Connectivity
On this second to last section within Task 1, i will be going over the types of connectivity that is available in technology today. I'll pretty much be explaining the internet and all the main aspects within it, such as LAN, WAN. WiFi etc. All of which i will explain below. You should know the drill by now.
Stand Alone:
The definition of standalone is when a device is able to function interdependently of another hardware. What this means is that it is not integrated with another device. An example of this can be seen if you look at TiVo box. This is a popular TV box by virgin media which offers an array of features, including recording shows when they on TV. The TiVo box is independent, as it can record TV. Whereas a DVR is not standalone as it must be integrated into a digital cable box to record. In terms of software, stand alone refers to programs which don't need any other software to run aside from the operating system. So most software programs are in fact standalone, but software like expansion packs for video games are not standalone, as they need the original game to be installed. This standalone connectivity is important for video games which don't use the internet or any other connection, like many of the older consoles, as there is nothing to patch them or fix them without an internet connection. However with the power of the internet growing, consoles are become less and less stan alone, with games like Titanfall which can only be played online.
The definition of standalone is when a device is able to function interdependently of another hardware. What this means is that it is not integrated with another device. An example of this can be seen if you look at TiVo box. This is a popular TV box by virgin media which offers an array of features, including recording shows when they on TV. The TiVo box is independent, as it can record TV. Whereas a DVR is not standalone as it must be integrated into a digital cable box to record. In terms of software, stand alone refers to programs which don't need any other software to run aside from the operating system. So most software programs are in fact standalone, but software like expansion packs for video games are not standalone, as they need the original game to be installed. This standalone connectivity is important for video games which don't use the internet or any other connection, like many of the older consoles, as there is nothing to patch them or fix them without an internet connection. However with the power of the internet growing, consoles are become less and less stan alone, with games like Titanfall which can only be played online.
Controller Ports:
Many years ago, controllers required a controller port. I highlighted this in a previous page, being the yellow DB-15 socket. Now however, most game controllers use USB connections, as explained in the previous page. |
Local Area Network:
Most commonly referred to as LAN, this is a computer network which spans a small area, unlike the internet which covers the whole world pretty much. The general conventions of a LAN is that it will be confined to a single building or group of buildings. Using telephones lines or radio waves can connect one LAN to another LAN over any distance though, however i will come on to that in a moment under WAN. The use of a LAN line is restricted to small tasks such as sending emails to each other, assuming all computers it is sent to is connected to that specific LAN, as well as connecting to chat sessions. However the main use of a LAN is that each individual computer is able to access data and devices that the most up to date computer can, so a computer that cannot connect to a device like a laser printer can connect to a computer which can. The use of Ethernets are the most common way to connect PC's, however there are many other types, such as topology, which is where devices can be arranged in a ring or straight line. While LANS are relatively restricted, they can be used during events such as video game tournaments, by connecting each computer at the event to a single LAN, and hosting a game on said LAN. This means all participants will be connected to that specific game, making it easier to organize, and less dependent on internet connections. |
Wide Area Network:
So briefly mentioned before, a WAN is two or more LANs that are connected to each other over a long distance. These LANs are connected via public networks like telephone systems. The largest WAN in existence is actually the internet, as it connects every computer to each other. Well the majority of computers at least. Here is a simple diagram which shows both what a LAN is and a WAN. |
Internet:
The internet is a global network which connects millions of computers. Over 190 countries are linked into exchanges of data. As of December 30th 2014 there was an estimated 3,037,608,300 internet users worldwide. The internet is decentralized, which means that each host, or internet enabled computer, is independent. Operators may choose which internet services to use along with which local services to make available to the global internet community. No one owns the internet, as it is considered more of a concept rather than an actual entity, and it relies on physical infrastructure that connects networks to other networks. Unlike the common misconception, the World Wide Web is not the same as the internet. The internet is a massive network of networks, whereas the web is a way of accessing information over the medium of the internet. Every computer connected to the internet has a unique numerical address, like the equivalent of a finger print to identify a human. This is called an Internet Protocol or IP for short. The IP address of a computer is made up of your bytes of information totaling 32 bits. Because the internet is connected to so many things, we have become dependent on it, using it on our computers, phones, and gaming consoles. the connections around the world help unite people, especially players, as multiplayer online matches are possible because of it. This has helped form a whole genre of player vs player action,sparking interest in many people. However there are issues which ca occur, directly based to the internet connection strength of a user. For example the further away a user is from whoever they are connecting with, the further distance the connection must ping. Because the internet is essentially massive LAN, it means the connection must travel through the networks in the quickest path possible, which in this case would be via satellite. So the longer the distance, the weaker the connection. This can result in issues such as lag,or a complete lack of connection all together. |
Broadband:
Broadband is the high speed data transmission carried out by a single cable which s able to carry large amounts of data at a time. The most common types of internet broadband are devices which use the same connection as cable TV named cable modems. As well as DSL modems which rely on phone lines. Fiber optic broadband is also becoming more and more popular, this technology converts electrical signals carrying data into light, allowing it to be sent much faster through transparent glass fibers, which are about the diameter of a human hair. The transmitted data is way faster than DSL technology. The downside to fiber optic however is that it is very expensive, and because it is a new and upcoming type of broadband, it is not currently as available as others. Other forms of broadband include wireless, which connects to the internet via radio link between customers and their service provider's facility. Wireless General Packet Radio Service:
AKA GPRS, this is a packet based wireless communication service that promises data rates from 56 up to 114 Kbps as well as a continuous connection to the internet for mobile phone and computer users. Being on the GPRS means that you can use video calling technology such as Skype, and because of the speed, there is less chance of there being lag. However the most beneficial aspect to this is the strength in mobile support, making it easier to make applications available to users due to the faster data rate. GPRS has become more and more popular since the popularity of smart phones has grown because of the 3G network it provides for its phone users. This is internet connection available wherever the user is, as the connection is intercepted via the radio service. Even handheld gaming devices are making the most of services such as this, like the PS Vita which includes 3G connectivity. This is helping boost online features within a handheld, something which has not really been a focus on that platform since it is designed to be played on the go. |
Wireless Application Protocol:
Once again accompanied by a acronym, WAP. this is a secure specification, which means that it allows users to access information instantly using handheld wireless devices like a mobile phone, two way radios, and handheld gaming consoles. WAP is supported by al operating systems, making it very flexible, and the internet which runs on WAPs that use displays are called micro-browsers. This is simply browsers which have a small file size to take into consideration the low memory constraints of handheld devices. Although it is a relatively new network, WAP supports most wireless networks. Once again, with this sort of technology becoming more and more popular, it is helping the gaming platform immensely. In fact the popularity of mobile games is a direct result of the internet capabilities now available. And multiplayer mobile games like "Clash of Clans" which require an internet connection to play are becoming immensely popular because of the ease of access to the internet on the go.
