Business Data Communications and Networking, 11th Edition Solution Manual

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1-1Chapter 1: Introduction to Data Communications11theditionChapter OutlineINTRODUCTIONA Brief History of Communications in North AmericaA Brief History of Information SystemsA Brief History of the InternetDATA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKSComponents of a NetworkTypes of NetworksNETWORK MODELSOpen Systems Interconnection Reference ModelInternet ModelMessage Transmission Using LayersNETWORK STANDARDSThe Importance of StandardsThe Standards Making ProcessCommon StandardsFUTURE TRENDSPervasive NetworkingThe Integration of Voice, Video, and DataNew Information ServicesIMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENTSUMMARY

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Introduction to Data Communications1-2Teaching NotesI usually spend 1 hour of class time on this chapter.My goals in teaching this chapter are to introduce the basic concepts of data communications andto motivate the importance of learning this material for the students. I usually focus on thenetwork layer modelapproachbecause this sets the stage for everything that follows in the book.I take time to trace how a message starts in the application layer and moves through the otherlayers, each of which adds a packet to the message.This helps to give the students a conceptualunderpinning as to how the rest of the course will be laid out.I then refer to this introductionacross the course as each new layer is explored in depth later on.I then trace how the messageflows upward in the receiver.Together with this chapter, I cover binary representation and thenumber system topics outlined in the preface.Binary is sometimes a review for students, but notalways, so it is useful to have all students have the same level of understanding.I usually caution the students that this material is complex and difficult to learn, and that it is bestapproached in three ways:1) first, treat it as if one is learning a foreign language, and try toabsorb the material by not letting oneself become overwhelmed or to get too far behind-a littlebit each day is a much better approach to learning about networks. 2) If one does not grasp it allimmediately, they are not to worry, but to come at it again and again from several sessions, usingseveral different learning styles-reading, lectures, labs, slides and conversations in class. 3) Thestudents are well served by being sure to attend as many classes as possible, and to skim thematerial before the lectures, as well as read the chapters in depth after the lectures. The studentwho tries to learn it all on their own will struggle, but the student who keeps up will really enjoylearning all about this new and interesting topic.I pull up a jobs website, and explore several current job offers to show the students howinteresting networking jobs can be-and it doesn’t hurt for them to learn about the potentialsalaries in this area, either!I downplay the future trends section, but some instructors use this effectively to engage thestudents in a discussion.

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Chapter 11-3War StoriesMicrosoft Internet Explorer and HTML Standards(could also fit in Chapter 2)(Objective: illustrate the importance of standards)In early 1996, when we were developing our Web-groupware software (now a commercialproduct called Consensus @nyWARE (www.softbicycle.com) we discovered that Microsoft's IEwould not work with our software. IE did not support the full HTML 3.0 standard in formsprocessing. All the form information was returned in reverse order from the standard. Since IEwas a marginal product at the time and since our project was a research project, we decided notto bother rewriting our software to support IE.I received an email message from an IE user mentioning that they had discovered that IE wouldnot work with our software and asking if we knew why. I didn't really read the note verycarefully. I explained the problem and told them they should use Netscape and forget about IE …It turned out that the user was Microsoft's chief software architect for IE.Microsoft quickly confirmed that the problem was indeed their non-support for the standard.However, they ultimately decided not to support the standard, thus requiring developers tochange the way they write code (must use the form value tags, not position in the file returnedfrom the forms).Other topics to cover here in terms of war stories for illustrating the importance of networks is totalk about current standards with which the students are familiar-MP3 vs. ripped iPod files, orBlue Ray CD’s vs. the new High Def standards. I ask them what technology standards they useeach and every day, and write these on the board.Some prompting will uncover the standardsthat are in the chapter-TCP/IP and HTML, and then this can be a good place to re-introduceFigure 1.4.

