Computer Networks- Wikipedia
There are numerous types of networks- government, academic, corporate, public and private. Together, these various networks make up the Internet. Additionally networks are classified according to their scale, scope and purpose. Some examples of this are: LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (wide), MAN (metropolitan), PAN (personal), VPN (Virtual Private), CAN (campus), SAN (storage), HAN (home) and OAN (office). As expected by their names, these various types of networks serve different purposes and have specific intended audiences. To support mobile connections across networks a Global Area Network is used. And of course the Internet is an interconnected global system of networks.
Intranets and extranets are usually part of or extensions of a LAN. Overlay networks can improve internet routing, although I’m not really clear on exactly how they work.
The basic hardware components needed to create a network follow: network internet cards, repeaters, hubs, bridges (local, remote & wireless), switches and routers.
This article helped me learn some new vocabulary (hubs, overlay networks) and clarify other vocabulary and acronyms (routers, PAN, VPN).
Common Types of Networks – YouTube, Frank L. Klein
This short video reinforced the information in the above article, in respect to the types of networks. I enjoy this short video learning format more than reading pages of material that is beyond my grasp.
Local Area Networks - Wikipedia
LANs have two noticeable advantages over WAN: higher data-transfer rates and no need to lease telecommunication lines. I found the history and standards evolution notes interesting; I’m amazed at the growth of computer networks in the last 40 years. It became apparent that shared methods and resources would be needed, even in something like coaxial cables.
Management of RFID in Libraries- Karen Coyle
Since our first assigned reading on RFID technology, I’m been intrigued by and interested in these amazing, tiny radio frequency identifiers. I like that the article gives lots of examples of current RFID use- toll-road payment, keycards, lost dog chips, on dvds to prevent piracy, etc.
Karen Coyle notes that at the time of writing, 2005, libraries were using the low-end price, short read, limited capability RFIDs. I wonder if now , five years later, the situation has changed in libraries. Are libraries moving from bar codes to RFID? Or will they? In a library setting RFOD has several pertinent uses- circulation and security.
Although the use of RFID for security issues is not necessarily any better than security tape or tags hidden in book spines, an RFID device can provide many other services in addition to security i.e. processing items, monitoring circulation and book fines. Using RFID for all of these purposes can end up being cost-efficient. The author continues to explain issues of ROI (Return of Investment), and stresses the importance of considering User Satisfaction. Do patrons want to use self-checkouts? What other uses of RFID may make patrons’ library visits more enjoyable or satisfying?
Potential problems of RFID include where to lace the tags in various items (sheet music, magazines), durability (can they withstand numerous uses), and will they work with ILL (Interlibrary loans)?
To answer your questions concerning the utilization of RFID in libraries, here is how I perceive the situation: If more libraries are able to witness that RFID would be capable of achieving better results after the incorporation, the replacement of the bar codes will probably be a matter of time (or at least for most locations). If self-checkouts mean less hassle for which the patrons need to endure, then it is sure to be favored and be a contributing factor to its potential popularity in the library systems. As long as RFID is capable of simplifying certain aspects for libraries (i.e. relieving more headaches for patrons), more visits are bound to become "more enjoyable and satisfying." And if it turns out that the technology cannot work for interlibrary loans, somehow or other the library system will be coerced into making sure it does.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your information. It's helpful!
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