Course Name: Information Systems Strategy - MS2. Module: 8 Module Title: Managing telecommunications and networks. Module 8 - Table of Contents

Transcription

1 Course Name: Information Systems Strategy - MS2 Module: 8 Module Title: Managing telecommunications and networks Lectures and handouts by: Brian Friedrich, MEd, CGA, FCCA(UK) Laura Friedrich, MSc, CGA, FCCA(UK) Module 8 - Table of Contents Part Content Overview of telecommunications and Network basics (8.1 & 8.3) Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) Network security issues (8.5) Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Remote computing management issues (8.7) Assignment 3 tips 2 Seven basic communications model elements: Sender and Receiver Encoder and Decoder Channel Message and Noise 3 1

2 Compare the different channels used in telecommunications networks (Level 1). Two types of signals: Digital - streams of 0s and 1s Electrical pulses Computer data Analog - continuous waves Voice Traditional cable television 4 The functions of a modem Modulation - converting digital signal to analog (e.g., to send message from computer across network to Internet) Demodulation - converting analog signal to digital (e.g., to receive message from Internet across network to computer) Mo Dem 5 Telecommunications channels can be divided into two groups: 1. Wired (conducted) Twisted pair - e.g., telephone wire, Ethernet Coaxial cable - e.g., television cable Fibre optic USB, FireWire 6 2

3 2. Wireless (radiated) Different functions naturally occupy, or are assigned, different ranges within the electromagnetic spectrum AM/FM radio Microwave Satellite relay Cellular phones, pagers Infrared - e.g., remote controls Bluetooth devices - e.g., PDAs 7 Choosing between Wired and Wireless Factors to consider Cost Speed/bandwidth Expandability/Scalability Security Durability Distance 8 Wired Generally higher transmission rates More secure (especially fibre optics) More durable Greater distances - less attenuation Higher cost, requires more resources to install and maintain 9 3

4 Wireless Lower transmission rates Less secure, less reliable Generally local in reach Convenient access Less expensive to set-up and maintain 10 Explain the purpose of communication protocols and list the most common protocols in use of today (Level 1). Telecommunications protocols are the rules and procedures that govern the transportation and communication of information and data. Telecommunications protocols will: identify check for errors notify correct errors verify 11 In order for two devices to communicate they must use the same protocols. Most common protocol is TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), which is used by the Internet. 12 4

5 OSI reference model Models network communications by using 7 theoretical layers At each layer, protocols guide the packaging of the message which is then passed to the next layer Allows developers to treat layers that are irrelevant to their product as a black box Makes communication and development of network solutions easier 13 Distinguish between the different ways of classifying networks and the kinds of networks that these approaches describe (Level 1). Networks can be defined by: Ownership Geography Topology Protocol 14 Ownership Private: all of the components of the network are owned and controlled by single entity Public: may be owned by a single organization but are used to provide infrastructure and services to other organizations or the public Combination of public and private may be used 15 5

6 Geography LAN (local area network) - covers a department or a building WAN (wide area network) - covers a few kilometers to full continents MAN (metropolitan area network) - backbone for a city or municipality GAN (global area network) - spans the globe 16 Topology (or structure) Star - all communication passes through central host Bus - all messages broadcasted to all network computers on a single circuit; messages travel in both directions Ring - messages travel in one direction from computer to computer; circuit forms closed loop Physical connection may differ from logical functioning 17 Protocol or Network services Internet is a TCP/IP network Most LANs can be defined as TCP/IP networks and as Ethernet networks Services include message management such as packet switching, frame relay, and ATM Services could also refer to Internet access technology type such as ISDN, DSL, T1, cablemodem, or dial-up 18 6

