CH08 - Wireless, mobile computing and mobile commerce Flashcards
Definition for Wireless Devices
- Small enough to easily carry or wear
- Have sufficient computing power to perform productive tasks.
- They can communicate wirelessly with the Internet and other devices.
The distinctions between Wireless and Mobile
- Wireless: without wires-cables and via electromagnetic waves.
- Mobile: something that changes its location over time.
- A technology (device or transmission media) can be wireless and not be mobile (e.g., antenna)
What’s dematerialization? (IMPORTANT)
Using less to produce more
Smart phones are an example of dematerialization: functions of many devices are included in one physical device [so some of the devices “disappear”]
What are the Wireless Transmission Systems/Broadcast medias?
- Microwave transmission systems
- Satellite transmission systems
- Radio transmission systems
What’s a Microwave Transmission System?
- These systems transmit data via electromagnetic waves
- We use them for high-volume, long-distance, line-of-sight communication
- Earth’s surface is curved so we place them on high lands
→ AKA the straight path between a transmitting antenna
What’s a Satellite Transmission System?
- Satellite transmission uses satellite to transmit signals without wires
- Can be used for GPS system, Internet over Satellite, and Commercial Imaging among other applications
- Require direct line-of-site and have a large footprint
- Use broadcast transmission, sending signal to many receivers at once
- Con: The transmission delay can be large (Distance form Earth), Costly
What’s a Satellite Transmission System?
- Satellite transmission uses satellite to transmit signals without wires
- Can be used for GPS system, Internet over Satellite, and Commercial Imaging among other applications
- Require direct line-of-site and have a large footprint
- Use broadcast transmission, sending signal to many receivers at once
- Con: The transmission delay can be large (Distance form Earth), Costly
What’s a Radio Transmission System?
- Radio transmission uses radio-wave frequencies to send data directly between transmitters and receivers.
- Radio waves travel easily through normal office walls.
- Radio devices are fairly inexpensive and easy to install.
- Radio waves can transmit data at high speeds.
- Wi-Fi and cellular also use radio-wave frequencies.
What are the 3 basic types of telecommunication satellites?
- GEO
- MEO
- LEO
The higher the satellite orbits, the higher is footprint.
What are the characteristics of a GEO satellite?
Orbit: 35.900 km
Use: TV signal
- Satellites stationary relative to point on Earth
- Few satellites needed for globalcoverage
- Transmission delay (approximately 0.25 second)
- Most expensive to build and launch
- Longest orbital life (many years)
What are the characteristics of a MEO satellite?
Orbit: 10,350 km
USE: GPS
- Satellites move relative to point on Earth
- Moderate number needed for global coverage
- Requires medium-powered transmitters
- Negligible transmission delay
- Less expensive to build and launch
- Moderate orbital life (6-1.2 years)
What are the characteristics of a LEO satellite?
Orbit: 640-1,125 km
USE: Telephone
- Satellites move rapidly relative to point on Earth
- Large number needed for global coverage
- Requires only low-power transmitters
- Negligible transmission delay
- Least expensive to build and launch
- Shortest orbital life (as low as 5 years)
Advantages and disadvantages for Microwave Transmission systems?
Advantages
- High bandwidth
- Relatively inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Must Have an unobstructed line of sight
- Susceptible to environmental interference
Advantages and disadvantages for Satellite Transmission systems?
Advantages
- High bandwidth
- Large coverage area
Disadvantages
- Must Have an unobstructed line of sight
- Expensive
- Signals experience propagation delay
- Must use encryption for security
Advantages and disadvantages for Radio Transmission systems?
Advantages
- High bandwidth
- Signal pass through walls
- Inexpensive and easy to install
Disadvantages
- Create electrical interference problems
- Susceptible of snooping unless encrypted