Types of Networks and E-Commerce Concepts

Types of Networks

• Personal Area Network (PAN)

  • Covers area around one single person

• Local Area Network (LAN)

  • Connects workstations and peripheral devices that are in close proximity

• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

  • Designed to handle data communication for multiple organizations in a city and nearby cities as well

• Wide Area Network (WAN)

  • Spans several cities, states, or countries and is owned by different parties

• Local Area Network (LAN)

  • Wireless LAN = WLAN = Wi-Fi Network

Network Topologies

• Definition: Represent a network’s physical layout, including the arrangement of computers and cables
• Common Topologies:
  • Star
  • Ring
  • Bus
  • Mesh

Star Topology

• Definition: Consists of a central computer and a series of nodes
• Advantages:
  • Centralized control makes detecting problems easier
  • Nodes can be added to the network easily
  • Effective at handling short bursts of traffic
• Disadvantages:
  • If the central host fails, the entire network becomes inoperable

Ring Topology

• Definition: No host computer is required; each computer manages its own connectivity
• Transmission: In one direction
• Disadvantages:
  • Diagnosing problems and modifying the network are difficult
  • Failure of a single node disrupts the entire network

Mesh Topology

• Definition: Every node is connected to every other node
• Advantages:
  • Highly reliable
  • Failure of a few nodes usually not critical
• Disadvantages:
  • Expensive and difficult to maintain and expand

Protocols

• Definition: Agreed-upon methods and rules that electronic devices use to exchange information

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

• Definition: Provides the technical foundation for the public Internet and numerous private networks
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): Widely used protocol that most Internet applications use with IP
  • IP Protocol: Set of rules used to pass packets from one host to another
  • Also called Packet Switching

Client/Server Model

• Three levels of logic:
  • Presentation logic: How data is returned to the client
  • Application logic: Software processing requests for users
  • Data management logic: Data management and storage operation

Bandwidth

• Definition: The amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another in one second

Twisted Pair Cable

• Definition: Conducted media that can be used for data transmissions

Bluetooth

• A type of radiated (wireless) media

Near Field Communication (NFC)

• Definition: Very short-range wireless connectivity technology designed for consumer electronics, cell phones, and credit cards

Telecommunications Network Architecture

• Definition: A standard set of rules and procedures for control of communications in a network

Internet Overview

• Definition: A network of networks
• History:
  • Started in 1969 as a project by the U.S. Department of Defense called Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET)
  • Evolved into the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) in 1987

Internet Backbone

• Definition: The foundational network linked with fiber-optic cables that support very high bandwidth
• Characteristics:
  • Made up of many interconnected government, academic, commercial, and high-capacity data routers
  • Larger backbone connections operating at 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 160 Gbps

Web Overview

• The Web (WWW or World Wide Web)
  • Invented in 1989
  • Software released to the public in 1993
  • Note: The Web ≠ the Internet

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

• Definition: The foundational protocol used to exchange data over the internet
  • HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure): A secure version of HTTP that encrypts data between a web browser and a web server

Domain Name System (DNS)

• Domain Names: Used to identify a Web page in Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)
  • Refer to the IP address
  • Have a suffix that indicates the top-level domain (TLD)
  • Distributed/Hierarchical Database
  • Examples of TLD suffixes:
  • .com: Commercial organizations (e.g., Microsoft)
  • .edu: Educational institutions (e.g., California State University)
  • .int: International organizations (e.g., United Nations)
  • .mil: U.S. military organizations (e.g., U.S. Army)
  • .gov: U.S. government organizations (e.g., Internal Revenue Service)
  • .net: Backbone, regional, and commercial networks
  • .org: Other organizations like research and non-profits

Web Trends

• Three generations of Web applications:
  • Web 1.0 – “Readable”
  • Static content: Information portal where users passively receive information
  • Web 2.0 – “Writable”
  • Dynamic content: Facilitates interaction and user-generated content
  • Key features: interactivity, social participation, user-generated content
  • Web 3.0 – “Executable”
  • Semantic Web: Computers interpret information like humans
  • Focus on AI technologies to deliver personalized content

Internet of Things (IoT)

• Definition: Physical objects connected to the Internet, enabling data exchange
  • Embedded with sensors, processors, software, and network connectivity capability
• Benefits:
  • Improved efficiency and automation
  • Real-time data and better decision-making
  • Cost reduction and enhanced customer experience
• Concerns:
  • Privacy concerns, data security and hacking, lack of standards, data overload

E-Commerce

• Definition: Buying and selling goods and services over the Internet
• History: Began in 1995 and grew exponentially but remains stable even during recessions

Strengths of E-Commerce

• Operates around the clock and globe
• Enhances relationships with suppliers, customers, and business partners
• Personalized recommendations based on browsing behavior
• Increased convenience and reduced transaction costs
• Real-time support through chat and social media

E-Commerce Business Models

• Merchant model: Transfers old retail to e-commerce
• Brokerage model: Brings sellers and buyers together, collecting commissions on transactions
• Advertising model: Free content supported by ads
• Infomediary model: Collects consumer/business data and sells