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Introduction to Data Communications1-4Answers to End-of-Chapter Questions1.How can data communication networks affect businesses?Data communication networks can affect businesses by being the foundations for distributedsystemsinwhichinformationsystemapplicationsaredividedamonganetworkofcomputers. Data communication networks facilitate more efficient use of computers andimprove the day-to-day control of a business by providing faster information flow, aidingstrategic competitive advantage.They also provide message transfer services to allowcomputer users to talk to one another via electronic mail.2.Discuss three important applications of data communication networks in business andpersonal use.Three important applications of data communication networks in business and personal useinclude email, videoconferencing, and the Internet.3.Defineinformation lagand discuss its importance.Information lag is the time it takes for information to be disseminated worldwide. Collapsingthe information lag speeds the incorporation of new information into our daily lives.In fact,today's problem is that we cannot handle the quantities ofunfilteredinformation we receive.4.Describe the progression of communications systems from the 1800s to the present.Communications systems progression from the 1800s to the present:1837Invention of the telegraph1876Invention of the telephone1892Telephone system regulation begins in Canada1910Telephone system regulation begins in the United States1951Direct dialed long distance service begins1962Satellites begin to transmit international telephone calls1968Carterfone court decision permits non-Bell telephone equipment to be used1970Court permits MCI to provide long distance services1984Breakup of AT&TCellular phones enter service1996Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulates American telephone system

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Chapter 11-55.Describe the progression of information systems from the 1950s to the present.Information systems progression from the 1950s to the present:1950sBatch processing done with punch cards1960sUse of online terminals for batch processing1970sOnline real-time systems (single transaction-oriented processing)Change from discrete files to database filesIntegrated systems1980sCompletely integrated systems1990sDistributed database systemsData mining and warehousingIncreased information modeling in database design; object conceptsOn-line Analytical Processing (OLAP)2000s10G switch supporting OC192 fiber produced by NortelIncreased use of Web-based databasesIncreased use of wireless systems6.Describe the progression of the Internet from the 1960s to the present.Internet progression from the 1960s to the present:1969Started by US Department of Defense as four-computer network called ARPANET1974ARPANET networks 62 computers1983ARPANET split into Milnet and Internet1985Canadian government completes BITNET1986US National Science Foundation creates NSFNET to connect leading US universities198710,000 host computers on Internet and 1,000 on BITNETNew high speed backbone network for NSFNET198813 regional Internet networks connected1989Canadian National Research Council replaces BITNET with CA*NETWebconceived at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) in Geneva1990Over 200,000 computers on combined US and Canadian Internet1991CERN's first Web browser available on InternetEarly1990sMost individual country networks linked together into one worldwide network ofnetworks.Commercial networks began connecting into NSFNET, CA*net, and government-runnetworks of other countries1993Mosaic,the first graphical Web browser, developed at the University of Illinois as part ofa project for the university’s National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)1994More than 4 million host computers on the internet (most commercial.)US and Canadian governments stopped funding their few remaining circuits andturned them over to commercial firmsNetscape and other startup companies introduce commercial Web browsers1990sCommercial and social impacts of the Internet and Web; E-commerce2000sWireless Internet in use; Web databases; improved Internet access (e.g. DSL)7.How do LANs differ from MANs, WANs, and BNs?

