Laudon and Laudon (1999)

Management > Organisational Knowledge and Information Systems > Lectures > Independent Research > Laudon and Laudon > Networks

Networks

Types of networks include the following:

• The Star Network - a central host computer is connected to a network of other computers or terminals. This can be an efficient way to transfer information, but if the central computer breaks down, the whole system crashes
• The Ring Network - this does not rely on a central host computer and so will not necessarily break down if one computer fails. All the computers are directly linked to one another in a closed loop. It uses a Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is a telecommunications network that requires its own dedicated channels and that  encompasses a limited distance, such as a building or a few buildings within close proximity. Wireless LAN is being used more by businesses.

A gateway is a communications processor which connects dissimilar networks by translating from one set of protocols to another (thus helping to prevent "islands of technology")

WAN (Wide Area Network) spans a broader geographical distance. Amoco uses satellites (therefore, WAN) for real time data transfer of oil field exploration data gathered from searches of the ocean floor.

Connectivity is where computers share information in a meaningful way without the intervention of humans. Java software is an example, though firms will need their own own individual proprietary networks with connectivity solutions.

Telecommunications in business

Problems and solutions

The plan