Assignment Overview
This assignment will explore the history, impact, and software engineering implications of Wi-Fi technology, using the YouTube video NO WIRES: How the Apple Airport Changed Everything as a foundation.
Part 1: Pre-Class Written Assignment (Submit on Moodle)
Instructions: Watch the video and answer the following thought-provoking questions in 500-800 words total. Be sure to provide detailed explanations and real-world examples when applicable.
Written Questions:
- Historical Context: Before Wi-Fi, what were the primary methods of internet connectivity? How did they limit software development and user experiences?
- Technical Challenges: What were the biggest challenges engineers faced when designing the first Wi-Fi routers? How were these challenges addressed?
- User Experience & Adoption: How did Apple’s Airport router differentiate itself from earlier networking devices? How did this influence software development for networked applications?
- Security Considerations: What security risks emerged with wireless networking? How did early Wi-Fi implementations attempt to mitigate these risks?
- Competitive Landscape: How did Apple’s introduction of the Airport router impact competition in the networking industry? What innovations followed as a result?
- Impact on Software Engineering: How did the rise of Wi-Fi impact software engineering practices, particularly in the development of mobile and cloud-based applications?
- Future Perspectives: Based on Wi-Fi’s evolution since its introduction, what advancements or software challenges do you foresee in the next decade?
📌 Submission: Upload your completed responses on Moodle before class.
Students will:
- Watch the video.
- Answer a set of written questions to be submitted on Moodle before class.
- Participate in an in-class discussion to analyze Wi-Fi’s impact on software engineering.
Part 2: In-Class Discussion & Analysis
During class, students will discuss key takeaways from the video and their responses, focusing on Wi-Fi’s impact on software engineering and networked applications.
Questions for Doug Karl
- How did you manage the code/project with multiple colaborator?
- What did you learn about project management and people management from this project?
- How would you did it differently if you were starting again?
Discussion Questions for Class:
- How did the introduction of Wi-Fi reshape software engineering?
- What are some examples of software applications that would not have been feasible before Wi-Fi?
- What security concerns have evolved with Wi-Fi since its inception? How should modern software engineers address them?
- How has the shift to wireless networking changed the way we design user interfaces and experiences?
- What are the biggest software engineering challenges in modern networking (e.g., IoT, 5G, cloud computing)?
- What lessons from the Apple Airport’s launch can be applied to the development of emerging networking technologies today?
Learning Outcomes
By completing this assignment, students will:
✅ Understand the history and impact of Wi-Fi on software development.
✅ Analyze software engineering challenges related to wireless networking.
✅ Develop insights into network security, usability, and innovation.
✅ Improve critical thinking through in-class discussion.
Grading Criteria (10 Points Total)
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Completeness of Written Responses | 4 |
| Depth of Analysis & Critical Thinking | 3 |
| Use of Real-World Examples | 2 |
| Grammar, Clarity, and Formatting | 1 |
💡 Tip: Use specific software engineering examples to strengthen your responses!