7 Assess the benefits and limitations of a networked system (Level 1). Benefits of networking Communications Sharing data Sharing network resources Centralized administration 19 Assess the benefits and limitations of a networked system (Level 1). Benefits of networking Communications Sharing data Limitations of networking Cost Security Sharing network resources Centralized administration 20 Client-server computing A form of distributed computing A common network architecture Application functions (data storage, processing, and presentation) are shared between clients and server(s) Enterprise computing generally makes use of client-server computing 21 7

8 Advantages of client-server computing Faster, more efficient transmission Maintaining data integrity through having a central data store Increased scalability 22 Advantages of client-server computing Faster, more efficient transmission Maintaining data integrity through having a central data store Increased scalability Disadvantages of client-server computing Complexity of set-up and maintenance Higher cost 23 Part 2 Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management Topics 8.2 &

9 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) Evaluate the strategic importance of telecommunications to the organization (Level 2). Strategic benefits Wide-spread access to common telecommunications platforms Increasing the reach of knowledge and information 25 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) Evaluate the strategic importance of telecommunications to the organization (Level 2). Strategic benefits Wide-spread access to common telecommunications platforms Increasing the reach of knowledge and information Interoperability (critical for achieving strategic benefits) Ability to interoperate with multiple networks and organizations 26 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) Evaluate the implications of the major trends in network management (Level 2). Trends Increasing availability of wireless networks More centralization of application processes Increasing remote network administration Less private infrastructure in the network 27 9

10 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) What s driving the trends? Increasing demands from IS users: network access for multiple devices ease of use, transparent access access to information at any time access from any place (including home) increased access to bandwidth 28 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) 1. Increasing availability of wireless networks (see Topic 8.6) answers needs for mobility and access for multiple devices 29 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) 1. Increasing availability of wireless networks (see Topic 8.6) answers needs for mobility and access for multiple devices 2. More centralization of application processes (i.e., thinner clients in client-server networks) ease of administration better security and control simpler application design justification for better-performing central servers reduced total cost of ownership 30 10

11 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) 3. Increasing remote network administration remote software updates (e.g. virus definitions) troubleshooting support 31 Part 2 - Strategic uses of telecommunications and trends in network management (8.2 & 8.4) 3. Increasing remote network administration remote software updates (e.g. virus definitions) troubleshooting support 4. Less private infrastructure in the network lower costs to connect better interoperability because of standards security is a bigger challenge performance is less reliable complexity can lead to finger-pointing 32 Part 3 Network security issues Topic

12 Part 3 - Network security issues (8.5) Analyze the key security challenges that relate to organizational networking (Level 1). Sender and receiver must be assured that: The message came from who it says it came from The message wasn t altered in transit The intended receiver was the only recipient 34 Part 3 - Network security issues (8.5) Network security issues AAA framework: Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (detailed in Topic 9.3) Network design factors Consider organizational security needs when designing the network (e.g. choice of channels) and determining acceptable use policies Consider inherent limitations, e.g., wireless is less secure than wired 35 Part 3 - Network security issues (8.5) Firewalls Filters traffic between internal (LAN) and external networks (WAN) Encryption (AES, 3DES) Encoding messages so that only a person with a key can read the information Protects data as it travels across different networks and channels Makes it easier to maintain confidentiality and security of data 36 12

13 Part 4 Planning and managing wireless networks Topic Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Common wireless technologies Short messaging services (cell phone text messaging) WAP and i-mode - wireless web applications for mobile devices (PDAs, cell phones) Infrared and Bluetooth ports (for communication between mobile devices) Wireless LANs (WLANs) 38 Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Assess the benefits and limitations of wireless networking (Level 1). Benefits of wireless Ease of installation Scalability Portability and mobility Cost 39 13

14 Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Assess the benefits and limitations of wireless networking (Level 1). Benefits of wireless Ease of installation Scalability Portability and mobility Cost Limitations of wireless Speed Security Emerging standards 40 Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Compare three technological approaches to wireless networking in the organization and briefly explain their application (Level 2). IEEE (Wi-Fi) - b, a, and g b Was the 1st standard to be ratified In theory up to 11 Mbps, in practice about 6 Mbps In theory up to 50 m, in practice about m g Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) In theory up to 54 Mbps, in practice about Mbps In theory up to 50 m, in practice about m Backward compatible with b a In theory up to 54 Mbps, in practice about Mbps In theory up to 50 m, in practice about m Not backward compatible with b 42 14

