TG 4

1. Describe the basic telecommunications system?

A basic modern telecommunication system consists of both hardware and software that interact and transmit information from one location to another. An example is a Skpe conversation and sending a message from one geographic location to another. Typically, this would include the hardware of the keyboard, monitor, CPU and the software of using Skpe.

2. Compare and contrast the main wired communications channels ? (Ethernet & Fibre Optic)

The three main wired communication channels advantages and disadvantages are;

Twisted Pair Wire:
Adv-

• Unidentifiable
• Available from other devices
• Easy to use
• Relatively cheap

Dis-

• Potential signal interference
• Slow speed
• Security flaws

Coaxial Cable

Adv-

• High band width
• Greater resistance

Dis-

• Expensive
• Interferences
• Hard to work
• Security flaws

Fibre Optic Cables

Adv-

• Very high band width
• Extremely fast speed (speed of light)
• Relatively cheap
• Extremely secure

Dis-

• Hard to set up
• Hard to use

Picture shows an example of a fiber optic cable

3. What are the main business reasons for using networks?
Network is a system that connect computers via communication media, so that data can be transmitted through them. Relative to this, connectivity is an extremely important aspect for business to use networks.
Communication allows for companies to share information between many computers. This allows a number of computers to use one central printer, fax, etc.
Enterprise networking refers to an organisation LAN's and WAN's relationship. Business's you networks to achieve this so that communication will occur through different segments of the organisation (eg network in Sydney communicating with networks in Melbourne under one corporation).
Relationship formation is efficient networks as staff have information regarding their fellow co-workers in the chosen field. This leads to more productive employees and workplace.
Overall, efficiency and productivity is increased with networks supply of information across the organisation.

4. What is the difference between LANs and WANs?
LANs are generally confined to a relatively small area- only a building or group of buildings.
A hardware is located on property controlled by the company that owns the LAN.
LANs are relatively fast with speeds of a 100 MBPS or more and are usually secure and reliable. The advantages or having a LAN is that business can connect devices within the local area network.
In contrast, WAN are psychically located far apart. They can span a city, country or even the world. They are connected via links that may include fibre optic cables, coaxial cable, or other long distance communications means (eg satellite). They are usually slower than LANs due to the vast distance they cover. WANs are usually own by several organisations and leased to others.
LANs and WANs have a common interaction where several LANs may form to become a WAN. This process connects LANs to form the WAN and an example include when all Notre Dame campus in Sydney, Broome and Perth form a WAN of Notre Dame Australia.

Diagram Below show's LAN's & WAN's

5. What is a network protocol?

Network protocol is the regulations governing the network communication. This sets out the guidelines for what is appropriate int terms of security regarding what information is acceptable. If Internet protocols are inefficient or are not governed correctly, systems will not interact correctly.

6. Describe TCP/IP protocol.
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet protocol allows for large transfers of data across networks that may be inefficient and prevents data to be compromised.