Management Information Systems: Telecommunications and Networking

Learning Objectives

• 7.1 Principal components of telecommunications networks and key networking technologies.
• 7.2 Different types of networks.
• 7.3 How the Internet and Internet technology work and support communication and e-business.
• 7.4 Principal technologies and standards for wireless networking, communication, and Internet access.
• 7.5 How Management Information Systems (MIS) will help my career.

Key Concepts in Telecommunications

Telecommunications Network Components

• Definition: A computer network consists of two or more connected computers.
• Major Components:
  • Client and Server Computers: Work together; clients request services, servers respond.
  • Network Interface Cards (NICs): Hardware that connects computers to a network.
  • Connection Medium: The physical or wireless path connecting the devices.
  • Network Operating System (NOS): Software that manages network resources.
  • Hubs/Switches/Routers: Devices that manage data flow in the network.
  • Software-defined Networking (SDN): Centralized management of networking devices through software.

Types of Networks

• Local Area Networks (LANs): Typically span a small geographic area, like a single building.
• Wide Area Networks (WANs): Cover larger geographic areas and connect multiple LANs.
• Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs): Connect networks across a city.
• Campus Area Networks (CANs): Connect multiple buildings on a campus.

Key Networking Technologies

• Client/Server Computing: Clients access resources from servers connected over networks.
• Packet Switching: Digital messages are broken into packets for more efficient transmission across different paths.
• TCP/IP Protocol: Set of rules ensuring reliable data transmission over the internet.
  • Layers include:
  • Application Layer
  • Transport Layer
  • Internet Layer
  • Network Interface Layer

The Internet

• Definition: The world's largest network interconnecting millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Companies that provide internet access.
• Types of Internet Connections:
  • Dial-Up: Slow connection up to 56.6 kbps.
  • DSL/FIOS: Faster, ranging from 385 kbps to over 100 Mbps.
  • Cable Internet: Typically between 20-100 Mbps.
  • Satellite & T1/T3 Lines: Vary in speed, T3 can deliver up to 45 Mbps.
• IP Addressing:
  • Unique identifier for each device on the Internet.
  • 32-bit numbers are converted from domain names through the Domain Name System (DNS).

Wireless Networking Technologies

• Bluetooth: Short-range technology connecting devices in a personal area network (PAN).
• Wi-Fi: Provides wireless internet access via access points for local area networks.
• WiMAX: Offers greater range (up to 31 miles) and data capacity compared to traditional Wi-Fi.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Uses tags to transmit data about an item’s location.
• Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs): Collect data through interconnected devices to monitor environments and conditions.

Future Trends and Technologies

• IPv6: New protocol allowing for many more IP addresses than IPv4.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Network of interconnected devices that collect and share data.
• Unified Communications: Integrates various methods of communication into a single system.
• Cloud Computing: Increases reliance on web-based data storage and applications.

Importance of MIS in Career Development

• Skill Development: Understanding of MIS can enhance employability in tech-driven environments.
• Position Examples: Automotive digital advisor with a focus on leveraging digital strategies in automotive sales and service.
• Career Growth: Knowledge of telecommunications and networking trends can lead to advanced roles in information technology and management.