MIS 2749 Computer Networks and the Internet
To add a new block to the blockchain, 4 criteria must be met
(1) A transaction must take place; (2) transaction verification; (3) transaction storage; (4) adding a hash.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
A Cloud-based computing model where Cloud service providers offer hardware and software tools needed for application/software development via the Internet. Example: Salesforce gives developers the ability to build customer relationship management apps without having to write any code.
Cloud Computing
A computing model where processing, storage, software, applications, and a variety of services are provided over a network, mainly via the Internet.
Cloud Deployment Model
A configuration of specific Cloud environment frameworks, covering storage capacity, accessibility, computing requirements, and network requirements.
Network
A group of two or more devices or computers connected together to allow for the exchange of information and for the sharing of resources. Size ranges from small home networks to the Internet, which is the world's largest network.
Internet Protocol (IP) Address
A number that is assigned to all information technology devices (routers, modems, etc.) that identifies the device and allows the device the ability to communicate with each other on a computer network, including the Internet. IP address can be assigned permanently, known as static (email servers, businesses, permanent home address, etc.) or from a pool of available IP addresses that are assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), known as dynamic.
Internet of Things (IoT)
A pervasive Web that controls many of the processes we go through in our everyday lives. IoT allows billions of devices to be connected to the Internet. IoT is used in driverless vehicles, smart cities with countless sensors to monitor and control the environment, and in many home devices including lightbulbs, heating/cooling systems, and security. IoT is increasingly being used to define objects connected to the Internet that talk to each other, such as sensors, wearable technology, and smartphones.
Web Services
A set of software technologies that are able to exchange information with each other using standardized web communication protocols and languages.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
A suite of communication protocols (standards/rules/guidelines) used to connect devices to the Internet. A system of rules listed step-by-step that each computer connected to the Internet uses to communicate with each other.
Cell Phone
A two-way radio consisting of a radio transmitter and receiver. Communicates with cell towers that serve a particular area. Every cell includes a base station which contains an antenna or tower that relays signals.
Advantages/Disadvantages of SaaS
Advantages: frequent updates, lower upfront costs. Disadvantage: requirement of Internet connection.
Benefits of Networks
Allow users to share resources and provide access to other networks and the Internet.
Collaboration Software
Allows for the creation of a dedicated workspace where users can add data and workflows. Examples: Slack, Smartsheet, and Trello.
Examples of Cloud Service Vendors
Amazon Web Services (AWS); Google Cloud; Kamatera Performance Cloud; Salesforce.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
An instant computing infrastructure composed of processing, data storage, and other computing resources provided by a Cloud vendor to assist in running an org's information systems. Example: Microsoft Azure.
World Wide Web (WWW) or The Web
An interconnected system of webpages accessible through the Internet. Consists of: Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) - Is a protocol for the transmission of hypermedia documents (such as HTML) Uniform Resource Locators (URL) - URLs are one type of Uniform Resource Identifier (URL). Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) - Commonly used format for publishing web documents and content.
Examples of Cloud Services
Apple iCloud, Google Drive, and Microsoft 365; Google and Amazon Web Services; SAP and Oracle.
Cloud Computing Services
Application Services, Infrastructure Services, Platform Services
Key Terms Related to Cell Phone Communication
Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Also called the radio base station, is connected to a cell tower. Broadcasts low-powered microwave signals. Mobile Switching Station Also known as a mobile switching center or MSC server or Mobile Telephone Switching Office, controls all the transmissions between cellular phone towers and their base transceiver stations. Analog-Digital Converter (ADC) One of the major innovations that made cellular phones possible is the Analog-Digital converter. It allows a smartphone to receive an analog sound wave and convert it to a digital signal that can be processed and stored by a computer. Digital Signal Processor A small computer within your smartphone that analyzes the sounds entering your phone through the analog/digital converter.
Benefits of Collaboration Software
Better communications; Project management capabilities; Improved engagement; Streamlined workflow.
Cloud PLATFORM Services
Block storage, Communication networks, Identity management, Content servers
Geographic Information Systems
Built on a foundation provided by the GPS. Uses of GIS: Proximity Location, Route Information, Alerts, Density Maps, Quantity Maps. Applications of GIS include uses by telecommunications providers to map out cell tower placement and the retail sector that uses GIS information to place certain products based on regional demand preferences.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Cloud-based service offered by vendors and hosted on a vendor's Cloud that allows users to access a software application using a web browser and Internet connection. Examples: Microsoft Office 365 and Google apps.
