Week 6

Learning Objectives Understand the concept of a network Apply Metcalfe’s law in understanding the value of a network Identify major developments and trends in the industries, technologies, and business applications of telecommunications and Internet technologies Provide examples of the business value of Internet, intranet, and extranet applications 6-

Learning Objectives Identify the basic components, functions, and types of telecommunications networks used in business Explain the functions of major components of telecommunications network hardware, software, media, and services Explain the concept of client/server networking 6-

Learning Objectives Understand the two forms of peer-to-peer networking Explain the difference between digital and analog signals 6-

Case 1: Starbucks and Others Wi-Fi hot spots emerged several years ago because of the fast-growing popularity of laptops. Wi-Fi enabled coffee shops quickly supplanted the older style cybercafes, which relied on the expensive purchase and upkeep of PCs. Public Wi-Fi access is at crossroad with recent moves towards free and advertising-based provision of this service by Starbucks and others. As pressure mounts to make more Wi-Fi hot spots free, some companies are turning to Web advertising to offset costs or make money. Like television, Wi-Fi is increasingly given away in exchange for ads. 6-

Case Study Questions Do you agree with the plans by Starbucks to offer time limited free Wi-Fi to customers? Part of the idea is to push the Starbucks card and reap other business benefits from doing so. Do you think free Wi-Fi would be enough to instill that kind of loyalty? Based on the experiences of the other coffee houses reported above, do you think free access was a critical factor in developing a loyal customer base? 6-

Case Study Questions Part of the reason for Starbucks’s move had to do with increased competition from chains like McDonald’s for the morning breakfast crowd. However, Starbucks and McDonald’s hardly seem to be targeting the same public. Do you think that free wireless access by such a competitor would have moved a significant portion of Starbucks’s customers away? Why or why not? The case notes some companies that offer free Wi-Fi in exchange for viewing advertisements or answering questions for market research studies. Would you be willing to do so in order to get free wireless access, say, at an airport? Would your answer change if you were using a corporate laptop versus your own, because of security concerns? 6-

Network Concepts A network is an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system The number of possible connections on a network is N ( N – 1) or N 2 – N N = number of nodes (points of connection) Example: 10 computers on a network = 10(10 –1) = 10x9 = 90 possible connections 6-

Metcalfe’s Law The usefulness, or utility, of a network equals the square of the number of users The more users on a network, the more useful it becomes Until critical mass is reached, a change in technology only affects the technology Once critical mass is attained, social, political, and economic systems change Example: The Internet is growing exponentially. We can expect more value, for less cost, virtually every time we log on. 6-

Telecommunications-Based Services 6-

Internet Networking Technologies Internet networking technologies are being used as technology platform Web browser suites HTML Web page editors Network management software Firewalls Being applied in Internet, intranet, and extranet applications Reinforces previous move toward client/server networks based on open-systems architecture 6-

Open Systems Open systems use common standards for hardware, software, applications, and networks Internet networking technologies are a common standard for open systems Connectivity Open systems provide greater connectivity and network interoperability Middleware may be needed to help diverse systems work together 6-

Middleware Middleware A general term for any programming that mediates between two separate programs Allows a particular database to access other databases without custom programming Commonly known as the “plumbing” of an information system It routes data and information between back-end data sources and end user applications An essential component of any IT infrastructure 6-

Digital Network Technologies Telecommunications are being revolutionized by switch from analog to digital Analog: voice-oriented transmission Digital: discrete pulse transmission Benefits Higher transmission speeds Moves larger amounts of information Greater economy and much lower error rates Transmits multiple types of communications (data, voice, video) on the same circuits 6-

Wireless Technologies Fiber-optic Uses pulses of laser-generated light Reduced size and installation effort Vastly greater communication capacity Faster transmission speeds Freedom from electrical interference Satellite Transmission Can move massive quantities of data, audio, and video over global networks Especially useful in isolated areas 6-

Business Application Trends Telecommunications networks now play a vital and pervasive role in Web-enabled… E-business processes Electronic commerce Enterprise collaboration Other applications that support operations, management, and strategic objectives 6-

