Chapter 6

What is Bluetooth wireless communication? Give an example of the use of this technology.

"Bluetooth is a wireless communications specification that describes how cell phones, computers, printers, and other electronic devices can be interconnected over distances of 10 to 30 feet at a rate of about 2 Mbps and allows users of multifunctional devices to synchronize with information in a desktop computer, send or receive faxes, print, and, in general, coordinate all mobile and fixed computer devices. As more states are banning the use of handheld cell phones in cars, one of the most important accessories for smartphone users is their hands-free Bluetooth headset or the hands-free system in their cars. Drivers can also use the hands-free system in their cars to have their email messages, notes, calendar entries, and text messages read aloud over the car's speakers."

What is cloud computing? Identify three approaches to deploying cloud computing.

"Cloud computing refers to a computing environment in which software and storage are provided as an Internet service and accessed by users with their Web browser. Cloud computing can be deployed in several different ways. Public cloud computing refers to deployments in which service providers offer their cloud-based services to the general public, whether that is an individual using Google Calendar or a corporation using the Salesforce.com application. In a private cloud deployment, cloud technology is used within the confines of a private network. A hybrid cloud is composed of both private and public clouds integrated through networking."

What are Web services? Give an example of a Web service.

"Web services consist of standards and tools that streamline and simplify communication among Web sites and make it simpler to develop and use the Web for business and personal purposes. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the basic infrastructure that Amazon employs to make the contents of its huge online catalog available to other Web sites or software applications. "

Define the term "computer network."

A computer network consists of communications media, devices, and software connecting two or more computer systems or devices.

What role does a network operating system play?

A network operating system (NOS) is systems software that controls the computer systems and devices on a network and allows them to communicate with each other. The NOS performs similar functions for the network as operating system software does for a computer, such as memory and task management and coordination of hardware. When network equipment (such as printers, plotters, and disk drives) is required, the NOS makes sure that these resources are used correctly.

What is an IP address? What is a Uniform Resource Locator, and how is it used?

An IP address is a 64-bit number that identifies a computer on the Internet. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a Web address that specifies the exact location of a Web page using letters and words that map to an IP address and a location on the host. The URL gives those who provide information over the Internet a standard way to designate where Internet resources such as servers and documents are located.

What is autonomic computing, and how does it benefit cloud computing?

Autonomic computing is the ability of IT systems to manage themselves and adapt to changes in the computing environment, business policies, and operating objectives. The goal of autonomic computing is to create complex systems that run themselves, while keeping the system's complexity invisible to the end user. As cloud computing environments become increasingly complex, the number of skilled people required to manage these environments also increases. Software and hardware that implement autonomic computing are needed to reduce the overall cost of operating and managing complex cloud computing environments.

Define the term "channel bandwidth." Why is this an important characteristic of a communication channel?

Channel bandwidth refers to the rate at which data can be exchanged measured in bits per second. The broader the bandwidth, the more information can be exchanged at one time. In the context of Internet access, the term broadband communications refers to any high-speed Internet access that is always on and that is faster than traditional dial-up access. Most organizations need high bandwidth to accommodate the transaction volume and transmission speed required to carry out their daily functions.

What is meant by client/server architecture? Describe how this architecture works.

Client/server architecture is an approach to computing wherein multiple computer platforms are dedicated to special functions, such as database management, printing, communications, and program execution. A client/server system is a network that connects a user's computer (a client) to one or more server computers (servers). A client is often a PC that requests services from the server, shares processing tasks with the server, and displays the results.

What is Internet censorship? Identify some coun- tries in which this is a major issue.

Internet censorship is the control or suppression of the publishing or accessing of information on the Internet. This is a major issue in China and Saudi Arabia.

Define the term "network topology," and identify three common network topologies in use today.

Network topology indicates how the communications links and hardware devices of the network are arranged. The topology is the shape or structure of the network. The transmission rates, distances between devices, signal types, and physical interconnection may differ between networks, but they may all have the same topology. The three most common network topologies in use today are the star, bus, and mesh.

What is software-defined networking (SDN), and what advantages does it offer?

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an emerging approach to networking that allows network administrators to manage a network via a controller that does not require physical access to all the network devices. This approach automates tasks such as configuration and policy management and enables the network to dynamically respond to application requirements. As a result, new applications can be made available sooner, the risk of human error (a major contributor to network downtime) is reduced, and overall network support and operations costs are reduced.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT), and how is it used?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects or "things" embedded with sensors, processors, software, and network connectivity capability to enable them to exchange data with the manufacturer of the device, device operators, and other connected devices.

What advantage does a communications satellite have over a terrestrial microwave system?

The advantage of satellite communications is that satellites can receive and broadcast over large geographic regions. Problems such as the curvature of the Earth, mountains, and other structures that block the line-of-sight microwave transmission make satellites an attractive alternative.

What comprises the Internet backbone?

The combined hardware (cables, routers, switching stations, communication towers, and satellites) of the network service providers (NSPs), such as Verizon, Sprint, British Telecom, and AT&T make up the Internet backbone.

Identify the names of the three primary frequency ranges used for wireless communications.

The three primary frequency ranges in wireless transmissions are radio, microwave, and infrared.

What is Enterprise 2.0 and how is it used?

The use of social media in business is called Enterprise 2.0. Enterprise 2.0 applications, such as Salesforce's Chatter, Jive Software's Engage Dialog, and Yammer, enable employees to create business wikis, support social networking, perform blogging, and create social bookmarks to quickly find information.

What is XML, and how is it used?

XML is a markup language for Web documents containing structured information, including words and pictures. XML does not have a predefined tag set. XML Web documents contain the content of a Web page. The formatting of the content is contained in a style sheet.