Abstract This paper presents a case study of the Klamath County School District's (KCSD) project to facilitate high-bandwidth learning. The paper contends that, although software solutions, such as Novell's BorderManager and SurfControl's Cyper Patrol, are cumbersome and time-consuming, they are a necessary reality for limiting violent or obscene content as required by government regulations for schools. The functionality of products such as KSCD is still necessary for performance-monitoring and remote diagnostics, but can be obtained in a single-server solution to reduce complexity and ongoing maintenance and support. The paper explains that,to maximize bandwidth capacity, network routing optimization techniques will be essential to help balance demand between low and high usage schools.
From the Paper "The challenge KCSD faced was to provide acceptable WAN performance for core business activities. These included basic Internet and e-mail access, distance learning classes, and educational programming through broadcast and cable TV feeds. The WAN also had to support administrative applications running on top of very large databases that help the district track of students' grades, attendance, immunization records, and other critical information. In addition, the WAN was necessary for supporting Unix-based accounting systems."
Abstract This paper demonstrates how videoconferencing works including the components, proper protocol and bandwidth. The author explores the uses, advantages and disadvantages of videoconferencing in business especially to eliminate the need for unnecessary business travel. The author also explores the educational uses of videoconferencing especially in rural and foreign communities. Included in the paper is a break-even table for converting meetings to videoconferencing.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Video Conferencing
Components
Protocol
Bandwidth Uses of Videoconferencing
Business Uses of Videoconferencing
Advantages of Videoconferencing in the Business Environment
Disadvantages of Videoconferencing in the Business Environment
Educational Uses of Video Conferencing
Challenges that Educators Face when Using Videoconferencing
Recent Problems Associated with Videoconferencing
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the academic environment videoconferencing is often used as a distance education technique. Videoconferencing often used to teach individuals in both urban and remote rural locations. There are several factors that influence the use of videoconferencing in an academic environment. Factors such as technology used, physical factors such as lighting and sound, as well as teaching strategies. It is widely accepted that presenting a successful module via videoconferencing requires a modified approach to teaching and learning ."
Abstract This paper explains that DWDM carries multiple optical signals across a single fiber optic cable simultaneously, but at different wavelengths so they do not interfere with each other, thus increasing its capacity because each individual signal can be transported at a different rate. The author points out that the largest stigma attached to DWDM is that, although it is reliable, at the present time virtually no companies exist, which require the enormous amount of bandwidth the system can provide. The paper relates that long distance companies have already begun to utilize the technology because DWDM provides more complex interconnect topologies as well as bandwidth capacities, which will be able to handle the telecommunications traffic of the future.
From the Paper "When networking was first conceived the amount of bandwidth, the average individual would use was greatly underestimated. In fact, "Most U.S. networks were built using estimates that calculated bandwidth use by employing concentration ratios derived from classical engineering formulas such as Poisson and Reeling." Essentially, this meant that the engineers who devised the first networks in the United States did not foresee the enormous influx of activity generated by the internet. Therefore, the networks were built upon the assumption that the average individual would only require six minutes of bandwidth per hour; but today, with internet traffic increasing by three hundred percent per year, individual bandwidth requirements have reached upwards of one hundred eighty minutes per hour. Not surprisingly, this has created some problems. "
Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to analyze different aspects of Pulse Code Modulation including sampling theory, aliasing, quantizing and effect of non-uniform quantization. Each part of the paper begins with the theoretical analysis; then the simulation results are presented. Finally the practical measurement results are demonstrated and discussed. For better analysis and subjective evaluation of quantization process, a Java-MATLAB application is developed (the source codes are included). Finally in the conclusion, the main points of each part are summarized.
Outline
Introduction
Pulse Modulations
Pulse Code Modulation
Sampling
Nyquist Sampling Theorem and the Aliasing Distortion
Zero Order Hold (ZOH)
Effect of Output Pulse Width
Aliasing Distortion
Variation of the Output Filter Bandwidth Quantization
PCM Quantization Analysis: Java-MATLAB Software Application
Peak clipping
Quantization Distortion
Spectrum of Quantization Noise
Non-Uniform Quantization
The i law
Quantization Distortion for a Companded System
Conclusion
References
Appendix A: Java Software Source code
From the Paper "Sampling is the first step in any pulse modulation system. In fact by sampling, a signal is represented by set of discrete samples. If the frequency of the sampling is high enough, the original signal can be recovered from the samples. This concept will be examined with more details later. From the mathematical point of view, the sampling process can be considered as the multiplication of the message signal by a train of Dirac impulses. "
Abstract This paper discusses some of the advancements implemented in networking protocol in order to reduce network congestion and improve speed. It also includes a discussion of RED, an active queue management protocol that is widely implemented in the Internet.
