Week 7: Networks and Wireless

Explain the Business Benefits of Using Wireless Technology

The rapid and widespread growth and development of wireless technology, especially in the last few decades, has seen many businesses take advantage of the benefits it offers. With its ability to increase productivity, speed up product delivery and reduce operating costs, the use of wireless technologies has become a necessity for businesses wishing to remain competitive in their industry. By providing universal access to information and applications to its users, wireless technologies have the power to automate business processes as well as facilitate the convenient and timely transfer of information. As the range for wireless networks continues to expand and grow, business employees are given the ability to conduct business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter their physical location.



 Describe the Business Benefits Associated with VoIP

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a system that uses TCP/IP technology to transmit voice calls over internet technology. Offering a fixed fee for calling within the country of origin and a low per-minute charge for international calls, VoIP offers business the benefits of significant cost savings, productivity gains and service enhancement.

 As one of the most popular options of VoIP, Skype also offers a variety of other benefits to business. With its extensive features such as free calling to other members, call forwarding, conference calling and file sharing capabilities just to name a few, many companies such as RipCurl are taking advantage of the benefits Skype offers in company communication.



Compare LANs and WANs

 The two main types of networks that make up the internet are known as Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). LANs connect computers that reside in a single geographic location on the premises of the company that operates it. In comparison, a WAN connects computers at different geographic sites. Essentially, the internet is made up of a bunch of LANs interconnected by WANs, and as seen in the table below, both network types have a variety of key differences.

 

For a more detailed comparison of LANs and WANs click here

Describe RFID and How it Can Be Used to Help Make a Supply Chain More Effective

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses active or passive tags in the form of chips or smart labels that can store unique identifiers and relay this information to electronic readers. Combining tiny chips with antenna, when placed on an item these tags automatically radios its location to RFID readers on shop shelves, checkout counters, loading bay doors and shopping carts. In this way, RFID technology helps to make the supply chain more effective by automatically and continuously taking inventory. As well as providing more current and accurate information to the supply chain, RFID also has the ability to reduce costs by requiring fewer staff and making the business processes more transparent and efficient.

What is One New Emerging Technology That Could Change a Specific Industry

Currently, the emerging technology of RFID is heavily used in inventory tracking, but it also has relevant applications in other areas such as the sporting industry. For example, in many major sporting events worldwide, RFID transponders are being used as timing systems. This works by attaching a chip to the athlete’s shoes, bicycle or other apparel. In this way, timing can begin and end with a great deal of accuracy, with the timer stopping when the person crosses the finishing mat and signals a nearby antenna. In doing this, RFID technology is changing the nature of the whole industry, reducing the controversy of such events as close finishes between competitors.