BUSINESS

INFORMATION
SYSTEM
Unit 4: Wireless, Mobile Computing, and Mobile Commerce

■ Introduction;
■ Wireless Technologies;
■ Wireless Computer Networks and Internet Access;
■ Mobile Computing and Mobile Commerce; The Internet of Things.
Introduction
■ Definition:
Wireless communication is the transfer of data or
information between devices over a distance without
the use of physical cables, using electromagnetic
waves such as radio waves, microwaves, or infrared.
■ Key Points:
• Utilizes technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, and 5G.
• Forms the foundation for mobile computing and
modern connectivity.
 Wi-Max
■ Wi-Max is acronym for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access and is based
on Wireless MAN technology.
■ Wi-Max systems are expected to deliver broadband access services to residential and
enterprise customers in an economical way.
■ WWAN services are typically delivered to smart phones and other handheld devices
sold by cellular service providers and their retail partners but other mobile devices
can use them as well.
■ Wi-Max operate similar to Wi-Fi, but at higher speeds over greater distances and for a
greater number of users.
■ Wi-Max has the ability to provide service even in areas that are difficult for wired
infrastructure to reach and the ability to overcome the physical limitations of
traditional wired infrastructure.
■ Wi-Max can offer up to about 40 Mbps capacity per wireless channel for both fixed
and portable applications which is enough to support hundreds of businesses and
thousands of Residences.
 Wi-Max: Implications
Emergency and Disaster Recovery
■ WiMAX is deployed during emergencies to establish quick
communication networks.
■ Example: Used in disaster-hit areas to restore connectivity for
rescue operations and coordination.
Military Applications
■ Portable WiMAX systems are used by military organizations to
establish communication in remote locations.
■ Example: Tactical communications in remote operations
 Wi-Fi
■ Definition: A local-area wireless technology that
enables devices to connect to the internet or each
other within a limited range.
■ Key Features:
– High-speed data transfer.
– Coverage in homes, offices, and public hotspots.
■ Examples: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7.
Wide Area Wireless
Definition: Provide wireless communication over large
geographic areas, enabling connectivity for mobile users
Examples: Cellular networks (3G, 4G, 5G), satellite
communication.
Key Features:

Extensive coverage.
Supports mobility across cities and regions.
Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS)

■ UMTS is an umbrella term that encompasses the third generation (3G) radio
technologies developed by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project).

■ These 3G Systems are intended to provide a global mobility with wide range
of services including telephony, messaging, Internet and broadband data.

■ It is the third-generation successor to the second-generation GSM based

cellular technologies which also include GPRS(General Packet Radio Services).

■ UMTS uses Wideband referred to by the name WCDMA. It employs a 5 MHz

channel bandwidth.

■ Using this bandwidth, it has the capacity to carry over 100 simultaneous voice
calls, or it is able to carry data at speeds up to 2 Mbps.
Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS)

■ Practically all UMTS phones are capable of switching to GSM mode. That
means, if using a UMTS device and happen to wander away from a UMTS
network and into a GSM network, you can still avail of cellular services using
the same phone.

■ Like their GSM predecessors, UMTS phones also come with an upgraded SIM
(Subscriber Identity Module known as the USIM (Universal SIM). UTMS phones
can work with either SIMS/USIMs.

■ Networks upgrading from GSM to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications

System are able to reuse a number of network elements, including: the Home
Location Register, Visitor Location Register, Mobile Switching Center, and the
Authentication Center, to name some.
4G Long-term Evolution (LTE) Systems
■ An acronym for Long Term Evolution, LTE is a 4G wireless communications standard
developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) that's designed to
provide up to 10x the speeds of 3G networks for mobile devices such as
smartphones, tablets, notebooks etc.

■ Long Term Evolution (LTE) refers to a standard for smooth and efficient transition
toward more advanced leading-edge technologies to increase the capacity and speed
of wireless data networks.

■ 4G technologies are designed to provide IP-based voice, data and multimedia

streaming at speeds of at least 100 Mbit per second and up to as fast as 1 Gbit per
second.

■ LTE features include higher download rates approaching 300 mbps and upload rates
of 75 mbps, expanding cell capacity to accommodate 200 active users and
4G Long-term Evolution (LTE) Systems
■ LTE is referred to as the next generation network beyond 3G, with the
capacity to support a high demand for connectivity from new consumer
devices tailored to new mobile applications.

■ In an LTE live air demo, Web browsing, HD video, and telecommunications

are demonstrated simultaneously inside a single computer moving within a
vehicle at 108 kilometers per hour.
Bluetooth
■ Bluetooth is a global wireless communication standard that connects devices
together over a certain distance.

■ Think headset and phone, speaker and PC, basketball to Smartphone and more.
It is built into billions of products on the market today.

■ A Bluetooth device uses radio waves instead of wires or cables to connect to a

phone or computer. A Bluetooth product, like a headset or watch, contains a tiny
compute chip with a Bluetooth radio and software that makes it easy to connect.

■ When two Bluetooth devices want to talk to each other, they need to pair.

