Week 8 Questions - Networks, telecommunications.

1. Explain the business benefits of using wireless technology.

Benefits include:

- Less hardware, cable and IT infrastructure - Wireless gives users a live (Internet) connection via satellite or radio transmitters, whereas the use of physical cables such as ethernet and fibre optic to connect to the Internet. i.e, reduce the requirements for hub/switches. Businesses are able to track customer activity through the use of wireless networks.

Available: http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://worlddigitalinnovations.com/db2/00173/worlddigitalinnovations.com/_uimages/bigstockphoto_Wireless_Technology_507629.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.i-working.org/tag/wi-fi/&usg=__VUgZPfS6E5S4udkFtRDd4BjkJ08=&h=1350&w=2017&sz=133&hl=en&start=3&sig2=Oz2ZrtiqnDvml1zBfa2RnQ&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=aEPZ_ZYE-QvfsM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwireless%2Btechnology%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den-us%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=AGrWS9unMpPs7AOgtO3LAg.

This image displays the use of wireless and no more cords and wires needed.

- Wireless technology such as Bluetooth enables users to connect to each other for free, and exchange information.

- Increase productivity & mobility - Companies can generate revenue in less time, through wireless technology, as wireless can be assembled and brought online in as little as two to three hours. That is, access data 24/7, 365 days.

- Universal access to many applications, that is, an extensive amount of information.

Available: http://www.toppindavis.com/njnetworks/fig2wireless.jpg. Different wireless technologies, such as PC with wireless card, or laptop with wireless card.

Available: http://www.progent.com/images/cisco-wireless-topology-2.gif: This image describes how wireless works, the connectors, access points.

2. Describe the business benefits associated with VoIP

Voice over IP is the use of technology to transmit voice calls over the Internet. An example of a program would be Skype, allowing an individual to phone another individual to communicate over the Internet and the ability to view them.

Benefits include:

- Decreased costs for individuals wanting to communicate from overseas, as calls over the Internet do not attract telecommunications charges.

- Increase in flexibility - enabling phone calls, faxes, voice mail, e-mail and web conferences over digital networks. Allowing organizations to save on costs like travel and airfare.

- Less hardware, and cables to make calls. That is you don’t need telphone infrastructure and leverage existing network for free communication which is cost saving.

- You are able to add a third party to your conversation eg for Skype. That is, more then one person can communicate, which could increase convenience and decrease time.

Available: http://tonyserve.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/skype_logo_connect-web.jpg. This image displays what skype is able to do and an example of VoiP, through video conference calls, phone calls, messaging etc.

3. Compare LANs and WANs

LAN (Local area network) – connects a group of computer in close proximity i.e same geographical area to each other. A LAN example in an office building, a school, or home. Another example; is the city campus of Notre Dame University, computer join together via a network.

Available: http://www.conceptdraw.com/products/img/ScreenShots/netdiagrammer/SimpleLAN.gif. An image of how LAN works, connecting computers in close proximity via a network.

WAN (Wide area network) – spreads through a large geographical area, such as a state or country. WANs usually connect multiple smaller network such as local area networks. Eg Sydney campus connecting via internet to Perth campus, which makes up the WAN.

Available: http://wally.cs.iupui.edu/n241-new/webMag/wan.jpg. Connecting multiple smaller networks through a large geographical area.

Available: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/Cc751420.wan_msp01_big(en-us,TechNet.10).gif. Another example of WAN, connecting computers from different states. (large geographical area)

4. Describe RFID and how it can be used to help make a supply chain more effective.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies use active or passive tags in the form of chips or smart labels that can store unique identifiers and relay this information to electronic readers. When a tag is placed on an item, it automatically radios its location to RFID readers. Example; is an e-tag in a car, runs RFID, a small device that sends information back to a database.

RFID:

- Active RFID has more power and transmits much stronger and accurate data then a passive RFID. Where it can pick up a very faint signal from an antenna.

- RFID tags on inventory allows companies to keep track of stock, identifying where they are and estimated time of delivery.

- Cut costs by requiring fewer workers for scanning items. The bar code on a case or pallet no longer needs to be swiped to identify the contents. RFID replaces barcodes, immediately identifying a products characteristics at a point in time.

- RFID provide more accurate and current information to the entire supply chain.

- Businesses used RFID to control theft, increase efficiency in their supply chains and improve demand planning.

Available: http://www.erpsoftwarebusiness.com/Pic/rfid3.gif. An example of RFID on containers, allowing an organisation to track their movement.

Image Available at: http://www.skyetek.com/Portals/0/Images/Architechture/Embedded-RFID-Overview.jpg. Another example of RFID on products and services, locating these products and services for an organisation, example ensuring their is enough inventory and provides other information necessary for business decisions.

5. Identify the advantages and disadvantage of deploying mobile technology

Advantages:

- Broad reach – users can be reached instantly when carrying an open mobile device.

- Cheap technology

- Convenience and flexibility – access quickly without a PC. Connectivity anytime, anywhere. Thus a mobile workforce allowing to see real time data about eg sales or stock.

- Instant connectivity – you don’t need to boot up, nothing technical

- Customization – personalized information depending on location/ taste/ preferences

- Real time processing

Disadvantages:

- There are limits and restrictions in what technologies and applications you can use on your mobile, thus, a PC may be needed for extensive applications and content load.

- New technology can result in faults within the software. This can impact on the users activity.

- Insecure: Threat of viruses and hackers: Bluetooth hackers, and mobile phone hackers can occur. Mobile technology is not secure. If you have insecure devices, there is a high risk of attracting viruses.

- Safety wireless device - reports say; microwave signals links to cancer.

- Various privacy issues, - example, mobile phones with cameras.

Available: http://thepreppyprincess.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/iphone-parallels.jpg. The iphone, includes the internet, bluetooth, and has applications for users to access and download onto their phone such as banking, itunes, news etc. This is can be a benefit for the user as in convenience and cheaper in then having all separate services which can be expensive however can be a risk as all these applications can be insecure and cause harm to an individual example cancer from the radiation.