Once again accompanied by a acronym, WAP. this is a secure specification, which means that it allows users to access information instantly using handheld wireless devices like a mobile phone, two way radios, and handheld gaming consoles. WAP is supported by al operating systems, making it very flexible, and the internet which runs on WAPs that use displays are called micro-browsers. This is simply browsers which have a small file size to take into consideration the low memory constraints of handheld devices. Although it is a relatively new network, WAP supports most wireless networks. Once again, with this sort of technology becoming more and more popular, it is helping the gaming platform immensely. In fact the popularity of mobile games is a direct result of the internet capabilities now available. And multiplayer mobile games like "Clash of Clans" which require an internet connection to play are becoming immensely popular because of the ease of access to the internet on the go.
WiFi:
Most devices these days can access WiFi, and everyone sort of just accepts it as something that gives us internet if we connect to it. But what exactly is WiFi? Well it is a wireless network technology that allows computers and phones etc. to communicate with each other. It is the standard way of computers to connect to wireless networks, such as the ones covered above, and nearly all modern computers have a built in WiFi chip allowing them to connect to routers. Video game consoles also have a heavy dependence on WiFi connection within most of the modern games. So much so that before the release of the Xbox One, it was proposed that was going to be needed to be connected to the internet for it to work at all. This was changed before the release when people began complaining, but it just goes to show the dependence the gaming genre has on it. Although it is very popular, WiFi isn't always the best way to connect to the internet, as it can be unstable and unpredictable because of its nature. This is why physical connection to a router via Ethernet cables are always more reliable, although less practical.
Most devices these days can access WiFi, and everyone sort of just accepts it as something that gives us internet if we connect to it. But what exactly is WiFi? Well it is a wireless network technology that allows computers and phones etc. to communicate with each other. It is the standard way of computers to connect to wireless networks, such as the ones covered above, and nearly all modern computers have a built in WiFi chip allowing them to connect to routers. Video game consoles also have a heavy dependence on WiFi connection within most of the modern games. So much so that before the release of the Xbox One, it was proposed that was going to be needed to be connected to the internet for it to work at all. This was changed before the release when people began complaining, but it just goes to show the dependence the gaming genre has on it. Although it is very popular, WiFi isn't always the best way to connect to the internet, as it can be unstable and unpredictable because of its nature. This is why physical connection to a router via Ethernet cables are always more reliable, although less practical.
Bluetooth:
The whole point of Bluetooth is to reduce the amount of wires required for technology, allowing for a less cluttered space and for more freedom of movement. This is why one of the most recognizable pieces of Bluetooth technology is the wireless earpiece, which allows people to talk to people on the phone but hands free. This is done by using a special radio frequency to transmit data, the downside to this however is the lack of range, meaning there will always need to be a main transmitter near by. In the case of hands free ear pieces, this would mean that the actual mobile phone would need to be near by to connect to the ear piece. Another common use for Bluetooth is the transferal of data such as songs or photos between devices without having to use wires, as most mobile devices have Bluetooth capabilities. The PlayStation 3 is most notable within the gaming genre to use Bluetooth, as their wireless controllers work on the frequency, as well as their headsets. This proves the use of Bluetooth can also help in not just conventional calls but also online chatting as well.
The whole point of Bluetooth is to reduce the amount of wires required for technology, allowing for a less cluttered space and for more freedom of movement. This is why one of the most recognizable pieces of Bluetooth technology is the wireless earpiece, which allows people to talk to people on the phone but hands free. This is done by using a special radio frequency to transmit data, the downside to this however is the lack of range, meaning there will always need to be a main transmitter near by. In the case of hands free ear pieces, this would mean that the actual mobile phone would need to be near by to connect to the ear piece. Another common use for Bluetooth is the transferal of data such as songs or photos between devices without having to use wires, as most mobile devices have Bluetooth capabilities. The PlayStation 3 is most notable within the gaming genre to use Bluetooth, as their wireless controllers work on the frequency, as well as their headsets. This proves the use of Bluetooth can also help in not just conventional calls but also online chatting as well.