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parallelUniverse 2013
Shodor > SUCCEED > Workshops > Archive > parallelUniverse 2013

The workshop began with a review session of day 1. The review consisted of an introduction to parallel computing, hardware and communication. Then, Aaron taught the class about Memory Hierarchy. He lectured on cost versus speed and size comparisons for different types of storing devices. Next, to explain this concept practically, they used a group card sorting exercise. Students were assigned as different level of memory like Cache, RAM, External Storage Devices (flash drive, CD, Hard Disk), one student act as bus, and one as CPU. Students enjoyed this exercise and learned the concepts of memory Hierarchy.

Afterward, Mobeen explained the concept of networking. To assist in explaining networking, the class used the "Cisco packet tracer" simulator, which shows the movement of a packet on servers and routers when it is requested. Along with using the "packet tracer", the class also utilized five java applets from one of the computer-networking textbooks. These simulations were used to help the students visualize the difference between transmission and propagation delay, queuing delay and packet loss, and the selective repeat protocol. They were also able to learn about the "tcp flow" control, and also medium access with CSMA/CA. After a small 20-minute break, there was introduction of BCCD. Next, the students setup local classroom network clusters with BCCD, learned some basic Linux commands and performed a "hello world" exercise to understand parallel computing using BCCD.