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Introduction to Data Communications1-6A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of microcomputers or terminals located in the samegeneral area. A Backbone Network (BN) is a large central network that connects mosteverything on a single company site. A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) encompasses acity or county area.A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans cities, states, or nationalboundaries.Typically, MANs and WANs used leased facilities, while LANs and BNs areoften located internally in an organization and used owned facilities.8.What is a circuit?The circuit is the pathway through which the messages travel.It can be made up ofa copperwire, although fiber optic cable and wireless transmission are becoming more common.Acircuit can also pass across many types of physical facilities such as copper wire or fiberoptic cable, but the single end-to-end connection, no matter what the equipment, is referredto as the circuit.There are many devices alongthe circuit’s paththat perform specialfunctions such as hubs, switches, routers, and gateways.9.What is a client?The client is the input oroutput hardware device at the other end of a communication circuit.It typically providesremoteusers with access to the network and the data and software on theserver.10.What is a server?The server stores data or software that can be accessed by the clients, or remote users of ahardware input or output device.In client-server computing, several servers may worktogether over the network to support the business application.11.Why are network layers important?Communication networks are often broken into a series of layers, each of which can bedefined separately, to enable vendors to develop software and hardware that can worktogether in the overall network.These layers enable simplicity in development and also inthecomprehension of complex networks.In the end, the strategy of using more simplisticnetwork layers allows vastly different kinds of equipment to be able to have connectivityover a common platform or network, using protocols and standards that are applicable toeach narrow slice of the network.12.Describe the seven layers in the OSI network model and what they do.Theapplicationlayer is the application software used by the network user. Thepresentationlayer formats the data for presentation to the user by accommodating different interfaces ondifferent terminals or computers so the application program need not worry about them. Thesessionlayer is responsible for initiating, maintaining, and terminating each logical sessionbetween end users. Thetransportlayer deals with end-to-end issues, such as procedures for

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Chapter 11-7entering and departing from the network, by establishing, maintaining, and terminatinglogical connections for the transfer of data between the original sender and the finaldestination of the message. Thenetworklayer takes the message generated by the applicationlayer and if necessary, breaks it into several smaller messages. It then addresses themessage(s) and determines their route through the network, and records message accountinginformation before passing it to the data link layer. Thedata linklayer formats the messageto indicate where it starts and ends, decides when to transmit it over the physical media, anddetects and corrects any errors that occur in transmission. Thephysicallayer is the physicalconnection between the sender and receiver, including the hardware devices (e.g., computers,terminals, and modems) and physical media (e.g., cables, and satellites).13.Describe the five layers in the Internet network model and what they do.Theapplicationlayer is the application software used by the network user. Thetransportlayer deals with end-to-end issues, such as procedures for entering and departing from thenetwork, by establishing, maintaining, and terminating logical connections for the transfer ofdata between the original sender and the final destination of the message. Thenetworklayertakes the message generated by the application layer and if necessary, breaks it into severalsmaller messages. It then addresses the message(s) and determines their route through thenetwork, and records message accounting information before passing it to the data link layer.Thedata linklayer formats the message to indicate where it starts and ends, decides when totransmit it over the physical media, and detects and corrects any errors that occur intransmission. Thephysicallayer is the physical connection between the sender and receiver,including the hardware devices (e.g., computers, terminals, and modems) and physical media(e.g., cables, and satellites).14.Explain how a message is transmitted from one computer to another using layers.Theapplicationlayer is the application software used by the network user. Thetransportlayer is responsible for obtaining the address of the end user (if needed), breaking a largedata transmission into smaller packets (if needed), ensuring that all the packets have beenreceived, eliminating duplicate packets, and performing flow control to ensure that nocomputer is overwhelmed by the number of messages it receives. Thenetworklayer takes themessage generated by the application layer and if necessary, breaks it into several smallermessages. It then addresses the message(s) and determines their route through the network,and records message accounting information before passing it to the data link layer. Thedatalinklayer formats the message to indicate where it starts and ends, decides when to transmitit over the physical media, and detects and corrects any errors that occur in transmission. Thephysicallayer is the physical connection between the sender and receiver, including thehardware devices (e.g., computers, terminals, and modems) and physical media (e.g., cables,and satellites).15.Describe the three stages of standardization.The formal standardization process has three stages: specification, identification of choices,andacceptance.Thespecificationstageconsistsofdevelopinganomenclatureand

