1. Define communications, including connectivity, the wireless revolution, and communication systems.
2. Discuss communication channels, including physical connections and wireless connections.
3. Discuss connection devices, including modems (telephone, DSL, cable, and wireless modems) and connection services (DSL, ADSL, cable, satellite, and cellular connection services).
4. Discuss data transmission, including bandwidths (voiceband, medium band, broadband, and baseband) as well as protocols (IP addresses, domain name servers, and packetization).
5. Discuss networks by identifying and defining specialized terms that describe computer networks.
6. Discuss network types, including local area, home, wireless, personal, metropolitan, and wide area networks.
7. Define network architecture, including topologies (bus, ring, star, tree, and mesh) and strategies (client/server and peer-to-peer).
8. Discuss organization networks, including Internet technologies (intranets and extranets) and network security (firewalls, proxy servers, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks).
9. Go to the websites of at least two wireless companies and compare their data plans. How are they similar? How are they different?
10. Some argue that some networks must be penetrated and that the loss in privacy is outweighed by other concerns. Others suggest that we have already sacrificed too much privacy. What do you think? Defend your position.
11. Are there any circumstances when unauthorized network access can be justified? Be specific.
12. Is it acceptable for the U.S. government to support unauthorized network access to obtain information about other countries, including terrorist activities?
13. Is it acceptable for other countries to attempt to gain unauthorized access to U.S. government networks? Why or why not?
14. Is it unethical for an organization or corporation to use programs to monitor communications on its network? Why or why not?
15. Is it unethical for a government agency (such as the FBI) to monitor communications on the Internet or gather your records from the websites you visit? Why or why not?
16. Do you feel that new laws are needed to handle these issues? How would you balance the needs of companies and the government with the needs of individuals? Explain your answers.
17. Identify ways in which GPS could benefit the environment. You need not limit your response to applications in motor vehicles.
18. Have you used a GPS device or mobile navigation app? If so, describe what you used it for. If not, do you think that you will in the near future?
19. Do you think that GPS should be standard equipment for every new car? Why or why not?
20. Do you think that GPS should be required by law? Why or why not?