Chapter 4

Ch 4 - Telecommunications and Networking

4.1 What is a computer network?

Computer network: a system that uses communication media to connect information from, e.g., a computer to another device.

The 2 main types of networks.

1. Local area networks (LAN) - Local area networks are limited to connecting devices within a physical local capacity. E.g. a Uni. LANs have speed, distance, and cost objectives and they commonly use ethernets.

- compared to...

2. Wide area networks (WAN) - WANs generally connect multiple LANs, covering a large geographical capacity, that is, international and global. They also contain routers, which are the communication processors that message LANs to the internet.

4.2 Network fundamentals  

One network fundamental is wirelines, electronic connection systems transporting the data information. e.g. landline phones

Wireline pros and cons

Twisted-pair wire: cheaper, more common - slower, poor security.

It is commonly used for most business telephone wiring.

Coaxial cable: large data transition amount, more resistant to electromagnetic interference - more expensive, medium security.

Commonly used to carry high-speed data traffic. Both twisted-pair and coaxial cables are foundational to individual devices on a network.

Fibre-optic cable: very high data transition amount, high security - harder to work with

Typically used as the foundation for a network.

4.3 The internet and the world wide web

Internet: is a global network, composed of different types of computers and devices that are connected with various speeds of data communications.

The internet makes it possible for billions of people to exchange and obtain information, communicate and come together on a worldwide scale.

The most common methods for accessing the Internet:

- dial-up

- DSL

- Cable modem

- Satellite

- Wireless

- Fibre-to-the-premises

4.4 Network Application

The impact that network systems have in business and everyday life within the 6 major applications:

1. Discovery: we now have access to more information than ever before, with opportunities for innovation and a basis for creating. Search engines and portals can help users filter and discern large amounts of information available.

2. Communication: email, call centres, chat rooms, and voice communication are tools that generate and create stronger communication systems that, in turn, benefit processes such as business transactions, customer support, engagement and productivity.

3. Collaboration: in business, the knowledge, skills and experiences of those around us should be seen as assets. Networks have made it more possible to reach out to more of those key skills and partnerships.

4. E-learning: through learning supported by web-based structures, students, particularly, have an increased number of benefits and opportunities. Allowing more knowledge to be accessible to more people.

5. Virtual unis: virtual unis will find themselves more open and flexible with broader ranges of courses, shifting the way traditional education is presented for both the students themselves and the competing market.

6. Telecommuting: globalisation has pushed the need for workers to be on the job anywhere at any time. Telecommuting can create added benefits to employers' and employees' work-life balance, productivity, and loyalty.

Gray, H., Issa, T., Pye, G., Troshani, I., Rainer, R. K., Prince, B., & Hugh, J. W. (2015). Management information systems. Wiley.

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Quote of the week:  

"In one sense, the Internet is like the discovery of the printing press, only it's very different. The printing press gave us access to recorded knowledge. The Internet gives us access, not just to knowledge, but to the intelligence contained in people's crania, access to intelligence of people on a global basis. - Don Tapscott