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Introduction to Data Communications1-8identifying the problems to be addressed. In the identification of choices stage, those workingon the standard identify the various solutions and choose the optimum solution from amongthe alternatives. Acceptance, which is the most difficult stage, consists of defining thesolution and getting recognized industry leaders to agree on a single, uniform solution.ISO standards development is pursued at the national and international levels. Authorizednational technical committees can be designated as Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) tointernational subcommittees or workgroups.Examples of national-level standards bodies (with the legal authority for national standardsdevelopment and articulation with ISO) are:StandardsDesignationName of National Standards Body(ISO Member)Web SiteNationANSIAmerican National Standards Institutewww.ansi.orgUSASCCStandards Council of Canadawww.scc.caCanadaDGNDirección General de Normaswww.economia.gob.mx/normasMexicoBSIBritish Standards Institutionwww.bsi-global.comUKJISCJapanese Industrial StandardsCommitteewww.jisc.orgJapanAFNORAssociation française de normalisationwww.afnor.frFranceBISBureau of Indian Standardswww.bis.org.inIndiaCSBTSChina State Bureau of Quality andTechnical Supervisionwww.csbts.cn.netChinaGOST RState Committee of the RussianFederation for Standardization andMetrologywww.gost.ruRussianFederationSNVSwiss Association for Standardization(Schweizerische Normen-Vereinigung)www.snv.chSwitzerlandDINDeutsches Institut für Normungwww.din.deGermany16.How are Internet standards developed?The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF; www.ietf.org) sets the standards that governhow much of the Internet will operate. Developing a standard usually takes 1-2 years.Usually, a standard begins as a protocol developed by a vendor. When a protocol is proposedfor standardization, IETF forms a working group of technical experts to study it. Theworking group examines the protocol to identify potential problems and possible extensionsand improvements, and then issues a report to IETF. If the report is favorable, the IETFissues a Request for Comment (RFC) that describes the proposed standard and solicitscomments from the entire world. Once no additional changes have been identified, itbecomes a Proposed Standard. Once at least two vendors have developed software based onit, and it has proven successful in operation, the Proposed Standard is changed to a DraftStandard. This is usually the final specification, although some protocols have been elevatedto Internet Standards, which usually signifies a mature standard not likely to change. There isa correlation of IETF RFCs to ISO standards.

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Chapter 11-917.Describe two important data communications standards-making bodies. How do they differ?The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) makes technical recommendationsaboutdatacommunicationinterfaces.TheTelecommunicationsgroup(ITU-T)isthetechnicalstandards-settingorganizationoftheUnitedNationsInternationalTelecommunications Union (ITU). Postal Telephone and Telegraphs (PTTs) are telephonecompanies outside of the United States.ITU-T establishes recommendations for use byPTTs, other common carriers, and hardware and software vendors.Although a complicatedseries of acronyms, it is useful to point out that the ISO created the OSI model!Information technology standards contribute to data communications. In the USA, theNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (NCITS) has responsibility(under ANSI) for multimedia (MPEG/JPEG), intercommunication among computing devicesandinformationsystems(includingtheInformationInfrastructure,SCSI-2interfaces,GeographicInformationSystems),storagemedia(harddrives,removablecartridges),database (including SQL3), security, and programming languages (such as C++). The NCITST3 committee on Open Distributed Processing (ODP) is the US Technical Advisory Group(TAG) to JTC 1/SC 6/WG 7 (Subcommittee 6, Workgroup 7). JTC 1 is the ISO/IEC JointTechnical Committee 1 on Information Technology.Among NCITS/T3's current projectsare: Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1), the OSI Directory Services (and protocols),routing information exchange protocols, multicasting (all of considerable interest to thetelecommunications industry.) T3 has US TAG responsibility for codes and character sets.IEEE plays an important standards role for data communications, particularly in LANtechnology protocols.Note that the HTML specifications state that HTML uses the ISO 8859-1 (Latin 1) characterset.18.What is the purpose of a data communication standard?The use of standards makes it much easier to develop software and hardware that linkdifferent networks because software and hardware can be developed one layer at a time. Thesoftware or hardware defined by the standard at one network layer can be easily updated, aslong as the interface between that layer and the ones around it remains unchanged.19.What are twoof the largest inter-exchange carriers (IXCs) in North America?Twoof the largest inter-exchange carriers (IXCs) in North America are AT&Tand Sprint,and the formerly large MCI was acquired in a post bankruptcy merger with Verizon.20.Name two RBOCs. Which ones provide services in your area?

