Key Terms:

• computer communications

  • sending device

  • communications channel

  • receiving device
     

• wireless messaging services

  • text messaging

  • wireless instant messaging

  • picture/video messaging
     

• wireless Internet access points

  • hot spots

  • 3G networks

  • Wi-Fi

  • WiMAX
     

• cybercafé (Internet café)
   

• global positioning systems (GPS)

  • GPS receiver
     

• collaboration

  • collaborative software

  • online meeting

  • document management system
     

• groupware
   

• voice mail

  • voice mailbox

   

• network
   

  • LAN (local area network)

  • WLAN (wireless LAN)

  • MAN (metropolitan area network)

  • WAN (wide area network)
     

  • transmission Media
     

  • Physical Transmission Media:

    • twisted-pair cable

    • coaxial cable (coax)

    • fiber-optic cable
       

  • noise
     

  • optical fiber
     

  • Wireless Transmission Media:

    • infrared

    • broadcast radio

    • cellular radio

    • microwaves (aka - fixed wireless)

    • communications satellite
       

  • microwave station
     

  • uplink
     

  • downlink