The Advancement of Technology and Internet Usage
The advancement of technology has contributed to an increase in internet usage around the world. The internet has provided numerous benefits such as information search, news source, and marketing and promotional platform. Communication on the internet has also expanded as firms strive to improve their market competitiveness. All networks, large or small, require specialized network hardware to function. Network building blocks are a collection of tools and technologies used in network construction. Network types and network components are two examples of network construction blocks that must be considered. Network types include wireless and Ethernet while network components include connections, routers and network applications. This paper primarily focuses on internet communication, major networking building blocks, their functions and vulnerabilities.
Discussion
Communication on the internet
The development of the internet has provided an easy and faster way of communicating instantaneously, and this has been attributed to advancement in technology. With the use of the internet, it's now easy to share music and picture files, share virtual Christmas and birthday cards and at the same time communicate with individuals located in different areas across the globe. The internet serves as a source of information and this is made possible through search engines such as Google and Search. The use of social media platforms, the likes of Facebook and twitter has made it easier for individuals to meet, interact and even end up forming strong relationships. This has also been bolstered by the introduction of dating sites that encourage dating and interactions. Forums, as a part of the internet platforms, have also been instrumental in the initiation of group discussions and serving as chat rooms. Using Voice over Internet protocol, users are given unique phone numbers and an adapter and they are capable of sending and receiving phone calls using their laptops or mobile phones. Organizations are currently also using the internet as a platform for the advertisement of their products and services. Some of those companies engaging in online marketing have in the past five years enjoyed a significant increase in their market shares.
Networking Building Blocks
Networking building blocks refer to specialized network hardware or components that are used in the development of networks. The areas of the network building blocks that are of major concern are the network types and network components.
Ethernet Network
Ethernet network refers to a link layer protocol in the TCP/IP stack, essential for the connection of computer systems with the aim of forming a local area network that has protocols that are instrumental in the control of the passing of information and at the same time prevent simultaneous transmission by two other systems. Ethernet's hardware consists of Ethernet RJ-45 cables and network Hub. Some of the areas where the Ethernet is mostly applicable include Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). Models such as the Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) are mainly applicable under the Ethernet network. The Ethernet plays a key role in the description of how networked devices are capable of formatting data for the transmission to other network devices on the within a similar network segment.
The Ethernet network is fast, low cost and reliable thus suitable for various settings. It, is however, vulnerable various threats. One of these threats is related to cyber security. Hackers and crackers have found it easy to come up with techniques of accessing users' information via the Ethernet networks. The installation of the Ethernet's wires and cables into walls and floors to connect components exposes the network system to high risks of damage.
Wireless Network
The wireless network refers to the computer networks that are not connected by cables and instead it uses radio waves to connect devices such as mobile phones and laptops to the internet. Components of the wireless network include Wireless Router or Access Point (AP), NICs. Some of the benefits of the wireless network include mobility, convenience, it is easy to set up, has a robust security protection and it's less costly compared to the Ethernet.
In the modern world, characterized by advanced technology, the wireless network enjoys a lot of significances. The wireless network uses Wireless Network Adapters that uses infrared signals to receive and send data through the Wireless Access Point (WAP). The implementation of the wireless network takes place at the physical level layer of the Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model). Using the wireless network, it is easy for users to send data and files and at the same time communicate with persons within the same range. Emergency services such as paramedics and the police use the wireless network to communicate effectively.
It should, however, be noted that is faced by vulnerabilities. Implementation of incompatible software, for instance, can end up leading to failures of the wireless network in terms of data transfer. The users and systems also have to ensure that they stay at specified ranges and this implies that past the ranges, the network may not be functional. Finally, transfer of large files using the wireless network may be slow.
Conclusion
Based on the above arguments, it is clear that advancement in the levels of technology has enhanced communication across the globe. With the implementation of the various network building blocks such as wireless networks, efficiency in the communication has further been stimulated.
References
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