TinkerNet1 was developed as a low-cost platform for teaching bottom-up, hands-on networking at the undergraduate level. Using "throw away" PCs, cheap components, and free software, TinkerNet enables students to build their own networking stack from Ethernet up to TCP or UDP, and to have their packets actually transmitted on the wire. Since nothing is emulated, standard networking tools such as packet sniffers may be used to test student generated traffic from a host located on the TinkerNet network. Over the past summer TinkerNet has matured and advanced thanks to an NSF deployment grant. This paper discusses TinkerNet design, development, and availability.
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