Networks, Telecommunications

1. Explain the business benefits of using wireless technology.


Wireless technology allows the user to access a live internet connection via satellite or radio transmitter. In conjunction with the growth in mobile technology and the benefits of accessing information and the ability to work in unlimited places and times, wireless technology allows access to information at unlimited places an times. Wireless technology allows people to stay connected with wealth of information via the web at all times. This can be used in business to perform activities such as sending and receiving emails as well as accessing data. This plays a role in increasing customer service and creating more efficient business processes by cutting down the time taken to respond without the need to return to an office. Wireless technology such as Bluetooth creates efficiency in file sharing amongst users, as well as eliminating complicated cords or wires. One specific application is the ability to make phone calls without the need to hold the phone.



2. Describe the business benefits associated with VoIP

Voice over IP (VOIP) uses TCP/IP technology to transmit calls over internet technology. Significant savings can be made with VoIP because it uses existing network and internet infrastructure to route calls more efficiently and effectively than a traditional phone service. The telecommunications industry is experiencing great benefits from combining VoIP with emerging standards that allow for easier development, interoperability among systems and application integration. Along with open standards combination VoIP, has produced more choices, lower prices and new applications.

Skype has been one of the most popular VoIP options for consumers; this is largely due to the low costs associated with its use because it allows free calls between Skype and minimal costs to other landlines. Recently two features have been added which contribute to its benefits for business; Windows Installer/MSI package which make it easy to roll out the application to multiple machines and the Skype for business control panel that allows administrators to manage all of a company’s Skype accounts from a centralised interface. Some of the Skype feature which are also attractive for business use are the ability to forward calls and filter unwanted calls and conference calling which allows up to ten users. One other useful feature is the file transfer that makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues over the phone, users are able to send reports, pictures and other files.

Rip Curl, one of the largest surf and snow brands worldwide use Skype’s free instant messaging and video calls to track communications with international colleagues. The head of Rip Curls’ IT directed all employees to sue Skype as their preferred method of communication. With more than 1200 staff members and retail presence in more than 60 countries , the company faces communication challenges in keeping aligned with international trends, VoIP through he use of Skype is one efficient and effective method of communication to overcome the challenges created by distance.


Some of the VoIP features include:


• Business application integrations


• Calender integration


• Call waiting


• Caller ID


• Click-of-a-mouse simplicity, employees are able to transfer calls right on their computer


• Conference call and file sharing


• Comprehensive information about each caller


• Dial by name capability


• Easy navigation


• Four or five digit dialling to anyone


• Mobility-can be used anywhere


• Three way calling.

• Follow this link for a description of VoIP and the benefits

3. Compare LANs and WANs

A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers in close proximity to each other such as in an office building for file sharing, games, printers and other applications whereas A wide Area Network (WAN) connects computers which are further geographically separated by either state or country even. A Wide Area Network is also able to connect other Local Area Networks or other LAN’s may also connect to the internet or other WAN’s.



4. Describe RFID and how it can be used to help make a supply chain more effective.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) use active or passive tags in the form of smart chips which fulfil the purpose of tracking. These chips or smart labels combined with an antenna can store unique identifiers and relay information to electronic readers. When this tag is placed on any product it automatically reports its location to the RFID reader which can be found on shop shelves, checkout counters, loading bay doors and shopping carts.

With an RFID tag the inventory is taken automatically and continuously which provides more thorough and accurate information. The supply chain is the organisation of the activities or processes involved with getting the product from the supplier to the customer. The RFID keeps track of this process, to improve the planning and execution with the ability to account for the product along with the way. With the accurate and constantly updated information businesses are able to assess and make informed decisions to improve the supply chain and gradually make it more efficient. The RFID also extends to transmitting information about the product, including the price, serial number and when and where it was made.

• Follow this link for a clip on the benefits of RFID in the future.
• This Link is a clip which shows one of the applications of RFID

5. Identify the advantages and disadvantage of deploying mobile technology.

Mobile technology is the ability for technology to travel with the user; users are able to download software, email messages and web pages on their laptop or other mobile device. In terms of business companies are employing this mobile technology to increase productivity, speed delivery to market and reducing operating costs.


The mobile devices are continually advancing to offer additional functionality and the accompanying mobile networks are advancing rapidly in speed and throughput abilities. This mobile technology is beneficial in gaining a competitive advantage, it allows retailers to enhance worker productivity, operational efficiencies and brings about widespread increase in customer service availability. In terms of products mobile technology has the ability to keep track materials and shipments from supplier to customer in both the sales floor and warehouse. Mobile technology has adapted the data collection process which is now automated, this has the advantage of improving the analysis process, with results being made available to continually improve the customer service. One example where mobile technology has a significant and positive influence is where it has been applied by the Finnish government employed the mobile network to warn citizens of disasters, they also suggest hikers carrying mobile phones, even without cellular coverage an rescue aircraft is able to detect the signal attempting to reach a base station.


The Personal Digital Assistant is one application of mobile technology. It is a small hand held computer capable of entirely digital communications transmission. The PDA can display, compose, send and receive email messages.


Being such a new concept mobile technology has many given benefits although, one disadvantage is the need for an organisation to assess the limitations of the technology and apply it to their business strategy. This might include understanding the reliance upon mobile devices for information security as unsecure and recognising the need to apply appropriate backup of data.

As with any use of data corporations much ensure the protection of mobile information assets, with the application of mobile technology also comes the need to provide security for this new wealth of information. It may prove more difficult for an organisation to monitor access and authorisation with mobile devices being used away for the work premises, thus an organisation must implement strategies to deal with the increased security risk.


One mobile technology which has specific limitations or disadvantages at present is the Radio Frequency Identification which brings about privacy issues. These include the identification of a customers location if they are carrying a product tagged with RFID and it can also identify where the product was purchased, the time and date and how frequently the customer enters the particular store.

• This is a link to a clip on mobile technology and its applications in society.