Topic 1 - Exercise 3

Explain DNS and DHCP. How does DNS differ from DHCP configuration?

Answer:

DNS (Domain Name System) is a naming system for devices connected to the Internet. Its primary function is to it translate domain names meaningful to humans into the numerical (binary) identifiers associated with networking equipment for the purpose of locating and addressing these devices worldwide. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), on the other hand is a network protocol used to assign an IP address to a device connected to the network dynamically. In the absence of DHCP, all hosts on a network must be manually configured individually - a time-consuming and often error-prone undertaking.

For DHCP definition footage please go to the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX7Yt_fxAfU

For DNS definition footage please go to the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcaJ1Vp_Ntg

Why is it important for your online business application to use a static IP address rather then have it dynamically assigned?

Answer:

It is important to have a static IP address as computers find each other on the network based primarily on their IP addresses which in turn are translated by the DNS service into domain names. If a computer hosting the business application change the IP address (the ISP, for example provides the user with dynamic IP address only), the service would become inaccessible and customers relying on the service would not be able to use it.

What role can the following play in business-to-business e-commerce?

a) VPN or Grid Computing Services

b) Next generation of wireless mesh networks

c) Cloud or social cloud applications

Answer to a:

VPN is a computer network that is a sub-internal part of the underlying computer network. VPN allows for secure transactions on the Internet which in turns allows business to focus on its corporate or business functions and not on security. Sensitive information can travel through the network in an encrypted fashion allowing connections and the content of the data transmitted to be invisible or impossible to decrypt for a  malicious hacker/cracker. As more business are starting to rely on the virtual shops rather then brick-and-mortar ones a level of encryption is a necessity for the customers to entrust their money/funds to a given goods or service provider without hesitation and VPNs are making it possible. 

Answer to b:

Next generation of wireless mesh networks allows the businesses to take a full advantage of staying connected without the need of cabling and expensive permanent setup. Also from the customer standpoint (although directly affecting business operations), transactions can be conducted from anywhere, regardless of the the location by means of using unsophisticated equipment that has the ability to be connected to the network. This facilitates e-commerce business operations as a client can make a purchase from anywhere the network's availability is present without the need of a dedicated connection or equipment e.g. buying a book from Amazon on an Apple iPad device connected to the network in a restaurant or a train.

Answer to c:

Cloud or social cloud applications (cloud slowly turning from a "buzz word" into a e-commerce business alternative/avenue) provide a "space" and a framework for what a dedicated IT resources stood for for decades. Gone are is the server room and expansive maintenance plans as most of the infrastructure has been migrated to the virtual providers serving up applications, technologies and providing maintenance without IT staff involvement. This allows for the complete virtual migration as not only can the e-tailers do away with the brick-and-mortar business model, but also they can gravitate their entire business functionality to an external provider.

Social networking is another new advertising paradigm that is starting to emerge as social media content and user involvement becomes more intensive and dedicated. It is estimated that more then 50% of all Americans have a profile on one of the major social networking platform. What this means for the e-commerce and e-tailers involved is that online advertising needs to focus on the biggest target audience one can reach and if that is to be social networking site, then there is no better place like these sites.

   

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_Host_Configuration_Protocol accessed on 11.04.2010
http://www.dhcp-handbook.com/dhcp_faq.html accessed on 11.10.2010
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System accessed on 11.04.2010
http://www.howstuffworks.com/dns.htm accessed on 11.04.2010
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/question549.htm accessed on 11.04.2010