From the Paper "Further research should be carried out to improve RED. Infact, a lot research is currently going on in order to make RED adaptive to network flows. Due to the random nature of RED, there are certain times when the algorithm drops packets especially if the network has observed congestion. Packet loss should be minimized for two important reasons. One to improve network performance and two, to save the resources that are wasted once a packet is dropped enroute to its destination. Increasing queue size, reducing packet processing delays at the router are one of the methods of improving overall network performance."
Abstract This paper discusses the interaction of various elements that conform to the TCP/IP protocol enabling the Internet as we know it.
From the Paper "The TCP protocol was designed to operate reliably over almost any transmission medium regardless of transmission rate, delay, corruption, duplication, or reordering of segments. Production TCP implementations currently adapt to transfer rates in the range of 100 bps to 10**7 bps and round-trip delays in the range 1 ms to 100 seconds. Recent work on TCP performance has shown that TCP can work well over a variety of Internet paths, ranging from 800Mbit/sec I/O channels to 300 bit/sec dial-up modems. There is no one-line answer to the question: "How fast can TCP go""
Abstract This paper discusses the advantages of setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The author introduces the definition of VPN, lists the types of existing VPN systems, and examines relevant security and encryption issues.
From the Paper "There are many reasons for setting up a Virtual Private Network, but the most important one is the potential cost saving. When the Internet is used to distribute network services over long distances, companies no longer have to purchase expensive private leased lines to link various offices. A VPN needs only a short dedicated connection. A local broadband connection or a leased line would do. This point is most important in a rapidly expanding organization. If normal point to point leased lines are used, the costs of the lines increases exponentially with the growth, and at a time, it will become the limiting factor in the organizations growth. VPNs do not have this problem, as whenever a new location is opened, they just have to tap into the universally available network. Another way that the VPNs reduce communication costs is on a recurring basis. This is the monthly phone bills that are saved. This is especially noticed if the company has international sites, as savings here can run into the thousands. All the users have to do now is to dial a local, or an 800 number, and logon to their network. Another major way that VPNs reduce cost is by reducing the maintenance and network support burden. The service provider must now support the dial up access, and the user no longer has to pay for the pools of modems, and other components of the network such as the remote access servers and other WAN equipment. The user can now get away with his normal Internet setup."
Abstract The following essay consists of a brief overview of the history of fiber optics. It also discusses the current uses of fiber optics in communications in voice, image, and data transmission. The writer also looks into the future uses of fiber optics as a key role in communications.
From the Paper "There is nothing in the world that gives us more power or confidence than having information. There are few things that we cannot do if we have the proper information to do it with. In addition, the ability to communicate that information is essential to the successful advancement of society. Information is the key to all foundational understanding and the ability to transmit information in a variety of ways allows us to expand our horizons, individually, societally and physically. Mankind has been working on ways to pass information since the beginning of time."
Abstract This paper explores the reasons for the shift from a hub-based token ring system to an Ethernet system. The author discusses the desire for increased speed, greater bandwidth and general updating of the system to be more compatible with other contemporary systems.
From the Paper "The Ethernet originated as a laboratory project at Xerox Corporation in 1974. It was developed as an inexpensive way of sending information quickly between office machines connected together in a single room or building thus serving in essentially the same way that a local area network functions but it rapidly became a standard computer interconnection method in large measure because of the speed at which it is capable of transmitting data, which is 10 megabits per second. The Ethernet originally required a coaxial cable as its communications medium, but this is no longer the case."
Abstract This paper examines the issues of copyright infringement and circumvention of technology with reference to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. The author of this paper has carefully studied the law in question and has focused on various issues connected with this legislation. DMCA is a highly controversial law that has been staunchly opposed and actively supported by different section of the public and it has managed to attract great deal of media attention because of various lawsuits that emerged in this connection. The paper looks into some important court cases for impartial and objective study of the law.
From the Paper "There has been a long-standing debate on the issue of freedom of speech in the United States. While the Constitution of the country explicitly grants American citizens the right to share information and to speak freely without fear of prosecution through the First Amendment, still both the government and public are confused about the extent to which this legislation is valid and applicable. This is because freedom of speech and the very closely connected issue of copyright infringement have now entered a new realm i.e. the digital world and simply speaking this one domain knew no laws or rules when it first invaded our lives. We need to understand that Internet has on the one hand made access to information easier but on the other hand the same medium has been accused of encouraging copyright violation which has now turned into one of the most heatedly debated issues. Businesses and the general public is not aware of the extent to which they can use copyrighted material available on the Internet while the online companies are puzzled as to what actually constitutes infringement and to what extent can they provide access to such materials to their valued users. With major problems surfacing in this connection, online and digital businesses have been forced to exercise more caution when dealing with copyrighted material."