Internet2 Next generation of the Internet High-performance Different infrastructure than the current Internet Will not replace the current Internet In use at over 200 universities, scientific institutions, communications corporations May never become totally open Users are connected via Abilene, a backbone that supports throughput of 10 Gbps Infinite bandwidth 6-

Value of Telecommunications Networks 6-

The Internet Revolution The Internet has become a global information superhighway Millions of smaller, private networks operating independent of, or in harmony with, each other 10 servers in 1991 to over 46 million today Sustained growth in excess of 1 million servers per month No central computer system No governing body Based on common standards 6-

Internet Service Providers ISP A company that specializes in providing easy access to the Internet For a monthly fee, provides software, user name, password, and Internet access ISPs themselves are connected to one another through network access points One ISP can easily connect to another to obtain addresses of websites or user nodes 6-

Internet Applications Most popular Internet applications and uses E-mail Instant messaging Browsing the Web Newsgroups Chat rooms Publish opinions, subject matter, creative work Buy and sell Downloading (data, software, reports, pictures, music, videos) 6-

Business Use of the Internet 6-

Business Value of the Internet 6-

The Role of Intranets Many companies have sophisticated and widespread intranets, offering… Detailed data retrieval Collaboration Personalized customer profiles Links to the Internet Intranets use Internet technologies Web browsers and servers TCP/IP network protocols HTML publishing and databases 6-

Intranets Intranets are protected by… Passwords Encryption Firewalls Customers, suppliers, and other business partners can access an intranet via extranet links 6-

Business Value of Intranets Intranets support Communications and collaboration Business operations and management Web publishing Intranet portal management 6-

Intranets as Information Portals 6-

Extranets Network links that use Internet technologies to connect the intranet of a business to the intranets of another Virtual Private Networks Direct private network links, or private secure Internet links between companies Unsecured Extranet Link between a company and others via the Internet, relying on encryption of sensitive data and firewall security systems 6-

Business Value of Extranets Web browser technology makes customer and supplier access to intranets easier and faster Another way to build and strengthen strategic relationships Enables and improves collaboration between a business, customers, and partners Facilitates online, interactive product development and marketing 6-

Telecommunications Network Alternatives Telecommunications is a highly technical, rapidly changing field Most business professionals don’t need detailed technical knowledge However, understanding basic components and their characteristics is necessary Can help you make informed decisions about telecommunications alternatives 6-

Case 2: Metric & Multistandard Components Corporation A secure network foundation can improve a small company’s operational efficiency, secure sensitive data, contain costs, and enhance employee connectivity and customer responsiveness. It allows customers to securely track their orders in real time over the Web It empowers customer-service agents with detailed account information to answer their customer’s enquiry It can provide easy, inexpensive videoconferencing for remote workers, vendors, and customers. 6-

Case Study Questions What were the most important factors contributing to MMCC’s success with its new, secure, self-managed network? Explain the reasons for your choices. What are some of the business benefits and challenges of self-managed and externally managed networks? Which type of network management would you advise small-to-medium business firms to use? Explain the reasons for your recommendation. 6-

Telecommunications Network Model A telecommunications network is any arrangement where A sender transmits a message To a receiver Over a channel Consisting of some sort of medium 6-

Telecommunications Network Model 6-

Telecommunications Network Components Terminals Any input/output device that uses networks to transmit or receive data Telecommunications processors Devices that support data transmission, reception Telecommunications channels Media over which data are transmitted, received Computers All sizes and types 6-

Telecommunications Network Components Telecommunications control software Controls telecommunications activities Manages the functions of telecommunications networks Includes network management programs of all kinds Telecommunications monitors (mainframes) Network operating systems (network servers) Web browsers (microcomputers) 6-

Network Component Alternatives 6-

Types of Communications Networks Primary types of communications networks Wide Area Local Area Virtual Private Client/Server Peer-to-peer 6-

Wide Area Network (WAN) Telecommunication network that covers a large geographic area 6-

Local Area Network (LAN) Connects computers within a limited physical area, such as an office, classroom, or building 6-

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) Used to establish secure intranets and extranets The Internet is the main backbone network Relies on network firewalls, encryption, and other security features to build a “pipe” through the Internet Creates a private network without the high cost of a separate proprietary connection 6-

