Chapter 6: Telecommunications and Networking

Computer Network

A system connecting computers and other hardware devices via communications media so they can share data and resources.

Bandwidth

The transmission capacity of a network, stated in bits per second (bps).

Broadband

High-speed telecommunications connection that is always active and capable of carrying multiple signals or channels simultaneously.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

Short-range network for connecting personal devices (e.g., Bluetooth pairing a phone to wireless earbuds).

LAN (Local Area Network)

Connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area, such as an office or home.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Covers large geographical areas (e.g., across cities, countries, or globally). The Internet is the ultimate WAN.

Router

A communications processor that routes packets of data through networks to their correct destinations.

Backbone Network

High-speed network line that connects smaller networks together (like LANs) across an organization or country.

Software-Defined Network (SDN)

A network management approach that separates data routing control from physical hardware using central software.

What is the task of a modem?

A Modem (Modulator-Demodulator) converts digital computer signals into analog signals for transmission over phone/cable lines, and vice versa.

Twisted-Pair Cable

Consists of copper wires twisted in pairs. Cheap and common (e.g., Ethernet cable), but susceptible to interference and limited in bandwidth.

Coaxial Cable

Insulated copper wire used for cable TV and internet. Offers higher bandwidth and protection from interference than twisted-pair.

Fiber-Optic Cable

Glass threads that transmit data as pulses of light. Provides extremely high speed, immense bandwidth, and immunity to electrical noise.

Protocol

A set of rules and procedures governing data transmission across a network so devices can communicate effectively.

Examples: HTTP/HTTPS (Web browsing), SMTP (Email transmission), FTP (File transfer), TCP/IP.

What's TCP/IP, how many protocols are there, where is it used and how?

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol): The foundational protocol suite of the Internet.

It consists of hundreds of individual protocols working together across layers.

How it works:

• TCP: Breaks data down into small units (packets) for sending, sequences them, and reassembles them accurately at the destination.

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• IP: Handles the addressing and routing of each packet to ensure it reaches its correct IP address destination.

What is packet-switching and the four layers discussed in class?

Packet-Switching: Breaking large messages into small chunks called "packets," routing them independently across available network paths, and reassembling them at the destination.

Four Layers of TCP/IP:

1. Application Layer: interacts directly with software applications (e.g., HTTP, SMTP)

2. Transport Layer: Handles end to end communication, error checking and flow control (TCP)

3. Internet Layer: Routes packets across different networks using IP addresses

4. Network Access (Physical) Layer; Converts packets into physical bits over cable or wireless media.

Client/Server Computing

Form of distributed processing where client computers request services and processing power from central server computers.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network

A network structure where each computer acts as both a client and a server, sharing resources directly without needing a central server.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

A company offering internet access to individuals and businesses.

WWW (World Wide Web)

A system of universally accepted standards for storing, retrieving, and displaying information on the Internet.

Hypertext

Text containing links (hyperlinks) to other pieces of text or media.

Internet Protocol (IP)

The protocol governing transport and addressing of packets across networks.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The global address of a web resource (e.g., [https://www.google.com](https://www.google.com)).

Web Search Engine

A software program designed to search for information on the WWW.

Telecommuting

Working remotely using telecommunication networks.

Video Conference

Live, visual connection between two or more remote parties over a network.

Portal

A Web-based gateway providing single-point access to aggregated information and applications.

Commercial Portal

Broad, general-interest gateway aimed at a wide audience (e.g., Yahoo, MSN).

Affinity Portal

Target gateway designed for specific communities of interest (e.g., an alumni group or hobby forum).

Corporate Portal

Secure gateway tailored to a company's internal employees, customers, or suppliers.

Email Volume

The enormous quantity of electronic messages sent daily across networks.

VoIP (Voice over IP)

Technology sending voice phone calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines (e.g., Skype, Zoom calls).

Workflow

Software that automates business processes and document routing across employees.

Virtual Group

A team of geographically dispersed people working together via electronic tools.

Crowdsourcing

Outsourcing a task or problem to a large, undefined group of external people via an open call online.

E-Learning vs. Virtual Collaboration

• E-Learning: Education or training conducted via online platforms.

  • Pros: Flexible scheduling, cost savings, learn at your own pace.

  • Cons: Requires self-discipline, lacks face-to-face interaction, potential technology issues.

• Virtual Collaboration: Using digital tools (shared docs, chat, video) to let team members collaborate on projects in real time regardless of location.

wiki

A website that allows users to collaboratively create, edit, add, or delete content directly using a web browser.