Course: IT331 Unit: 2 Points: 55
Assignment 2
Outcomes addressed in this Assignment:

Unit Outcomes:
• Define basic data communications and computer network terminology.
• Differentiate digital and analog data and signals.
• Distinguish between the concepts of convergence, signal strength, and attenuation.
• Describe basic digital encoding techniques.

Course Outcome:
IT331-2: Analyze the functions of key components in information technology infrastructure.

1. Identify a local hot spot and consider this scenario: You pull out your laptop and, using the wireless network available at this location, access your email. Describe the hot spot and all the different network connections involved in this operation.

2. Binary data codes like EBCDIC, ASCII, or Unicode are often presented using hexadecimal notation rather than a long list of 0's and 1's. Likewise, other items requiring long sequences of 0's and 1's like IP addresses to identify network location are generally presented in non-binary formats as well. Describe the relationship between a hexadecimal character and its associated binary. Describe the relationship between one octet of an IP address and its associated binary. Explain why these notations are often utilized rather than the full binary.

3. A company noting the success of 24-bit digital audio technologies compared to earlier 16-bit digital audio technologies has decided to work on developing a 28-bit digital audio technology. Suggest a type of signal conversion to be used for this upgrade and explain your reasoning and what the difference in bits means for the signal. Discuss whether or not you believe this company has a good plan.

4. During the class, you will be characterizing a network in your home, office, or community. You need to choose that network now. At the end of the course, your Assignment 10 will be a proposal for revising the infrastructure for that network. The chosen network should include at least three computers and should have access to the Internet. You should have access to all aspects of the chosen network including the networking devices (modems, routers, switches, etc.), the media (wires or wireless), and at least one of the computers. Briefly describe the location, purpose, and components (how many computers and network devices, how accessing Internet) of your chosen network.

Question 1

• Hot spot location is described.
• Clearly described the network connections involved in the operation.

Question 2

• Effectively described the relationship between a hexadecimal character and its associated binary.
• Effectively described the relationship between one octet of an IP address and its associated binary.
• Explained why these notations are often utilized rather than the full binary.

Question 3

• Suggested a valid type of signal conversion and justified choice based on Readings and research.

Question 4

• Briefly describe the location, purpose, and components (how many computers and network devices, how accessing Internet) of your chosen network.