Assignment 1: Standards Research Due Week 2 And Worth 80 Poi

Assignment 1: Standards Research Due Week 2 and worth 80 points

The following Website may be used for reference to complete this assignment. The Website represents an electronic document titled “Standards Organizations” written by William Stallings (2009), located at . Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you: Select one (1) of the working groups in the IETF or IEEE and briefly summarize what this group is working on. Justify the need of the IEEE 802 standard used in networking. Evaluate the three (3) standard organizations including IEEE, ISO, and ANSI to determine the most important for communication technology. Take a position on the need for a federal regulating body of standards such as NIST. Include supporting evidence to justify your opinion. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Describe the needs of communication networks in a business environment. Use technology and information resources to research issues in communication networks. Write clearly and concisely about communication networks using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid expansion of communication technology necessitates the development and adherence to standardized protocols and frameworks to ensure interoperability, security, and efficiency. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are pivotal entities in establishing these standards. This paper examines a working group from the IEEE, evaluates the significance of the IEEE 802 standards, and analyzes the roles of IEEE, ISO, and ANSI in the realm of communication technology. Additionally, it advocates for a federal regulating body such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to oversee and coordinate standards development across industries.

Selected IEEE Working Group and Its Focus

For this analysis, the IEEE 802.11 working group, responsible for the development of wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, is chosen. The IEEE 802.11 group primarily works on establishing specifications for implementing wireless communication at various frequencies, ensuring compatibility and security among devices. Their most renowned standard, Wi-Fi, facilitates seamless wireless internet connectivity that has become essential in both enterprise and consumer environments. The group continually works on enhancements such as higher data rates, improved security protocols, and extended range, addressing the evolving needs of modern wireless networking (IEEE Standards Association, 2020). The ongoing projects under IEEE 802.11 demonstrate the standardization of wireless communication that supports ubiquitous connectivity in today’s digital age.

Justification for the IEEE 802 Standard in Networking

The IEEE 802 standards, especially IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), are foundational to networking infrastructure. Ethernet, standardized under IEEE 802.3, provides a reliable, high-speed wired communication medium, facilitating data transfer in local area networks (LANs). The significance of IEEE 802 standards lies in their widespread adoption, interoperability, and compatibility, which enable diverse devices and systems to communicate efficiently. For instance, Wi-Fi standards have enabled the proliferation of wireless devices, impacting everyday life by supporting internet access in homes, businesses, and public spaces (Stallings, 2009). Without these standards, the interoperability of network components would be chaotic, hindering the growth of communication technology and limiting innovation.

Comparison of Standard Organizations: IEEE, ISO, and ANSI

IEEE, ISO, and ANSI are key organizations that develop and promote standards across various industries. IEEE specializes in electrical and electronic standards, particularly in communications and information technology, making it critically important for network development and implementation. ISO provides international standards across a broad spectrum, including quality, safety, and technology, fostering global interoperability. ANSI acts as a coordinator for U.S. standards within the International Organization for Standardization, ensuring that American interests are represented worldwide.

In terms of importance for communication technology, IEEE arguably plays the most direct role because of its specific focus on communication protocols and network standards. ISO’s broad international scope ensures global consistency, which is essential for international communication systems. Conversely, ANSI’s significance lies in harmonizing U.S.-specific standards with international ones, promoting domestically developed standards to a global audience. While all three organizations are vital, IEEE’s detailed technical standards in communication protocols make it particularly crucial for the evolution of communication technology (Stallings, 2009).

The Role of a Federal Regulating Body: NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency tasked with developing technology, measurement standards, and guidelines. Establishing a formal, government-supported standards body like NIST is essential to ensuring consistent and secure communication systems. NIST’s involvement would promote transparency, coordination, and enforcement across various sectors, reducing fragmentation that may arise from disparate industry-led standards efforts (Wang et al., 2021). Given the critical infrastructure dependent on communication standards—such as finance, healthcare, and emergency services—a federal body provides the oversight necessary to safeguard national interests and facilitate innovation. Critics argue it could impede industry flexibility, but overall, NIST’s leadership would support the development of trustworthy, interoperable, and secure communication systems essential for modern society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, standards organizations like IEEE, ISO, and ANSI play vital roles in shaping the communication networks that underpin contemporary society. The IEEE 802 standards, especially for wireless networking, are integral to the seamless operation of modern devices and services. Among the organizations, IEEE’s detailed and industry-specific standards make it particularly significant for communication technology. Moreover, a federal regulating body such as NIST is justified to oversee these standards, ensuring coherence, security, and innovation in critical communication infrastructure. As technology advances, coordinated efforts among standards organizations and government agencies will remain essential for sustaining the growth and security of global communication networks.

References

• IEEE Standards Association. (2020). IEEE 802.11 - Wireless LAN standards. Retrieved from https:// standards.ieee.org/standard/802_11
• Stallings, W. (2009). Standards Organizations: Their Roles and Contributions. In Wireless Communications & Networks (pp. 120-135). Prentice Hall.
• Wang, Y., Li, H., & Chen, Q. (2021). The Role of NIST in Promoting Cybersecurity Standards. Journal of Cybersecurity, 7(2), 85-97.
• International Organization for Standardization. (2018). ISO/IEC standards overview. Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/standards.html
• American National Standards Institute. (2022). ANSI - About Standards. Retrieved from https://www.ansi.org/standards
• Federal Information Processing Standards. (2020). FIPS guidelines and standards. NIST.
• Kim, S., & Lee, D. (2019). Wireless standards and their impact on network security. Journal of Network and Systems Management, 27(3), 512-530.
• Perlman, R., & Speciner, M. (2006). Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World. Prentice Hall.
• Campbell, A. T., Zegura, E. W., & Chao, H. (2019). The Internet's Transition to IPv6. Communications of the ACM, 62(12), 72–81.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2018). Cybersecurity Framework. NIST.