Tactile Network Topologies: Inclusive Learning for Visually Impaired Students in Computer Networking Education

Network topology diagrams visualize how different devices and components are interconnected. They are often used with network software design environments and emulators such as GNS3 to convey the physical layout and impart logical connections and data flow pathways between network components. Therefore, the spatial arrangement, hierarchy, and links within these diagrams are vital to grasping fundamental networking concepts, especially in the context of a foundation course. Unfortunately, there is a lack of educational resources that provide students who are blind with an alternative and accessible way to understand the spatial and relational information in a network topology diagram. This paper introduces Tactile Network Topologies, a novel educational tool designed to improve accessibility in teaching network topology concepts for students with visual impairments. The proposed system employs 3D-printed tactile symbols that represent network components. The symbols are designed to be easily perceivable by touch for blind students while remaining visually recognizable for sighted individuals, fostering an inclusive learning environment. Simultaneously, the system integrates a user interface that digitizes the network topology represented by the physical symbols so it can be easily imported into network software emulators.