DIGITAL COMMUNICATION

PROTOCOLS, METHODS AND

DEVICES

HTTP (HYPER TEXT TRANSFER PROTOCOL)

HTTP is the data communication for the world wide web (www)

Hypertext is structured text that uses (hyperlinks) between nodes containing text. HTTP is the protocol to exchange or transfer hypertext.

For example you would add into your browser – http://www.aol.co.uk

The HTTP is the code that links you to the next thing in the web address, my example was AOL.

WAP (WIRELESS ACCESS PROTOCOL)

Wireless access protocol (WAP) is a device that will allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. E.g – Iphone connecting to home Wi-Fi network.

This could be set up as a network so that many computers or machines can be accessed on the network around a building (call centre or college for e.g)

The AP (access point) connects a router through a wired network as its own device.

GSM (GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE)GSM is a standard developed by ET (European Telecommunications) for the second generation (2G) cellular network used by all mobile devices.

1 of the features on GSM is the SIM card. The SIM is a detachable smart card containing the user's subscription information and phone book. This allows to retain information after switching handsets. Alternatively, the user can also change operators while retaining the handset simply by changing the SIM.

This is a structure of a GSM network, including mobile phone, internet and landline.

3G (3RD GENERATION PROTOCOL)

3G networks support services that provide an information transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s.

3G finds application in wireless telephone calls, mobile Internet access, wireless Internet access, video calls (facetime or Skype) and mobile or Apple TV.

This service is used in most peoples lives on a daily basis, we all make phone calls and text our friends don't we? You use 3G and you don't even know it!

If you want even faster internet and download speeds, check 4G out with your mobile phone or broadband company.

4G (4TH GENERATION PROTOCOL)

4G,is the fourth generation of mobile telecommunications technology succeeding 3G. Conceivable applications include amended mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, 3D television, and cloud computing. 4G is that much faster than 3G, TV broadcasters have been able to test uploading their video content using the trial 4G network rather than satellites.

Most mobile telecommunications companies now have packages for 4G ( Orange and EE) other providers like 3 are still testing it with customers because they think that their data speeds are fast enough!

GPRS (GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICE)

General packet radio service (GPRS) is a packet oriented mobile data service on the 2G and 3G cellular communication system's global system for mobile communications (GSM).

GPRS usage is charged based on volume of data transferred, contrasting with circuit switched data, which is usually billed per minute of connection time. Usage above the bundle cap is either charged per megabyte or declined.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from mobile devices, laptops and networks. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.

Bluetooth is used to send multimedia from 1 device to another (e.g. Send a image or a video)

You can now get a lot of devices that support bluetooth. (e.g. Headphones, speakers and cars)

BROADBAND (ADSL)Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) is a type of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voice band modem can provide.

A splitter, or DSL filter, allows a single telephone connection to be used for both ADSL service and voice calls at the same time. ADSL can generally only be distributed over short distances from the telephone exchange, typically less than 4 kilometres (2 mile)

A example of this is in your own home; a phone line which links to your modem and you home phone. You then have a perfect internet and phone connection just from the socket in the wall.

VOIP (VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL)

VoIP is a delivery of voice communications and multimedia over the internet. VoIP is available on many smartphones, computers, and on Internet access devices.

A example of using a device and application on the internet is Skype or msn.

Forums – Apple UK

•Apple communities is a site that allows people to access to post about anything related to apple products.

•Post problems and find a resolution to your problem.

•Talk to professionals in the business.

•Pin board for all information about new and old apple products.

•Accessible all over the world.

•I use this site because I have had a few issues with my apple products and I used that site to help me through my problem.

•A forum is meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged.

•Waiting ages for replies off people or staff

•No reply at all

•No internet access to log into site

Weblogs (Blogs) – Twitter/blogger

Twitter is a micro blogging social network – tweet posts and pictures to the world and either get replies, retweets or tweets favourited.

Connect with celebrities, public icons or just friends and family.

Blogger is a blogging site were you can blog what ever you want when you want. Very easy to use and can be accessed all over the world. I currently use blogger to upload college work to and use twitter to interact with friends and celebrities.

