Realistic Network Modeling Using Minetest

Enable the creation and usage of realistic and accurate 3D and virtual reality models of modern computer networks for research and instruction.

=Problem Definition=

Background
Minetest is a free and open source 3D voxel game that enables the creation of complex virtual worlds. Mods enable modifying Minetest. There are 100s of free of mods, i.e.: Animals, Armor, Mechanics. There are step-by-step open source tutorials on how to create mods. However, current mods do not model computer networks and their control in a way that is realistic enough to enable quality research and education in TCP/IP-based networks and cybersecurity using 3D virtual worlds.

Deliverables
Currently, there are no virtual reality models of modern computer networks for research and education. As educational methods progress further into immersive technological learning, it is crucial that technology options are made available at the same rate. Products must be developed to meet this increasing need. Our goal is to create a realistic and accurate 3D model of modern computer networks for research and instruction that can be coupled with virtual reality to be used as a basis for further development or instruction. Our solution to this problem will be easy to use and allow potential students whose learning method caters to that of a visual learner to flourish in the academic subject of basic networking. Each network interface controller has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. As a team, we will attempt to recreate these networks by creating a deliverable in the form of an environment in Mintest. This environment will utilize pipe-like blocks that transmit messages from computer to computer through a network switch.

Our Drafted Specifications
=Design Considerations=

Computers
Computer's are the cornerstone to any network. For this reason VrCraft has taken into consideration the vast amount of different approaches individuals have to access networks and as a team have incorporated two different types of computers into our project; the monitor and tower and the laptop.

Switch
A network switch, sometimes known as a switching hub, bridging hub, or an officially MAC bridge, is a piece of networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, and forward data to the destination device.

A network switch is a multiport network bridge that uses media access control (MAC) addresses to forward data at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Some switches can also forward data at the network layer (layer 3) by additionally incorporating routing functionality. Such switches are commonly known as layer-3 switches or multilayer switches.

As a team, we have incorporated switches into our project to handle the transmitions of messagesin our realisticaly modeled network.

Mescons
Mesecons is a mod that adds a kind of electricity, making automation possible. There are blocks that generate signal on some event (receptors), that perform some action when receive signal (effectors), logic blocks that process the signal and conductors to join them all together. Note that there is no notion of power or (unlike Redstone) signal level, the signal is either present or absent.

=Project Learning=

=Final Design=

=Validation= =Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



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