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Introduction to Data Communications1-10Some regional bell operating companies (RBOCs) are Bell South, PacBell, Ameritech, andVerizon.AT&T recently made a bid to buy Bell South, and it seems to be repositioningitself to provide both long distance and local service, not unlike the pre-divestiture AT&T.21.Discuss three trends in communications and networking.First, pervasive networking will change how and where we work and with whom we dobusiness.Pervasivenetworkingmeansthatwewillhavehighspeedcommunicationsnetworks everywhere, and that virtually any device will be able to communicate with anyother device in the world. Prices for these networks will drop and the globalization of worldeconomies will continue to accelerate. Second, the integration of voice, video, and data ontothe same networks will greatly simplify networks and enable anyone to access any media atany point.Third, the rise in these pervasive, integrated networks will mean a significantincrease the availability of information and new information services.It is likely thatapplication service providers will evolve that act as information utilities.22.Why has the Internet model replaced the OSI model?The Internet model is simpler (effectively collapsing the top three layers of the OSI modelinto a single model) and easier to remember and understand.Further, the ISO OSI ReferenceModel is the result of a formal standardization process and is technical in its presentation.By contrast, the Internet modelis appropriate for those within the networking communitywithpractical needsrelated toimplementingthe Internet and networking.However, only a few years ago the Internet model was commonly understood to have onlyfour layers.Today,the transport layer is now separately identified in the Internet model,yielding an important, fifth layer for comprehension.Thisevolution in presentationmayshow that at least one technical distinction from the OSI model is now considered practical asthe scope, volume of traffic, and complexity of networking (and of the Internet) grows.23.In the 1980s when we wrote the first edition of this book, there were many, many moreprotocols in common use at the data link, network, and transport layers than there are today.Why do you think the number of commonly used protocols at these layers has declined? Doyou think this trend will continue? What are the implications for those who design andoperate networks?Today there is convergence aroundthe non-proprietary use ofTCP/IP as the protocol ofchoice for all networks.For the most part, network software isdesigned to interface withnetworks using this protocol.By non-proprietary, this means thatTCP/IP is an interoperableprotocol portable to any manufacturer's hardware.All manufacturers are developing theirproducts to use TCP/IP as their protocol of choice.This isofgreat benefit for thoseoperatingnetworks because they do nothave to deal with theincompatibilities of variousproprietary networks.In the past, network equipment such as IBM’s SNA and Novell’sNetware products had retained proprietary protocols that did not interface with as much ease

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Chapter 11-11as today’s more compatible and TCP/IP based products.The decline of the number ofcompeting protocols is related to the emergence of TCP/IP as the universal connector, alongwith the rise in competition and subsequently better price availability from those vendorswho market to this protocol, thus ensuring the viability of this standard for a long time tocome for network managers.24.The number of standardized protocols in use at the application layer has significantlyincreased from the 1980s to today.Why?Do you think this trend will continue? What arethe implications for those who design and operate networks?The biggest reasonthat there are more standardized protocols at the application layerisrelated tothe predominant use of the Web and its standardized graphic interface (HTTP,DHCP,for example).In a way, many new protocols ride on top of TCP/IP networks, andsome of these new protocols have been developed toenable the retrofitting of newtechnologies on top of an older networking architecture.On the other hand some proprietaryprotocols connected with such models as IBM's SNA and DECNet have declined insignificance while the importance of Internet-related protocols has grown,25.Do you support net neutrality? Why or why not?Student answers will vary based on their opinions.26.How many bits (not bytes) are there ina 10 page text document?Hint:There areapproximately 350 words on a double-spaced page.First, some assumptions must be made. Assume each word averages seven letters and there isone space between each word. Next assume we are using 8-bit ASCII.Multiply 350 words by 8 bytes (7 letters plus a space) to get 2,800 bytes per page.Multiply 2,800 by 10 pages to get 28,000Multiply 28,000 bytes by 8 bits per byte to get 224,000 bits