■ Communication between Bluetooth devices happens over short-range, ad hoc

networks known as piconets.

■ A piconet is a network of devices connected using Bluetooth technology.

Bluetooth
■ The network ranges from two to eight connected devices. When a network is
established one device takes the role of the master while all the other
devices act as slaves.

■ In this model, a single master device can be connected to up to seven

different slave devices.

■ Any slave device in the piconet can only be connected to a single master.

■ Bluetooth is particularly convenient in certain situations - for example, when

transferring files from one mobile phone to another without cables. Sending
music and photos between a PC and a mobile phone is another useful
application.
Wireless Networks
Definition: Wireless networks use radio waves to connect devices

without physical cables.

Types: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular Networks

Importance: Enables mobility and flexibility in communication.

Components of a Wireless Network

1. Access Points (APs)

Definition: Hardware devices enabling wireless devices to connect to a wired
network using Wi-Fi.
Function:
– Broadcasts wireless signals for client devices to connect.
– Manages multiple simultaneous connections.
– Extends network range by connecting to a router and broadcasting the signal.
Example: A wireless access point in a university library providing Wi-Fi coverage.
Components of a Wireless Network

2. Wireless Routers
Definition: Devices combining the functions of a router and a wireless access
point, routing data between the network and the internet.
Function:
– Routes traffic between network devices and the internet.
– Provides security features like firewalls and encryption.
– Broadcasts Wi-Fi signals for wireless connections.
Example: A home wireless router offering Wi-Fi connectivity to various devices.
Components of a Wireless Network

3. Client Devices
Definition: End-user devices connecting to a wireless network to access services
or communicate.
Function:
– Connects to the network via Wi-Fi.
– Uses network resources like internet access and shared files.
– Examples include laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart home devices, and
gaming consoles.
Example: A laptop using Wi-Fi in a coffee shop to access the internet.
Components of a Wireless Network

4. Network Interface Cards (NICs)

Definition: Hardware components enabling devices to connect to a network,
either built-in or as expansion cards.
Function:
– Provides the interface between a device and the network.
– Handles network data processing and communication protocols.
– Wireless NICs (Wi-Fi adapters) allow wireless network connections.
Example: A Wi-Fi USB adapter for a desktop computer to connect wirelessly.
 Mobile Computing
■ Mobile computing involves accessing and using computing devices wirelessly and
on the move. It allows users to work, communicate, and access services without
being tied to a fixed location.
■ Key Components:
– Mobile Devices: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices.
– Wireless Communication: Technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular networks (3G,
4G, 5G), and Bluetooth.
– Mobile Applications: Software designed to run on mobile devices, e.g., apps
for email, navigation, or social media.
■ Characteristics:
– Portability: Devices can be easily carried.
– Ubiquity: Access to information and services from anywhere.
– Connectivity: Continuous access to the internet or networks.
■ Examples:
– Remote work using laptops and cloud services.
– GPS navigation on smartphones.
Mobile Commerce

■ Mobile commerce refers to conducting business

transactions using mobile devices. It is a subset of e-
commerce.
■ Types of Mobile Commerce:
– Mobile Shopping: Buying goods or services via mobile
apps or websites (e.g., Amazon, eBay).
– Mobile Banking: Performing financial transactions like
fund transfers, bill payments (e.g., Venmo, PayPal).
– Mobile Payments: Paying using mobile wallets (e.g.,
Apple Pay, Google Pay).
– Location-Based Services: Services tailored to the
user's location (e.g., ride-sharing apps like Uber).
Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce)

Benefits:
■ Convenience and accessibility for users.
■ Expanded market reach for businesses.
Challenges:
■ Security and privacy concerns.
■ Dependence on internet connectivity.
Example: Mobile Payment Systems
■ Scenario: Use of mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and
PayPal.
■ Advantages: Convenience, speed, security.
■ Challenges: Security concerns, adoption barriers.
The Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is a network of interconnected physical devices that

communicate and exchange data without human intervention. These
devices are embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity.
Key Components:
■ IoT Devices: Smart appliances, wearables, sensors, and cameras
(e.g., smart thermostats like Nest).
■ Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and IoT-specific
technologies (e.g., Zigbee, LoRa).
■ Cloud Computing: Stores and processes the massive data
generated by IoT devices.
■ Analytics and AI: Helps analyze data to make informed
decisions.
The Internet of Things (IoT)

Applications:
■ Smart Homes: Devices like Amazon Alexa or smart lights that automate home
tasks.
■ Healthcare: Wearables that monitor health metrics and alert doctors (e.g., Fitbit).
■ Industrial IoT (IIoT): Machines communicating in factories to optimize production.
■ Smart Cities: Traffic management, waste disposal systems, and energy-efficient
infrastructure.
Benefits:
■ Automation and efficiency in processes.
■ Real-time monitoring and data collection.
■ Improved decision-making using data-driven insights.
Challenges:
■ Security risks due to interconnected devices.
■ Compatibility issues between devices from different manufacturers.
Any Questions?