communication technologies Flashcards
ad hoc networks?
temp. networks with 2 or more computing devices (do not require wifi access points/routers to work)
can be used to share files and internet access
ad hoc networks adv.
-easy to set up
-no specialist hardware required (such as routers)
ad hoc networks disadv.
-less secure
-no central device has control which can make them unmanageable
how does ad hoc perform?
normally less reliable than traditional ones.
- poor signal can reduce internet access
- devices can disconnect if using bluetooth and are too far away
- many devices sharing a connection can make it slow
how is open wifi insecure
because there is no password on the wifi, it is unencrypted (open wifi sends all data from your device to the access point in plain text) and therefore insecure meaning anyone on the same network can intercept and read your personal or sensitive data
how can you connect to open wifi securely?
you could use a virtual private network (VPN) which encrypts everything between you and the VPN provider
how can you ensure a wifi connection is secure
you should only connect to wifi that uses WPA2 encryption
personal hotspot?
allows you to connect devices to either a smartphone or small pocket device
- connections are made using wifi/bluetooth
- connecting to a hotspot is known as tethering
why is it important to make sure a strong password is setup on the portable access point?
- prevents unauthorised access
- protects sensitive data
- ensures device security
- prevents bandwidth theft
personal area networks (PAN)
- connect computers or devices together using bluetooth or wifi
( EXAMPLE - a phone connected to an in car entertainment system to play music and make hands-free calls )
available infrastructure
infrastructure - connection
- cables (copper/fibre)
- mobile
- satellite
internet connections
most uk homes connect to the internet using a copper cable
- fibre connections often only provide fibre to the green cabinet on the street (this is known as Fibre To The Cabinet - FTTC)
- speeds are typically up to a maximum of 80 Mbps
Some businesses and homes have fibre to the premises
- speeds are up to 300 Mbps or more
mobile?
different generations of network; 1G (analogue), 2G (digital and text), 3G (improved data speeds up to 2mbps), 4G and 5G (increase speeds further)
- many rural homes & businesses only have the option of mobile network for internet access
blackspots?
the country is divided into areas known as cells which each have a transmitter (cell tower),
- if no transmitter (cell tower) is present in the cell there will be no signal. this is called a blackspot
- hills and building can also block signals to create blackspots
rural vs city
city;
- faster internet than rural
- cost of installing infrastructure can be shared by many customers if population is dense
rural;
-some rural locations may not have fibre/mobile signal
developing countries
many developing countries do not yet have good connections to the internet
what are two reasons why some countries have low numbers of internet connections?
economic factors;
- cost of infrastructure and affordability of internet services/internet enabled devices
- low income levels
geographical and technological barriers;
- remote locations such as rural/mountainous regions can be challenging and expensive to connect due to specialised equipment and infrastructure being needed
- lack of advanced tech, countries with outdated/limited tech struggle to provide reliable and fast connections
reasons for low usage
infrastructure is needed for use
- some countries have limited infrastructure for power
- some countries have fewer cables for internet so may need expensive satellites