Abstract This paper presents the history, pros, cons and uses of video conferencing. The paper shows that numerous benefits to both businesses and consumers are provided by video conferencing. For example, video conferencing reduces travel expenses, reduces the distance between separated families, improves working relationships and improves remote job interviews processes. The paper discusses how video conferencing is also proving an invaluable tool in industries, such as the legal, medicinal, and educational fields. It examines the potential problems which could occur with this new technology, as well as several challenges faced by the emerging video conferencing industry including bandwidth limitations, picture quality degradation due to compression and decompression and the level of preparation for presentations at meetings.
From the Paper "Economic and organization pressures, such as increased local and global competition, has fueled the need to find better and more efficient ways of doing business. Video conferencing seeks to provides a human face to the technological world in which we live and work. It has been available for many years, but until recently, cost has limited its widespread use. "Video conferencing is the combination of dedicated audio, video, and communications networking technology for real-time interaction (Multimedia Telecommunications FAQ).""
Abstract This paper on mobility pattern and broadband networks focuses on the fast transfer rate of information either wireless or wirelined via broadband network services and the underlying technologies which make possible the achievement of large range of bandwidth. This paper also reviews the grade of service for different mobility patterns and the services provided by this technology in accordance to geographical locations, different buildings and static users.
Abstract This paper explains that computer-aided instruction (CAI) and computer-based training (CBT) have provided both graduates and undergraduates the drill-and-practice systems, that have replaced teachers in routine coaching duties. The author points out that, despite reservations being made by a number of researchers, nearly every higher education institute in the United States is in favor of distance-learning programs because they can cut costs. The paper states that the Internet will become an inseparable part of all the educational systems in the new millennium.
Table of Contents
Statement of Purpose
Search Strategies
The Approach Utilized
Data Gathering and Utilizing Method
Keywords Used
Introduction
Computer-Aided Instruction and Computer-Based Training
Internet Impact: Distance Learning, Cost Reduction, and Increased Access
Calendar of Class Sessions
Virtual Office Hours
Chat Rooms
Video and Movie Clips
"Live" Computer Programs
Two-way Interactive Communication
On-demand Communication Protocol
Wide Communication Bandwidth Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Interactive Learning Environments
Internet Impact: Turning Expensive Stand-Alone Systems into Cheaper Distance-Learning Technologies
Conclusion
From the Paper "The impact of Internet on the traditional learning system has raised doubts in the minds of the several researchers. John and Donald assert, ?Some persons are so addicted to its use to the extent they have actually flunked out of college, lost their marriage partners, become mentally sick, given up their jobs, and decreased their human contacts. Furthermore, one more researcher asserts that having access to the Internet does not assure that students will use the information accessible to them from the internet will be used to gain useful knowledge."
Abstract This paper explores the current mobile computing technologies related with network, hardware and software. In addition, the security and standard of mobile computing is considered as an important aspect of this field. Thie paper also analyzes the current issues in mobile computing worldwide that require further innovation.
Contents:
Introduction
Different types of Distributed Mobile Computing system
Traditional Distributed System
Nomadic Distributed System
Ad-Hoc Mobile distributed System
Mobile Computing Technologies and Hardwares
GSM
AMPS
CDPD
Circuit-switched network
Packet-switched network
Bluetooth
Common Mobile Computing Hardware
Mobile Computing Software
Operating System
Mobile Computing application software
Mobile Computing Security
Virus Attacks
Synchronisation
Network Security
Current Issues of Mobile Computing
Batteries related issues
Bandwidth Reliability
Mobile Computing Standard
WAP
SWAP
The Future of Mobile Computing
Summary and Conclusion
References
From the Paper "With the boom in laptop computer sales and the recent popularity of cellular telephone, PCS and paper technologies many experts are convinced that tomorrow?'s computers will all be mobile. This surge in popularity is followed by the desire for continuous Internet connectivity regardless of location; in other words, users desire Internet version of cellular telephone and mobile that can supply network function."
Tags: amps, cdpd, distributed, hoc, mobile, nomadic, system
Abstract Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world, being depleted of its natural wealth and resources and now totally dependant on aid from the rest of the world. This paper provides an overview of the general state of progress of Tanzania in various fields in order to understand the difficulty this country faces, along with the rest of Africa, in development and progress in the field of e-commerce. The paper looks at Tanzania's media, government legislation relating to communication networks and business, and the efforts being made by the private sector to develop e-commerce.
From the Paper "In spite of all the factors that work against the progress of Africa in the field of computers and e-commerce, there is a commendable amount of progress in the field of e-commerce and related fields. Quite a few small firms actively pursue this field and have started small businesses that use e commerce as their basis. In fact, Africa is unique because the government has taken a keen interest in promoting and developing e commerce, whereas in the past, all legislation was hindered by red tape, (E-commerce Practice and Policy) Initially, a framework was created whereby the outline of e commerce was laid out in simple steps. Trust in the new e commerce system had to be built in the minds of the largely uneducated people. After this was achieved, the next step would be to research and analyze and thereafter establish the rules for framing a digital and e-commerce network that would be of practical benefit to all."