Client/Server Networks Clients End user personal computers or networked computers Servers Used to manage the networks Processing Shared between the clients and servers Sometimes called a two-tier architecture Larger computer systems are being replaced with multiple client/server networks 6-

Network Computing Networks are the central computing resource of the organization Thin clients provide a browser-based user interface for processing applets Thin clients include Network computers Net PCs Other low-cost network devices or information appliances 6-

Network Computing Application and database servers provide The operating system Application software Applets Databases Database management software Sometimes called a three-tier client/server model because it consists of Thin clients Application servers Database servers 6-

Peer-to-Peer Networks Central Server Architecture P2P file-sharing software connects all PCs to a central server When a PC requests a file, the server searches all active peers on the network The server sends the requesting PC a list of links to all active peers who have the file Clicking a link connects the two PCs and automatically transfers the file to the requesting PC 6-

Peer-to-Peer Networks Pure Peer-to-Peer Architecture No central directory or server File-sharing software connects one PC to another online user When you request a file, the software searches every online user and sends you a list of active file names Clicking a link automatically transfers the file from that user’s hard drive to yours 6-

Central Server Peer-to-Peer Networks Advantages Can better protect the integrity and security of the content and users of the network Disadvantages Directory server can be slowed or overwhelmed by too many users or technical problems 6-

Peer-to-Peer Network Diagrams 6-

Digital and Analog Signals Analog or digital refers to the method used to convert information into an electrical signal Analog : an electrical current is generated that is proportional to the quantity being observed Digital : the quantity being observed is expressed as a number Analog : if the temperature is 83 degrees, a measuring device would generate 8.3 volts Digital : a measurement of 83 degrees would be displayed as the number 83 6-

Telecommunications Media Twisted-Pair Wire Ordinary telephone wire Copper wire is twisted into pairs 6-

Telecommunications Media Coaxial Cable Sturdy copper or aluminum wire wrapped with spacers to insulate and protect it 6-

Telecommunications Media Fiber-Optic Cable One or more hair-thin filaments of glass fiber wrapped in a protective jacket 6-

The Problem of “The Last Mile” Network providers use fiber optic cable as a communications backbone Houses connected to the backbone are wired with twisted pair Users don’t benefit from the faster, better technology 6-

Wireless Technologies Terrestrial Microwave Earthbound microwave systems transmit high-speed radio signals Follows a line-of-sight path between relay systems spaced about 30 miles apart Communications Satellites Serve as relay stations Use microwave radio signals Earth stations beam signals to the satellites Not suitable for interactive, real-time processing 6-

Wireless Technologies Cellular and PCS Telephone and Pager Systems Geographic areas are divided into cells Each cell has a low-power transmitter or radio relay antenna Computers and other communications processors coordinate and control the transmissions to and from mobile users 6-

Wireless Technologies Wireless LANS Uses wireless radio-wave technology to connect PCs within an office or a building Can be high-frequency, similar to digital cellular, or low frequency (spread spectrum) Bluetooth Short-range wireless technology Connects PCs to devices, such as a printer Fairly low cost to implement 6-

Wireless Technologies Other Wireless Systems Cellular phones Mobile radio PDAs Telecommunications networks now play vital and pervasive roles in Web-enabled e-business processes Electronic commerce Enterprise collaboration Other applications that support business operations, management, and strategic objectives 6-

The Wireless Web Wireless Internet access is growing as Web-enabled information appliances proliferate Smart telephones, pagers, PDAs All are very thin clients in wireless networks 6-

Telecommunications Processors Modems The most common type of communications processor Converts a digital signal to an analog frequency that can be transmitted over phone lines, then back into a digital signal Modulation and demodulation 6-

Inter-Network Processors Switch … makes connections between telecommunications circuits in a network Router … intelligent communications processor that interconnects networks based on different protocols Hub … a port-switching communications processor Gateway … connects networks with different communications architectures 6-

Communications Processors Multiplexer … allows a single communications channel to carry simultaneous data transmissions from many terminals In time division multiplexing (TDM), the multiplexer divides the time each terminal can use the high-speed into short time slots Multiplexers increase the number of transmissions possible Does not increase the number of physical data channels 6-

