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Computer Networks, the Internet, and Wireless Technology

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Overview

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Networks are the invisible infrastructure behind business decisions, customer interactions, and workplace tools used throughout modern organizations. This course gives you a practical, business-focused foundation in how computers connect and communicate—from the wired backbone of the modern enterprise to the wireless and mobile technologies that let work happen anywhere. You will compare local and wide area networks, examine the communications media and protocols that move data reliably, and trace how the Internet and World Wide Web function. From there, you will explore the network applications that drive discovery, communication, collaboration, and education in organizations today. Finally, you will investigate wireless transmission media, short- to long-range wireless networks, mobile computing and mobile commerce, and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things. By the end, you will be able to speak confidently about networking concepts and evaluate how these technologies create strategic value for an organization.

Syllabus

  • Networking Fundamentals and the Internet
    • Every network conversation—whether an email, a video call, or a cloud transaction—rests on a shared set of building blocks. In this module, you will establish that foundation. You will compare and contrast the two major types of networks, local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), and see where each fits in an organization. You will then examine the wireline communications media and transmission technologies that carry data, along with the protocols, such as TCP/IP, that ensure it arrives intact. Finally, you will explore how the Internet and the World Wide Web are structured and review the most common methods individuals and organizations use to access them. Together, these concepts give you the vocabulary and mental model you will build on throughout the rest of the course. 💡Tip for Success: Pay attention to how the concepts in this module show up in your own daily life—the difference between your home Wi-Fi (a LAN) and the broader Internet (a WAN), or what actually happens when you type a web address. Connecting these ideas to technology you already use will make the terminology stick and help you explain it confidently in professional settings.
  • Network Applications
    • Once you understand how networks operate, the next step is exploring the applications they enable. This module examines four categories of network applications and their real-world impact on business and everyday life. You will explore discovery applications, including search engines, directories, and portals that help users find and process information. You will examine communication applications that connect people across distance and time, as well as collaboration applications that enable teams, including virtual teams working asynchronously around the globe, to achieve shared goals. Finally, you will consider educational applications and the growing role of online and distance learning. Throughout, the focus remains on business value: how each application type improves productivity, reach, and decision-making. 💡Tip for Success: As you work through each application type, think about the tools you already rely on, such as a search engine to find information, a messaging application to communicate, or a shared document to collaborate with others. Mapping these everyday tools to the four categories will help you recognize the business value behind technologies you use every day.
  • Wireless, Mobile Computing, and the Internet of Things
    • Wireless and mobile technologies have transformed how people, devices, and organizations connect. This module explores the technologies that enable communication, computing, and commerce beyond traditional wired networks. You will examine the advantages and disadvantages of the four main types of wireless transmission media and learn how organizations deploy short-, medium-, and long-range wireless networks. You will then explore mobile computing and mobile commerce, including the five major m-commerce applications and their business benefits. Finally, you will investigate the Internet of Things (IoT) and see how organizations use connected devices to gather real-time data and support decision-making. The module concludes by demonstrating how wireless innovation creates strategic value for organizations. 💡Tip for Success: Notice how many wireless and connected devices you use each day, such as your smartphone, smartwatch, or a smart thermostat. Viewing these through the lens of this module will help you recognize the mobile commerce and Internet of Things opportunities organizations are pursuing today.
  • Course Graded Assignment
    • Summative assessment for the course

Taught by

Wiley Skills Network

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