Networks, Telecommunications and Mobile Technology

1. Explain the business benefits of using wireless technology.

Wireless technology is a communications and data exchange and resource-sharing system that has a  wireless network infrastructure. Wireless refers to any type of electrical or electronic operation that is accomplished without the use of a hard wired connection. The benefits are:

• ·       Universal access to information and applications - People are mobile and with wireless technology, they can access networks and the Internet wherever they are, whenever they want.

• ·       The automation of business processes - Information can be centralised and wireless technology can eliminate redundant technology.

• ·       User convenience, timeliness and ability to conduct business 24/7, 365 days a year - Information can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

2. Describe the business benefits associated with VoIP
Voice over IP is a system that uses TCP/IP technology to transwit voice calls over Internet technology. With new and improces technology and IT infrastructures, Internet phone calls now offer similar quality to traditional phone calls. The benefits of VoIP are:

• ·       Business application integration (databases)
• ·       Calendar integration
• ·       Call waiting and caller ID
• ·       Simple usability (click-of-a-mouse simplicity), easy navigation
• ·       Conference call capability, three-way calling
• ·       Comprehensive information with each caller
• ·       Desktop application integration
• ·       Dial-by-name capability
• ·       Mobility (users can work from anywhere)

3. Compare LANs and WANs

• A LAN is a local area network. This network is designed to connect a group of computers in close proximity to each other, for example, at school, university, at an office. It’s useful for sharing resources. They connect to other LANs, to the Internet and WANs.
• A WAN is a wide area network. This network is designed to span across a large geographic area, for example, a state or country. It’s useful for sharing everything and accessing information. They connect to multiple smaller networks, such as LANs.

4. Describe RFID and how it can be used to help make a supply chain more effective.
RFID is radio frequency identification. Its technologies use active or passive tags in the form of chips or smart labels that can store unique identifiers and relay this information to electronic readers.
RFID can help make a supply chain more effective by:

• ·       Cutting costs by requiring fewer workers for scanning items
• ·       Providing more current and more accurate information to the entire supply chain

5. Identify the advantages and disadvantage of deploying mobile technology

The advantages of deploying mobile technology are:

• ·       Social networking gets mobilised
• ·       Multi-function devices become cheaper and more versatile
• ·       Location-based services
• ·       Mobile advertising
• ·       Wireless providers move into home entertainment
• ·       Wireless security moves to the forefront
• ·       Enterprise mobility
• ·       Mobile TV

The disadvantages of deploying mobile technology are:

• ·       Mobile advertising