After reading and studying this chapter, you should be able to:
Understand the concept of a network.
Apply Metcalfe's law in understanding the value of a network.
Identify several major developments and trends in the industries, technologies, and business applications of telecommunications and Internet technologies.
Provide examples of the business value of Internet, intranet, and extranet applications.
Identify the basic components, functions, and types of telecommunications networks used in business.
Explain the functions of major components of telecommunications network hardware, software, media, and services.
Explain the concept of client/server networking.
Understand the two forms of peer-to-peer networking.
Explain the difference between digital and analog signals.
Identify the various transmission media and topologies used in telecommunications networks.
Understand the fundamentals of wireless network technologies.
Explain the concepts behind TCP/IP.
Understand the seven layers of the OSI network model.
