8 bit block division -- University Level Intro Course: Networking

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of performing binary division on two blocks derived from a decimal ID in the context of a university-level networking course. Participants explore the encoding of decimal digits into binary, the potential application of cyclic redundancy check (CRC), and the requirements for polynomial representation of the blocks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines their approach to binary division using the blocks derived from the decimal ID but expresses uncertainty about its correctness and whether it relates to CRC.
  • Another participant suggests that the original question may be incomplete and emphasizes the need to encode each decimal digit as a 4-bit unsigned binary integer.
  • Concerns are raised about distinguishing between different IDs due to the need for appending zeroes, proposing that treating the ID as 0173 might be more appropriate.
  • There is a mention of the requirement to convert each block to a polynomial form, which has not been addressed by the original poster.
  • Clarification is provided regarding the CRC process, noting that if it were a CRC, additional zeroes would need to be appended before division, which does not seem to be indicated in the instructions.
  • A later reply acknowledges the original poster's attempt to reach out for clarification from the question setter, indicating ongoing uncertainty.
  • There are multiple instances of participants addressing the username formatting issue, which does not contribute to the technical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the problem. There are competing views regarding the completeness of the question and the necessary steps for encoding and polynomial conversion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity in the original question, the need for assumptions about leading zeroes, and the unresolved requirement for polynomial representation of the blocks.

SumDood_
Messages
39
Reaction score
6
Homework Statement
Convert your ID to a bit stream. If the last block is not 8 bits, add 0s to the right. Convert each block to the polynomial. Find the remainders by dividing all the blocks on the divisor, 11010.
Relevant Equations
Assume ID = 173
What I think I should do:
1 = 0001
7 = 0111
3 = 0011
First block = 00010111
Second Block = 00110000

Now, I do binary division
00010111/11010 = find the answer
00110000/11010 = find the answer

This is what I think I should do, but I am not sure if this is correct. Is this basically CRC?
Any help is appreciated, thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi @sumdood. (I typed SumDood but it renders as sumdood).

Edit: Hi @SumDood_

Since no one has yet replied, here are a few (non-expert) thoughts, so you don’t feel ignored!

The question seems incomplete. Have you posted it in full?

Let’s assume (as you have done) that you are meant to encode each decimal digit of the ID as a 4 bit unsigned binary integer.

Because four extra zeroes must be appended to your 2nd block, the problem then is that you can’t distinguish between ID=173 and ID=1730. You would be better to treat your ID as 0173 (assuming leading zeroes are acceptable in the ID.)

The question tells you to "Convert each block to the polynomial". But you haven't done this - you might be required to explicitly write each block's polynomial (e.g. x⁴ + x² etc. for the the first block as you currently have it.)

If you were being asked to do a CRC, with generator = 11010 (5 bits), then you would have to add (5-1=) 4 zeroes to each block before dividing by the generator. That’s not in the instructions so it doesn’t look like a CRC.

You might want to ask whoever set the question for clarification.
 
Last edited:
Steve4Physics said:
Hi @sumdood. (I typed SumDood but it renders as sumdood). Since no one has yet replied, here are a few (non-expert) thoughts, so you don’t feel ignored!

The question seems incomplete. Have you posted it in full?

Let’s assume (as you have done) that you are meant to encode each decimal digit of the ID as a 4 bit unsigned binary integer.

Because four extra zeroes must be appended to your 2nd block, the problem then is that you can’t distinguish between ID=173 and ID=1730. You would be better to treat your ID as 0173 (assuming leading zeroes are acceptable in the ID.)

The question tells you to "Convert each block to the polynomial". But you haven't done this - you might be required to explicitly write each block's polynomial (e.g. x⁴ + x² etc. for the the first block as you currently have it.)

If you were being asked to do a CRC, with generator = 11010 (5 bits), then you would have to add (5-1=) 4 zeroes to each block before dividing by the generator. That’s not in the instructions so it doesn’t look like a CRC.

You might want to ask whoever set the question for clarification.
I actually have posted in full. I have gotten in touch with who set the question, but no reply.
I do appreciate the response, though!
 
Steve4Physics said:
Hi @sumdood. (I typed SumDood but it renders as sumdood).
That's because you're looking for @SumDood_ with an underscore at the end!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Steve4Physics
Office_Shredder said:
That's because you're looking for @SumDood_ with an underscore at the end!
Aha! Should have gone to Specsavers!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
  • Sticky
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
8K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
9K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
11K