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Introduction to Data Communications1-12Mini-CasesI. Big E. BankNancy Smith's taskas a Senior Network Project Manageris to connect OhioBank's network withBigEastBank's network.She has several alternatives.Your job is to develop a short list of prosand cons for each alternative and make a recommendation.Big EastBankOhio BankSizePresumed largeSmallLocationNot statedColumbusInfrastructureNot statedWAN connecting 5 cities withbranchesMANs in citiesLANs in branchesAlternative A is to leave the two networks separate but install a few devices in OB's headquartersto translate between the set of protocols used in the BEB network and those in the OB networkso that messages can flow between the two networks.Pros: Easiest (and likely the least expensive and fastest) to implement; little impact oninfrastructureCons: Performance penalties from lack of network architecture integrationAlternative B is to replace all the WAN, MAN, and LAN network components in OB's entirenetwork so that OB uses the same protocols as BEB and the two can freely communicate.Pros: Performance gains from network architecture integrationCons: Major impacts on infrastructure; major costs; time requiredAlternative C is to replace the devices in the OB WAN (and possibly the MANs) so that eachcity (or each branch, if the MANs are replaced as well) can communicate with the BEB network,but the LANs in individual branch remain unchanged. In this case, the device connecting theMAN (or the branch) will translate between the OB protocols and the BEB protocols.Pros: Intermediate to good performance gains (over Alternative A) but some penalties,depending on whether just OB WAN or both MAN and WAN technologies are affected and theextent to which the resulting interface between OB's and BEB's technologies turns out to causeperformance problems.Intermediate expense and infrastructure impact.Cons: Does not achieve full network integration. Necessity to support OB's LAN or LAN/MANtechnology over time will addadditionalproblems to network management for BEB.

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Chapter 11-13Recommendation: Alternative C is the most practical in terms of time frame to implement andcosts to achieve at least a substantial level of network architecture integration.However, from alonger-term point of view, Alternative B is the best, provided that BEB offers a transition stagelike Alternative A to meet immediate needs and takes sufficient time to implement the fullinfrastructure changes.This plan will enable the banks to achieve their full potential fromtheircommunications infrastructure, and facilitate integration of more than just the networks, but alsocarry over into integration among the staff and customers.II. Global ConsultantsWhat advice would you give Mr. Adams? (...given two de facto standards for financial software,neither of which is completely satisfactory as neither one supports both required financialanalysis tasks adequately.)One solution would be to choose a software source adhering to the de facto standards of eitherGroup A or Group B and attempt to negotiatethe development ofanew andsatisfactory versionof the financial analysis task deemed inadequate.This likely would not work because no firmcould be found that would agree to develop a new version of its software or because GlobalConsultants would be expected to bear high development costs to meet its specific need.Mostsoftware companies would be unwilling to interrupt or significantly modify a softwaredevelopment schedulefor the sake of a single client..Thus, if no software source can be found that will undertake the needed development forreasonable cost, the practical solution may be for Global Consultants to undertakea ground updevelopmentproject of newsoftware that will meet all needs.This could be done internally orby hiring a consultant firm (outsourcing).This approach could be evaluated in light of thefirm’s strategic plan, and, if the new software is highly successful for GC, it might become amarketable product for the firm.III.Atlas AdvertisingWhat types of standard protocols and technologies do you think they are using at each layer?Students should refer to Figure 1.5 to address the issues raised with this mini-case.IV.Consolidated SuppliesShould Consolidated Supplies replace all the networking equipment in all the warehouses now,should it wait until newer networking technologies are available, or should it upgrade some ofthe warehouses this year, some next year, and some the year after, so that some warehouses willbenefit from the expected future improvements in networking technologies?Students should consider the history of information systems when thinking about this issue.Rapid changes in technology will continue to make the decision about when to implement newtechnologies a difficult one for businesses.The solution must be one that fits well with the natureof the organization itself and its corporate, long term goals. If Consolidated Supplies is in an