Cloud INFRASTRUCTURE Services
Computing resource management, Network management, Storage management
IoT Activities Supported by 5G
Connected Cities; Autonomous Vehicles; Connected Devices.
Cloud APPLICATION Services
Content management, Enterprise software, Collaboration environments, Process management
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cost Savings, Collaboration, Disaster Recovery, Flexibility
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Creates a secure connection between two computers. VPNs allow for encrypted communications using the Internet as the pathway for data transmission and communication and are used by organizations whose employees need to access the company network remotely.
Measures for Cloud Security
Data protection; Regulatory compliance; Customer privacy protection; Authentication rules for users and devices.
Cryptocurrencies
Digital currencies that only exist on computers and are transferred between peers. There is no intermediary such as a bank. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, which means they are controlled by users and computer algorithms rather than a central government. Transactions are recorded on a digital public ledger called a blockchain. Popular examples are Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Etherium.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Downtime. Security. Limited control. Vendor agreements.
How data are stored in a Blockchain
Each transaction is stored in a block. The blocks are linked together to form an unbroken chain. The blocks are linked via a hash (a digital fingerprint or unique identifier). Since each block contains both the new hash and the previous hash, that prevents any block from being changed or a block from being inserted or deleted.
Benefits of 5G
Faster connection/data transfer speeds; Greater capacity (more devices can connect); Lower latency (less lag time).
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS is a navigation system that uses at least 24 satellites to help people find their way across the globe.
Content Delivery Network (CDN)
Geographically distributed network server groups that work together to deliver web pages and other web content to users. The closer the CDN server is to the user geographically, the faster the content will be delivered.
Types of IP Address Formats
IPv4, has a four-decimal notation such as 182.124.7.9 this allows for approximately 4 billion IPv4 addresses, which is far less than the 7 billion people on earth. IPv6 is also being adopted. IPv6 uses a format such as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 and can accommodate at least 340 undecillion addresses (that's a lot of IP addresses!).
Cloud Security
Includes policies, procedures, controls, and hardware that work together to ensure Cloud-based systems are secure.
Serverless Computing
Occurs when a Cloud-service provider offers backend services (infrastructure) on an as-used basis. Examples: Amazon's Web Services, Simple Storage Service, and DynamoDB.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
On-demand self-service. Broad network access. Resource pooling. Rapid elasticity. Measured service.
4 Basic Types of Networks
Personal Area Network (PAN) typically involve laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Local Area Network (LAN) connect a variety of devices at a single site such as an office or retail store. Wide Area Network connect a variety of devices between two or more geographic locations. Internets connect LANs, WANs, and other internets together, think of an internet as a network of networks and is the world's largest network.
4 Types of Cloud Deployment Models
Private, Community, Public, and Hybrid.
Functions provided by Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Provide an Internet Protocol (IP) address Provide access or a gateway to the resources on the Internet Your ISP pays for access to the Internet (ISPs charge a fee to their customers to access the Internet)
How Collaboration Software Works
The dedicated workspace is viewable and editable, based on assigned privileges, by users regardless of their physical location. Any changes, edits, or additions made to the data or workspace are made in real-time ensuring that all who have access are receiving the most current and up-to-date information.
Extensible Markup Language (XML)
The markup language designed to transport and store data on the Web. Recommended by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), XML is self-defining and is designed to be both human and machine readable.
Web 2.0
The second-generation Internet which is based on interactivity and dynamic content. Features: Interactivity, Folksonomy, User Participation, and Software as a Service (SaaS)
Blockchain
Uses computer code that creates concatenated (linked together) blocks of transactions. Can be used for business contracts, monetary transactions, audits, supply chain management, and quality assurance.
Questions to Ask about Cloud Security
What type of disaster plans are in place? Are you in compliance with local, state, federal security standards and regulations? Do you go through external security audits? Do you have any specific security certifications? How are data from different corporations kept separate? What encryption mechanisms are in place?
Resources Provided by the Internet
World Wide Web Instant Messaging and Chat File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Email Electronic Funds Transfer
