Telecommunication Technologies
In this assignment, you will study how different networking technologies function.
Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research different network technologies.
Based on your research and understanding, complete the following tasks:
Discuss the role of satellite technology in the Internet. Use a diagram to explain your answer.
Explain if WANs can function without using satellites. Why?
Describe two of the following WAN technologies and the role they play in telecommunications:
DSL
LTE
Cable modem
The Role of Satellite Technology in the Internet
Satellite plays an important role in enhancing modern internet connections. Fairhurst, Caviglione and Collini-Nocker (2008) explain that the satellite transmits data from space to a Network Operations Center (NOC) located on earth. This Noc is then connected to an internet connection or a private network. This connection implies that any communication to and fro the satellite flows though the NOC to reach the internet. Internet users are then able to access the internet through a remote site that establishes a connection to the satellite through the satellite router. As such, the satellite’s main role is to transmit data through the internet, allowing people to communicate from anywhere globally. This relationship has been demonstrated clearly in the figure below.
Figure 1: the Satellite and Internet Relationship
(Retrieved from Ground Control, 2020)
WANs and Satellites
WANs can still be able to function even without using satellites because it is an IP based network with the ability to extend over more than one site. Garg (2007) argues that almost every aspect of modern communication networks comprises wide areas networks. Initially, WAN was mainly used in circuit-switched telephone lines. However, with the advances in technology taking place, wide area networks have progressed to include fiber-optic transmissions and wireless transmissions (Garg, 2007). Today leased lines, and satellite transmission has become very popular methods of moving data over wide area networks (Garg, 2007). As such, we can conclude that WANs can still be able to function even without using satellites.
WAN Technologies and Their Roles
There are different types of WAN technologies, such as DSL and LTE, with each of them performing different roles. Digital Subscriber Line ( DSL) offers high-speed bandwidth connections right from phone wall jacks to an already existing telephone network (Yuan, 2012). This implies that the DSL can offer high frequencies, which allow for making phone calls over the internet. On the other hand, Long Term Evolution (LTE) allows for the transmission of data over the cellular networks. Yuan (2012) adds that the previous mobile telecommunication networks generations were collectively referred to as 2G and 3G, but LTE is popularly marketed as the 4G Network.
References
Fairhurst, G., Caviglione, L., & Collini-Nocker, B. (2008). FIRST: Future Internet — a role for satellite technology. 2008 IEEE International Workshop on Satellite and Space Communications. doi: 10.1109/iwssc.2008.4656774
Garg, V. K. (2007). Wide-Area Wireless Networks (WANs) — GSM Evolution. Wireless Communications & Networking, 469–540. doi: 10.1016/b978-012373580-5/50049-1
Ground Control. (2020). How Does Satellite Internet Work? Retrieved from https://www.groundcontrol.com/How_Does_Satellite_Internet_Work.htm
Yuan, Y. (2012). LTE-A Relay Study and Related Technologies. LTE-Advanced Relay Technology and Standardization Signals and Communication Technology, 39–90. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-29676-5_3