Above are screen shots of both sites and how they work.

•No internet to check either webpage or site may be down •May forget log in details may delete files on blogger by mistake

Wikis

•Wikipedia is a online encyclopedia that users can edit and update information on topics of their choice.

•Can be used on laptop or any smartphone and you must have an account to edit or change information.

•Information can be changed and be incorrect

•People changing real information to fake

•No internet access

•Good for information

•Quick to find info

•Easy to use and navigate

Email• Email is where messages distributed by

electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network

• .• Aol is 1 of the major email sites.

• Access email from all over the world.

• Aol.co.uk – link it can be accessed from

• Offers news and weather right on the home page.

• Very high filters for spam

• Can be accessed on mobile phone, laptop and PS4 and Xbox One

• I use AOL to send and receive emails from friends, family and companies.

•Can be accessed day and night, all over the world.

•Easy to use and maintain

•Free service

•Spam can be a problem

•Systems do go down frequently

•Not much design to interface

This is the interface of AOL mail.

IM (Instant Messaging or IMessaage)• Imessage is a free messaging service

provided by apple.

• MMS messages are cheaper and easier to send over Imessage.

• All apple products are linked with the service – IPhone, Mac, IPod.

• It allows group chats with other apple product users.

This is a basic Imessage chat between 2 people.

•Imessage server may be down

•Send a message to wrong person

•Must have 3 or 4G

•Need apple products for it to work

SMS (Short Messaging Service)SMS (Short Messaging Service)

SMS is a text messaging service of the phone, web or mobile communication system (Ipad Or Mac)

Providers Include:3O2VodafoneOrange/ T-Mobile/ EEVerizona (US)

•Fast and easy to use

•Cheap – if on package of allowances

•No hassle

•Can be expensive if no packages on mobile account

•If systems are down, messages are delayed.

•privacy

This is normal keyboard of a mobile phone interface.

MMS (Multimedia Messaging System)• MMS is the easiest way to send messages

that include multimedia content.

• MMS messages are easy to send to anybody as long as you have credit on your mobile account.

• MMS can be very dear if you are sending a lot of pictures.

• Easier to use Apples Imessage if you have a apple product.

•Cost at your network rate (usually 35p)

•Quick and easy to set up

•Very dear if you send loafs of MM

•May take a while to send file

•Network may be down

Video Conferencing (Skype)• Videoconferencing is the conduct of a

videoconference by technologies which allow two or more locations to communicate by simultaneous two-way video and audio transmissions.

• Skype is a free voice over IP service and instant messaging client developed by Microsoft Skype division.

• The service allows users to communicate with peers by voice using a microphone, video by using a webcam and instant messaging over the internet.

• Registered users of Skype are identified by a unique Skype Name, and may be listed in the Skype directory. Skype allows these registered users to communicate through both instant messaging and voice chat..

• The reason that I use this is to contact friends up and down the country.

• This saves me phoning or texting them, where I can just video chat them.

•Better to see people live

•Cheap Or free

•Chat to friends

•Can be used right across the world

•Privacy

•Security

•Need internet access

Virtual Communities - Habbo

A virtual community is a social network of individuals who interact through social media in order to pursue mutual interests or goals.

Habbo hotel is a virtual world where you can create your own avatar, build your own house and make plenty new friends.

You can interact with people round the world, in the same country or even across the globe.

Very easy to use and can be used on any computer or laptop.

•May have crime behind it (paedophiles or rapists)

•Site crashes a lot

•Don't know who's behind the avatar

Virtual Learning Environments - Moodle•A virtual learning environment, or learning platform, is an e-learning education system based on the web that models conventional in-person education by providing equivalent virtual access to classes, class content, tests, homework, grades and assesments.

•Gateshead College use a VSE (Visual Learning Environment) for students to access work and data for the course.

•All students at Gateshead College have access to this service

•Student number and password needed

•Only to be accessed by GHC students.

•Moodle can be used by students to get worksheets or assignment briefs also tutors have access to this to add all of the documents to.

This is examples of worksheets tutors have uploaded for media students.

•No internet access

•Forgotten login credentials

•Awkward to use if you don’t know how to