15 Bluetooth Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Emerging standard for connecting peripheral devices without wires An addition to data networks, not a replacement Throughput in practice about Mbps Range in practice about 5-10 m Does not require line-of-sight 43 Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Infrared Very inexpensive, many devices have capability Requires line-of-sight Throughput in practice about Mbps Range in practice about 1-5 m Widely being replaced by Bluetooth 44 Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Infrared Very inexpensive, many devices have capability Requires line-of-sight Throughput in practice about Mbps Range in practice about 1-5 m Widely being replaced by Bluetooth WAP and i-mode standards for wireless web content for communications devices like PDAs and cell phones 45 15

16 Part 4 - Planning and managing wireless networks (8.6) Wireless or wired? Consider: Mobility and portability Speed Security Cost Implementation issues 46 Part 5 Remote computing management issues Topic Part 5 - Remote computing management issues (8.7) Evaluate the social costs and benefits, management, and maintenance of remote computing and telecommuting (Level 1). Types of remote workers Road warriors: work primarily at a client s site, or spend most of their time maintaining and overseeing numerous locations Telecommuters: typically work from home or satellite offices 48 16

17 Part 5 - Remote computing management issues (8.7) Telecommuting advantages Increased work-family balance Reduced stress on employees and on the environment because of long commutes More sustainable urban development plans 49 Part 5 - Remote computing management issues (8.7) Tools for remote computing For road warriors: Laptops Cell phones and pagers PDAs Access to network through dial-up,cell phones, high-speed at hotels For telecommuters: Home office laptop or desktop Home office telephone/fax Access to network through high-speed 50 Part 5 - Remote computing management issues (8.7) Major challenges in managing remote workers Access issues Security issues (encryption, VPNs) Setup costs Support difficulties 51 17

18 Part 5 - Remote computing management issues (8.7) Major challenges in managing remote workers Access issues Security issues (encryption, VPNs) Setup costs Support difficulties Performance evaluation challenges Requires greater trust in the worker and more reliance on outcomes than on process 52 Part 6 Assignment 3 tips 53 Part 6 - Assignment 3 Tips Q1 MCQs - come from a variety of topics; use your textbook and Module Notes Q2 Part 1 - short answer (Topic 7.1) Why is diminished information asymmetry an underlying driver of e-business? Break it down: - what is information asymmetry? - why/how is it diminished on the Internet? - why/how is e-business encouraged as a result? 54 18

19 Part 6 - Assignment 3 Tips Q2 Part 2 - Memo (Topic 7.2 and 7.5) E-business consultant to a vineyard Discuss challenges of selling wines online Look at specific challenges of e-business, and put them in context As usual, remember role and audience - not too technical Remember format, opening and closing For format and tips on memo writing - see Module 2, part 6 (Review Question 2-4) 55 Part 6 - Assignment 3 Tips Q3 Memo Financial analyst for a software company Company recently switched to an online sales model Good financial results, but potentially losing touch with customers Alignment of IT strategy and overall business strategy needed - explain why and what to do now Be diplomatic! 56 Part 6 - Assignment 3 Tips Q4 Case analysis - Digital Canada s New Work Environment Adopting new telecommunications tech and managing remote workers Evaluate issues and make recommendations to improve chance of success Issues key business issues or pressures driving the change issues resulting from the way the change was implemented 57 19

20 Part 6 - Assignment 3 Tips For analysis, may want to analyze group by group (review Topic 8.7 re: remote workers) GIA field managers field employees Prioritize recommendations Conclusions - limitations and future considerations (what if your recommendations don t work?) 58 20