Week 6 Reading Notes

Week 6 Reading Notes

Local Area Network

·      Interconnects computers within a limited area

·      Ethernet and Wi-Fi are most commonly used to build LAN’s

o   Wi-Fi use is popular as it supports easy access for laptops and smartphones

·      LAN’s can maintain connections with other networks as well through the use of leased lines or the internet

Computer Network

·      Collection of interconnected computers or devices that share data, resources, and information through communication channels

o   Example: the internet

·      Network Nodes

o   Devices that originate, route, and terminate data

o   Example: PC’s and phones

·      Support computer applications

·      Facilitates interpersonal communication- effective, almost instantaneous

·      Shared storage devices within network

o   Users can access information that is stored on other devices within the network

o   Shared resources- printers

·      Overlay Network

o   Virtual network built on top of another network

§  Connected through links

·      Types of networks- characterized by physical capacity or organizational purpose

o   Personal Area Network

§  Used to connect devices belonging to one personal or within a household

o   Local Area Network

§  Connects devices within a limited geographical area

o   Home Area Network

§  Residential LAN

o   Storage Area Network

§  Network that provides access to data storage

o   Campus Area Network

o   Backbone Network

§  Provides a path for information exchange between different networks or sub-networks

o   Metropolitan Area Network

o   Wide Area Network

o   Enterprise Private Network

§  Interconnected office locations

o   Virtual Private Network

o   Global Area Network

·      Does the University of Pittsburgh utilize a LAN, CAN, MAN, or WAN?

·      Internetwork

o   Connection of multiple networks through common routing technology

§  The internet for example

§  Routing is the process of selecting paths in a network to carry data traffic

Is there a difference between a network and a server?

Management of RFID in Libraries

As RFID devices begin to be implemented for many differing tasks, such as debit card payments and even passports, libraries are questioning whether it would be a good idea to implement RFID devices in their materials. RFID would in essence replace both the barcode and the security tape in materials and also help towards simplifying inventory processes and checkout procedures. The potential downside to implementing RFID devices in libraries is the fact that they are relatively expensive. However it is possible that by installing these devices, libraries would save money in other areas as a result; such as circulation staff (with these devices patrons can easily check out their own materials) and time previously spent doing inventory and processing. However I am not sure if the price of cutting these tasks would even remotely equal the price of installing RFID devices in all library materials. Also, unlike debit cards library materials are repeatedly used and so the devices would have to be made extra durable. There is also the issue of privacy, with these devices check-in and check-out information is easily accessible. Despite all this, I think that these devices might be beneficial to libraries in the long run. They would more easily be able to track their items and possibly utilizing these devices might make lending with outside institutions an easier process.