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Introduction to Data Communications1-14aggressive acquisition mode and involved in a rapidly changing, high tech industry, perhaps amore aggressive upgrade of the network would be appropriate. If Consolidated Supplies is in amarket niche that does not face deep market changes and offshore competition for its continuedsuccess, and is less concerned about the role of technology in their immediate strategy, then thefirm may have the luxury of waiting out a round of technological change in the interest ofallowing the future improvements to reach the marketplace.V.Asia ImportersWhat are the potential benefits and challenges that Asia Importers should consider in making thedecision about whether or not to move to one integrated service?An integrated service will enable Ms. Wongto consolidate her bills and technical support with asinglecompany. Thissingle source of contact would be ofbenefit to Asia Importersbystreamlining services and technological sourcing.However, apotential disadvantageof thesingle source approachis that the sole vendorwould then managemore of Asia Importers’technical infrastructure, leaving the firm with some vulnerabilitydue to single sourcing. If thevendor proves unreliable or inefficient, this will affect a greater portion of Asia Importers’business than if the vendor was only servicing one or another technology.VI.Mega InvestmentsOutline the pros and cons of upgrading the networks.The pros of upgrading the networks include increased system speed andreliability for MegaInvestments, as well as getting out from under the concerns over potential major problems ortotal outages due to equipment availability problems such as might occur for some Token Ringproducts.On the other hand, possible cons include the cost of the upgrade, the potential forconfusion on the part of end users during the transition, and the challenges of upgrading remoteofficesin the Caribbean.

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Chapter 11-15Next Day Air Service Case Study1.Briefly describe the current state of Next Day Air Service's office automation, systemintegration, and networking. Begin by explaining how each department uses informationtechnology, what hardware it uses, and what functions currently are automated. Also assesswhich department is most in need of a network.The level of automation varies significantly among the NDAS departments and offices. Inaddition, NDAS is in the process of downsizing to achieve a more cost-effective computersupport system.For example, the Sales and Marketing Division has a desktop computer for each of theaccount representatives. All of these computers are connected to a small local area network(LAN) that serves only the Sales and Marketing Division. The Accounts Receivable Divisionrecently downsized its minicomputer to a powerful desktop computer with a faster processor,motor memory and increased disk storage space. This new desktop supports databases forboth customer billing and “bad dept” expenses. The Accounts Payable Division has an olderminicomputer and is in the process of downsizing to a modern powerful desktop computer. Ithas its own vendor database that includes invoices received by NDAS from other carriesstored on the older minicomputer.Fleet Maintenance prefers to process all its information manually; however, this area is beingconsidered for automation. None of the departmental computers is integrated.The Dispatch department needs a high speed data communication network the most, becauseit is the very essence of Next Day Air Services business. Without an efficient parcel trackingnetwork, there will be no NDAS!2.With the “types of networks” and future technologies discussed in this chapter, what kind ofnetwork would appear to be the most beneficial to Next Day Air Service? Justify youranswer.Initially, an integrated, organization-wide, multiapplication network appears to suit the needsof NDAS the best. This type of network would run many kinds of applications that sharecommon databases and communication facilities. Assuming that Next Day Air Service willcontinue to expand its operations, any network that is developed or acquired should becapable of being upgraded to a multi-organizational network.Note to instructor: Some students may be confused between network technology (LANs,WANs, MANs, BNs) and network type. This is a good place to clear up any misconceptionson this point.3.What are the current characteristics or practices that identify NDAS as a possible candidatefor its proposed integrated data communication network?NDAS has a number of geographically remote facilities that currently are not connectedeither to one another or to the corporate headquarters. Note that figure A1-1 in the text shows

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