Week 6 Assignment 2 Submission

Week 6 Assignment 2 Submission

Assume that you were recently hired by a manufacturing company as a systems administrator trainee. Your first assignment is to develop a paper that communicates the various functions of telecommunications to end users.

Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you:

  • Describe the features of telecommunications networks, including key networking technologies.
  • Cover the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, including each logical layer.
  • Discuss whether telephone networks and computer networks will remain distinct in the future.
  • Describe various network media and how they are changing.
  • Explain the differences among LANs, WANs, CANs, and MANs.
  • Describe three (3) ways in which businesses use Internet services and protocols (e.g., VoIP and its usage).

Use at least three (3) credible resources for this assignment. Your paper should follow these formatting guidelines: typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font size 12, with one-inch margins on all sides. Citations and references must adhere to APA format. Include a cover page with the assignment title, your name, your professor's name, course title, and submission date. The cover page and references are not included in the page count.

Paper For Above instruction

Telecommunications technologies form the backbone of modern communication, enabling data transfer across various distances and platforms. These networks facilitate a myriad of functions essential for both personal use and business operations. Understanding these functions, alongside the foundational models and components, is crucial for effective utilization and management of these technologies.

At the core of telecommunications networks are features such as data transmission, reliable connectivity, scalability, and security. These networks employ key technologies like fiber optics, wireless communication, satellite links, and broadband internet. Fiber optics, for example, enable high-speed data transfer over long distances with minimal loss, making them suitable for backbone infrastructure. Wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi and cellular networks, provide mobility and flexibility for end-users. Satellite communication extends connectivity to remote or underserved regions, and broadband services support high-volume data traffic essential for modern enterprises.

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model offers a conceptual framework for understanding how data is transmitted across a network through seven layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application. Each layer performs specific functions, such as physical data transmission (Physical layer), routing and addressing (Network layer), and data encryption and compression (Presentation layer). This layered approach helps diagnose issues, develop interoperability standards, and design network systems effectively.

Regarding the future of telephone and computer networks, there is a trend toward convergence. Traditional telephone networks, primarily based on Circuit Switching, are increasingly integrating with packet-switched computer networks using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This integration suggests that distinctions between voice and data networks will diminish, leading to unified multimedia platforms. The rise of cloud computing and internet-based communication services exemplifies this convergence, offering more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

Network media are constantly evolving. Traditional media such as twisted pair cables (Ethernet cables), coaxial cables, and fiber optics are being supplemented or replaced by wireless media, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G technology. Wireless media offer mobility and ease of deployment, which is critical for contemporary workplaces. Additionally, the development of new media such as millimeter-wave frequencies is enabling higher data transfer rates, fostering advancements like 8K video streaming and virtual reality applications.

Networks are categorized based on their geographic scope and purpose. LANs (Local Area Networks) are confined to small areas like offices or campuses. WANs (Wide Area Networks) connect larger geographical locations, often spanning cities or countries, and are typically managed by service providers. CANs (Campus Area Networks) cover multiple interconnected LANs within a university or corporate campus. MANS (Metropolitan Area Networks) bridge the gap between LANs and WANs, providing connectivity across metropolitan regions. Each type serves different organizational needs and scales.

Internet services and protocols are the foundation of modern digital communication. Businesses leverage these tools in various ways. For example, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enables cost-effective voice communication over the internet, replacing traditional phone lines. Email protocols such as SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) facilitate communication and collaboration. E-commerce platforms utilize HTTP and HTTPS for secure online transactions, while cloud services rely on protocols like REST and SOAP to share data seamlessly across different systems.

In conclusion, telecommunications networks encompass a broad range of features, technologies, and models that enable effective communication in today's interconnected world. The ongoing convergence of voice and data networks, the evolution of media, and the diverse types of networks underscore the importance of understanding these elements for IT professionals. As technology advances, these systems will continue to evolve, providing more robust, flexible, and secure communication solutions.

References

  • FitzGerald, J., & Dennis, A. (2019). Network+ Guide to Networks (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th ed.). Pearson.
  • Stallings, W. (2020). Data and Computer Communications (10th ed.). Pearson.
  • Forouzan, B. A. (2017). Data Communications and Networking (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Odom, W. (2018). CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide. John Wiley & Sons.