Telecommunications Software May reside in PCs, servers, mainframes, and communications processors Vital part of all telecommunications networks Used to manage network performance WANs often use telecommunications monitors or teleprocessing monitors Other networks use operating system software Middleware helps diverse networks communicate with each other 6-

Network Management Functions Traffic Management Manage network resources and traffic to avoid congestion and optimize service levels Security Provide authentication, encryption, firewall, auditing, and enforcement Network Monitoring Troubleshoot and watch over the network, alerting administrators of potential problems 6-

Network Management Functions Capacity Planning Survey network resources, traffic patterns, and users’ needs Determine the best way to accommodate the needs of the network as it grows and changes 6-

Network Topologies Topology The structure of a network Star Network Ties end user computers to a central computer Ring Network Ties local computer processors together in a ring on a relatively equal basis Bus Network Local processors share the same communications channel 6-

Network Topologies Mesh Network Uses direct communications lines to connect some or all of the computers in the ring to each other Switch A message-switching computer that handles data communication between autonomous local computers 6-

Network Architectures and Protocols Protocol A standard set of rules and procedures for the control of communications in a network Handshaking The process of exchanging predetermined signals and characters Establishes a telecommunications session between terminals and computers 6-

Network Architectures and Protocols Network Architecture Master plan of standard protocols, hardware, software, and interfaces between end users and computer systems Goal is to promote an open, simple, flexible, and efficient telecommunications environment 6-

OSI and TCP/IP Models Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model A seven-layer model that serves as a standard model for network architectures Model for how messages should be transmitted between two points in a network Each layer adds functions Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) A five-layer telecommunications protocol used by the Internet 6-

Voice Over IP Internet Telephony Using an Internet connection to pass voice data using IP instead of a telephone network Often referred to as voice over IP or VoIP Works like a regular phone, but skips long-distance charges Runs over standard network infrastructure Requires a well-configured network to work smoothly 6-

Bandwidth Bandwidth The frequency range of a telecommunications channel that determines the maximum transmission rate Speed and capacity typically measured in bits per second (bps) Sometimes call baud rate Transmission Rates Narrow-band = low speed Broadband = high speed 6-

Switching Alternatives Circuit Switching Switch opens a circuit to establish a link between a sender and a receiver It remains open until the communication session is completed Packet Switching Breaks messages into groups called packets Transmits packets separately 6-

Network Interoperability Ensures that anyone anywhere on one network can communicate with anyone anywhere on another network From a telecommunications perspective, no need to speak a common language Telecommunications would be possible without Complete accessibility Transparency Seamless interoperability across all networks 6-

Case 3: SAIC, Hewlett-Packard, GE, and Others HP experimenting with wireless networked sensors Reinventing how companies manage the flow of goods Wireless sensor devices (motes) combine a circuit board with networking and application software Powered by a pair of AA batteries Mesh networking Each device wakes for a fraction of a second to transmit information to its nearest neighbor 6-

Other uses Ground-sensor networks can detect illegal crossings of people or vehicles Monitoring of industrial plants and ships Remotely adjusting lighting and heat Testing soil for pollutants Detecting chemical storage leaks Monitoring vibration levels Analyzing traffic patterns Case 3: SAIC, Hewlett-Packard, GE, and Others 6-

Case Study Questions What are some of the business benefits associated with using wireless networks to collect and transmit data? What are some of the challenges being faced in this use of wireless technologies? What solutions can you offer? The use of wireless networking as described in the case is both innovative and functional. What other business uses can you envision for this approach? 6-

Case 4: Best Buy, MedStar Health, and Unifi Biggest problems Lack of application software Reduced functionality of software that exists Requires middleware to synchronize data between back-end systems and the devices Applications don’t always meet worker’s needs 6-

Case Study Questions What are the business advantages and limitations of the Best Buy Geek Squad’s use of their wireless Pocket PC mobile devices? How have they overcome the limitations? What are the software development challenges of wireless mobile devices? How are MedStar Health and Unifi meeting those challenges? 6-

Case Study Questions Why don’t the companies in this case use some of the thousands of software packages available for their wireless mobile devices? What are the advantages and limitations of this approach? 6-

Week 6

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Week 6

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