Monday, April 18, 2011

Networks, Telecommunications & Mobile Technology

Networks, Telecommunications & Mobile Technology

Weekly Questions - Week Eight

1. Explain the business benefits of using wireless technology.

Wireless fidelity (wi-fi) is a means of linking computers linking infrared radio signals. Wi-fi technology is gaining acceptance as a home or neighbourhood network allowing an assortment of mobile devices including laptop and desktop computers to connect and share a single broadband access point to the Internet. These wireless networks are becoming established in many businesses as a lack of space or mobility for LAN connections is wiped out, and the wi-fi connection is available anywhere within the business. They are also being employed as overlay networks, so that employees are able to move their laptops from office to office as well as being able to connect in areas with no LAN outputs. 


2. Describe the business benefits associated with VoIP

Many consumers today are making phone calls over the Internet by using voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) as this offers a similar quality to landline and mobile calls. The telecommunications industry is experiencing great benefits from combining VoIP with emerging standards that allow for easier development, interoperability, among systems and application integration. Since VoIP uses existing Internet infrastructure to route telephone calls more efficiently and inexpensively than traditional telephone service, VoIP offers businesses significant cost savings productivity gains, and service enhancements.

Additional features available using VoIP solutions include:
· Business application integration
· Calendar integration
· Call waiting
· Caller ID
· Click-of-a-mouse simplicity
· Conference call capabilities with on-screen document sharing
· Comprehensive information about each caller
· Desktop application integration
· Dial-by-name capability
· Easy navigation
· Four or five digit dialling to anyone, regardless of location
· Mobility – users can work from anywhere
· Three-way calling



3. Compare LANs and WANs

A local area connection (LAN) is designed to connect a group of computers in close proximity to each other such as in an office building, school or a home, often connecting to other LANs or to the Internet. They are useful for sharing resources like files, printers, games or other applications.

A wide area network (WAN) spans a large geographic area, such as a state, province or country, often connecting multiple smaller networks, such as LANs. 



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. RFID tags combine tiny chips with an antenna, and once a tag is placed on an item it automatically radios its location to RFID readers on shop shelves, checkout counters, loading bay doors, and shopping carts, resulting in inventory being taken automatically and consistently.

Organisations are leveraging RFID to improve productivity of their workforce while simplifying the implementation and ongoing management costs of their networks.  RFID technologies offer practical benefits to almost anyone who needs o keep track of physical assets. Manufacturers improve supply chain planning and execution by incorporating RFID tech. Retailers use RFID to control theft, increase efficiency in their supply chains and improve demand planning. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use RFID systems to combat the counterfeit drug trade and reduce errors in filing prescriptions. Machine shops track their tools with RFID to avoid misplacing tools and to track which tools touched a piece of work.

5. Identify the advantages and disadvantage of deploying mobile technology

The latest trends in mobile phones reflect a convergence of voice, video and data communication.
 It enables easy access to the Web, access to ‘live’ information, no involvement of cables and/or wiring, and reduces the requirements for bugs/switches. Deploying mobile computing also allows wireless connection between a mobile device and other computing environments, such as Internet and intranet. Mobile carriers can initiate real-time contact with other systems from wherever they happen to be and can also be reached instantly when they carry and open mobile device.

It’s value-adding components include:

- Ubiquity – anywhere / anytime – technology cheap

- Convenience – Access quickly without a PC

- Instant Connectivity – No boot up, nothing technical

- Customisation – personalised information depending on location / tasted / preferences

Security is a threat and disadvantage of mobile technology that continues to be a priority in the development of the Bluetooth specification, as personal information can be accessed through mobile devices easily if they are connected via Bluetooth.

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