practical experience with fundamental networking concepts using the Wokwi ESP32 simulator. Each lab includes circuit diagrams, complete code, and challenge exercises to deepen your understanding.

617.3 Lab Chapters

This module is divided into focused lab chapters:

Lab	Description	Time	Difficulty
Network Performance Measurement	Measure bandwidth, throughput, latency, jitter, and congestion using LED indicators	~30 min	Intermediate
Packet Simulator	Build packets with headers, payloads, and checksums; visualize transmission states	~30 min	Intermediate

617.4 Visual Reference Gallery

General Networking Visualizations

The following AI-generated diagrams provide additional perspectives on networking concepts covered in these labs.

617.4.1 Network Fundamentals

Common networking terminology and concepts overview showing client-server model, network segments, gateways, and basic communication patterns

Common Networking Concepts

Networking model visualization showing how different layers and protocols work together to enable end-to-end communication

Networking Model

Standard network device symbols showing router, switch, hub, access point, firewall, and server icons used in network diagrams

Network Device Symbols

617.4.2 Data Transmission

IP datagram structure showing header fields (version, length, TTL, protocol, checksum) and payload for packet-switched networking

Datagram

Data transportation across network layers showing encapsulation, transmission, and decapsulation from sender to receiver

Data Transportation

617.4.3 Throughput Analysis

Network throughput concept showing relationship between bandwidth capacity and actual data transfer rate

Throughput Concepts

TCP throughput analysis showing window size, RTT, and bandwidth-delay product impact on transfer performance

TCP Throughput

617.5 Quick Start Guide

617.5.1 Prerequisites

Before starting these labs, ensure you have:

Basic understanding of networking concepts (covered in Networking Basics)
Familiarity with ESP32 and Arduino programming
Access to the Wokwi online simulator (no installation needed)

617.5.2 Recommended Learning Path

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graph LR
    A["Performance<br/>Measurement Lab"] --> B["Packet<br/>Simulator Lab"]
    B --> C["Packet Journey<br/>Game"]

    style A fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085,color:#fff
    style B fill:#16A085,stroke:#2C3E50,color:#fff
    style C fill:#E67E22,stroke:#2C3E50,color:#fff

Figure 617.1: Recommended sequence for completing the networking labs

{fig-alt=“Learning path diagram showing progression from Network Performance Measurement Lab to Packet Simulator Lab to Packet Journey Game”}

617.6 Key Concepts Covered

617.6.1 Performance Measurement Lab

Concept	Description
Bandwidth	Maximum theoretical data rate (bits/second)
Throughput	Actual measured data rate achieved
Latency	Time for data to travel source to destination
Jitter	Variation in latency over time
Goodput	Application-layer useful data rate
Congestion	Network overload causing delays and losses

617.6.2 Packet Simulator Lab

Concept	Description
Packet Header	Metadata: version, type, length, sequence
Payload	The actual data being transmitted
Checksum	Mathematical verification for data integrity
ACK/NACK	Acknowledgment protocols for reliability
Sequence Numbers	Ordering and duplicate detection

617.7 Summary

These hands-on labs provide practical experience with:

Network performance measurement (latency, throughput, jitter)
Packet simulation with headers, sequence numbers, and checksums
Real-world challenges like packet loss and congestion

617.8 What’s Next

After completing the labs, continue to the Packet Journey Game for an interactive learning experience that ties together all networking concepts through gamified adventure.