Comped321L Quiz 7

1. Discuss the components required for successful communications.

Sender - initiates instructions to transmit data, information.
Communication Device - connects communication device to communication channel.
Receiving Device - accepts the transmission of data,instruction or information.
Communication Channel -  media on which data, information, or instruction travel.

2. Identify various sending and receiving devices.

Sending device initiates the transmission of data, instructions, and information.

Receiving device accepts the items transmitted.

Microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes all can serve as sending and receiving devices.

Besides, Internet appliances and Web enabled handheld computers and devices (e.g., cellular telephones and pagers) can also serve as sending and receiving devices.

3. Describe uses of computer communications.

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is defined as any communicative transaction that occurs through the use of two or more networked computers. While the term has traditionally referred to those communications that occur via computer-mediated formats (e.g., instant messages, e-mails, chat rooms), it has also been applied to other forms of text-based interaction such as text messaging. Research on CMC focuses largely on the social effects of different computer-supported communication technologies. Many recent studies involve Internet-based social networking supported by social software.

4. List advantages of using a network.

• share software
• share information with others on networks
• share peripherals
• speed of sharing software and information files
• cheaper than buying individual software and hardware for each standalone especially if for a school, network software often offers deals for amount being purchased
• security, files can be copy inhibit mode
• centralized software management- software being loaded onto one computer but also this loads software to entire network at one time
• electronic mail(e-mail) between network users, ideal for office memos
• flexible access- access you files from any computer on the network unlike standalone which would mean only being able to access your data from the one computer you uploaded data onto.

5. Differentiate among client/server, peer-to-peer, and P2P networks.

Client/server describes the relationship between two computer programs in which one program , the client, makes a service request from another system, the server, which fulfills the request. In a network, the client/server model provides a convenient way to efficiently interconnect programs that are distributed across different locations

Another structure for a distributes system is the peer - to peer (P2P)system model. In this model, clients and servers are not distinguished from one another; instead, all nodes within the system may act as either client or a server, depending on whether it is requesting or prividing a service.

In client server system , the server is a bottle neck; but in a peer-to peer system, services can be provided by several nodes throughout the network.

6. Describe the various network communications standards.

Network communication standards are certain rules and specifications framed by standard organisations for manufacturing network hardware and developing network software.
Major communication standards have been formed by the organisations like ISO, IEEE etc.

7. Explain the purpose of communications software.

Communication software is used to provide remote access to systems and is also used to exchange messages in text, audio and video format for the purpose of communication. These software send and receive data over telephone lines through modems. The communication software allows computers in different geographical regions to communicate with each other through terminal emulators, file transfer programs, chat and instant messaging programs.

8. Describe various types of lines for communications over the telephone network.

  PSTN - Worldwide telephone system that handles voice-oriented telephone calls.

  Dial-up line - Temporary connection using telephone line for communications.

  Dedicated line - Always on connection between two communication devices.  

9. Describe commonly used communications devices.

Telephone

• One of the most commonly used communication devices is the telephone. A telephone is a device that enables the sender to communicate with the receiver at great distances using the voice. The sender dials a number and the receiver accepts the call. Once the two are connected they can send messages via a telephone using their voices. The telephone is commonly seen in the form of a cell phone which allows people to use their telephone virtually anywhere without any wires.

PDA's

• PDA is an acronym for Personal Digital Assistant. PDAs were designed to give the user more control and the capability of using a variety of communication methods in one device. PDAs come in many shapes and sizes but most are small enough to fit in a person's pocket. A PDA enables the user to check email, access the Internet, make phone calls and download millions of special applications. A PDA also helps the user organize vital information, plan meetings and maintain control of daily logistics.

Radio

• Radio is used to send a message in long or short distance and is a closed network of various receivers. Radios are commonly used by police departments, medical organizations and large sporting events. Radios use radio waves to send and receive messages, making it a different device compared to the telephone. Telephones use fiber optics or cell phone towers to send and receive messages while radios don't require a special mediator.

Computer

•  The home computer and laptop computers have become a vital communication device in modern life. Computers give the user the ability to communicate using the written word, video and audio. A computer enables users to access the full extent of the Internet such as social networks, emails and video chatting. Computers are also used in various electronic devices such as automotive vehicles. An automotive vehicle can have multiple computers that communicate with one another to maintain proper functionality.

10. Discuss different ways to set up a home network.

To set up a home network that is wired, you will need to have a network card in each computer, a router, and enough cables to connect them all.  You will also need the documentation that came with your router.  

• Step 1 - Connect the cable from your internet modem to the port on the router labeled either uplink, or internet in most cases.  
• Step 2 - Connect the first computer to anyone of the other ports.  
• Step 3 - Log into your router refer to the information that came with your router.  This is usually done by entering 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into your address bar.  Your documentation will tell you which one.  
• Step 4 - Enter the username and password that is instructed by your router documentation.  
• Step 5 - You should now be in the router setup.  Enter all the information for internet, you will need the protocol, PPPoE in this case, the username and password from your internet service provider.  Click on Save when done.
• Step 6 - If your router supports wireless, click on the tab.  Disable it, and save changes.  This way you don't have any unwanted eyes.  
• Step 7 - Click on administration or something along those lines and change your default router password.  Save changes.  

11. Identify various physical and wireless transmission media.

A transmission medium (plural transmission media) is a material substance (solid, liquid, gas, or plasma) that can propagate energy waves. For example, the transmission medium for sound received by the ears is usually air, but solids and liquids may also act as transmission media for sound.

The absence of a material medium in vacuum may also constitute a transmission medium for electromagnetic waves such as light and radio waves. While material substance is not required for electromagnetic waves to propagate, such waves are usually affected by the transmission media they pass through, for instance by absorption or by reflection or refraction at the interfaces between media.