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Chapter Outline
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
Wireless Technologies
Wireless Computer Networks and Internet Access
Mobile Computing and Mobile Commerce
Pervasive Computing
Wireless Security
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the four main types of wireless transmission media, and identify at least one
advantage and one disadvantage of each type.
2. Discuss the basic purposes of short-range, medium-range, and long-range networks,
and explain how businesses can use at least one technology employed by each type of
network.
3. Discuss the five major m-commerce applications, and provide a specific example of
how each application can benefit a business.
4. Define pervasive computing, describe two technologies that underlie this technology,
and provide at least one example of how a business can utilize each one.
5. Identify the four major threats to wireless networks, and explain, with examples, how
each one can damage a business.
Review Questions
Section 8.1 Before you go on
1. Describe the most common types of wireless devices.
Voice Portals A Web site with an audio interface. Voice portals are not Web sites in
the normal sense because they can also be accessed through a standard or a cell
phone. A certain phone number connects you to a Web site, where you can request
information verbally. The system finds the information, translates it into a computergenerated voice reply, and tells you what you want to know. An example is 511, the
travel information line developed by Tellme.com.
3. Describe wireless financial services.
The services provide a convenient way for customers to transact business regardless
of the time or their location. These services include banking, wireless payments and
micropayments, wireless wallets, bill-payment services, brokerage services, and
money..
4. List some of the major intrabusiness wireless applications.
There are applications that help owners of rental vehicles, commercial transport,
and heavy equipment fleets. These apps can be used to determine the location of
the vehicles and control messages that are sent to and from the vehicles.
Insurance companies use wireless digital cameras to take pictures at accident
scenes and transmit them to processing centers.
Mystery customers who file reports after evaluating locations of a national
restaurant franchise use hand-held devices to file reports.
Tolls roads use RFID to collect fees without the need for toll booth
personnel.
The ability of the villagers to collaborate with one another has helped create a
sense of unity in the region.
Access to information that was not easily available to them previously
The network was easy to set up and relatively inexpensive.
4. Discuss the ways in which Wi-Fi is being used to support mobile computing and mcommerce. Describe the ways in which Wi-Fi is affecting the use of cellular phones
for m-commerce.
Wi-Fi is the technical standard underlying most of todays wireless local area
networks (WLANs). A mobile computing device can connect to the Internet easily
from public access points called hotspots. Mobile computing and m-commerce
applications can be delivered easily and at adequate communication speeds in this
environment. Wi-Fi is reducing the need for wide-area wireless networks based on
cellular technology.
5. You can use location-based tools to help you find your car or the closest gas station.
However, some people see location-based tools as an invasion of privacy. Discuss
the pros and cons of location-based tools.
The benefits of location-based tools include the ability to request and receive
information that is tailored to your exact location. The concerns about this capability
arise from the fact that other people can obtain information about your exact location
and movements and use that information in harmful ways..
6. Discuss the benefits of telemetry in health care for the elderly.
The alerting devices that people can wear around their neck are valuable for seniors
who need emergency assistance after a fall or when they are experiencing some other
medical problem.
7. Discuss how wireless devices can help people with disabilities.
Sensors that help people with disabilities communicate with their computer and other
household devices significantly enhance these individuals ability to interface with
their environment and perform basic activities.
8. Some experts say that Wi-Fi is winning the battle with 3G cellular service. Others
disagree. Discuss both sides of the argument, and support each one.
Students will discuss this in terms of speed, distance and cost and why one of these
services is preferred over the other.
9. Which of the applications of pervasive computing do you think are likely to gain the
greatest market acceptance over the next few years? Why?
Although the students answers will vary, it is likely that applications that add
convenience without violating privacy will be the ones to gain market
acceptance. For example, an application that provides information about a
product for diagnostic and repair purposes would be useful because the
consumer could arrange for the product to be repaired before it fails.
.
Problem-Solving Activities
1. Investigate commercial applications of voice portals. Visit several vendors (e.g.,
www.tellme.com, www.bevocal.com, and so on). What capabilities and applications
do these vendors offer?
Students will research voice portals and report their findings.
2. Using a search engine, try to determine whether there are any commercial Wi-Fi
hotspots in your area. (Hint: Access http://v4.jiwire.com/search-hotspotlocations.htm.) Also check www.wifinder.com.
Students will discuss use of handhelds, laptops, etc. after locating WI-Fi spots in their
area.
3. Examine how new data capture devices such as RFID tags help organizations
accurately identify and segment their customers for activities such as targeted
marketing. Browse the Web and develop five potential new applications for RFID
technology, not listed in this chapter. What issues would arise if a countrys laws
mandated that such devices be embedded in everyones body as a national
identification system?
Students should enjoy researching this topic and describe these wearable devices.
4. Investigate commercial uses of GPS. Start with http://gpshome.ssc.nasa.gov; then go
to http://www.neigps.com/. Can some of the consumer-oriented products be used in
industry? Prepare a report on your findings.
Students will investigate and list products that can cross over between the end
consumer and industry markets.
It is too soon to predict the results of these new policies. Interestingly, Home Depots
IT initiatives could be complicated by the preference of most older contractors and do-ityourself homeowners to buy in person at a store. Home Depot recognizes that the
company has to serve customers the way they want to be served. However, the company
feels that over the long run, customers are going to become much more comfortable using
their smart phones on a real-time basis outside or inside the store.
Questions
1. Provide two specific reasons why Home Depot felt it necessary to deploy wireless
handheld devices.
First, the current system was outdated. The wireless handheld device, called the
First Phone, was a logical choice given the current technology. Second, the device
helped improve customer service functions because employees can use it to help
customers find their products.
2. Identify two potential disadvantages of deploying wireless handhelds at Home Depot.
First, the wireless handheld devices might get lost or stolen. Second, many
associates will need to be retrained to become familiar with the new system.
.
Glossary
Bluetooth
Cellular Telephones (also called cell phones) Phones that provide two-way radio
communications over a cellular network of base stations with
seamless handoffs.
Global Positioning System (GPS) A wireless system that uses satellites to enable users
to determine their position anywhere on earth.
Hotspot
Infrared
Mesh Network
Mobile Wallet
Telemetry
Wireless
wireless 911