Overview of Digital Communications

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Digital Communications
Digital communications include all forms of modern electronic communications. Personal communications involve communications that take place outside of industry thi s is our focus.
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Personal Communications
Old Skool Face-to-face
In person

New Skool - Digital

Face-to-face
Video Phone/Email/Chat

Voice
Home phone Business phone Public booths

Voice
Cell Phone Voice Mail Internet Phone/Chat

Text
Snail mail

Text
Email Instant Messaging (IM) SMS Texting

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Types of Communication
Synchronous Communication takes place in real time.
Phone conversation Instant Messaging

Asynchronous Communication allows participants to leave messages to be accessed whenever.

Voice mail Email SMS Texting

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Effectiveness vs. Convenience

1. Face-to-face 2. Video conferencing 3. Phone (voice) 4. Instant messaging/Chat 5. Voice mail 6. Email 7. SMS Texting
Effectiveness Synchronous

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Asynchronous

Convenience

Emerging Communications Technologies

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Voice over IP (VoIP)

Technology that enables network managers to route phone calls over the same network they use for data.
Future of Phones: http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/video_audio_archive/?all
Also see Video Telephony

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Residential VoIP
Residential VoIP, Broadband Phone
Phone service over a broadband Internet connection.

http://www.voipchoices.com/vonage.html

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Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is a technology that combines video and voice communications along with document sharing.

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Cell Phone Technology

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Cellular Network
A cellular network is a radio network in which a geographic area is divided into cells, with a transmission tower and station at the center of each cell, to support mobile communications.

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Generations
1st Gen analog wireless signal 2nd Gen digital wireless signal 3rd Gen (3G) broadband digital network that supports both voice and data services such as video
Current 3G services are barely broadband 3.5G with 3 Mbps data rates is under way

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Generations
4th Gen
The Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF) defines 4G as a network that operates on Internet technology, combines it with other applications and technologies such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX, and runs at speeds ranging from 100 Mbps (in cell-phone networks) to 1 Gbps (in local Wi-Fi networks). 4G is not just one defined technology or standard, but rather a collection of technologies and protocols to enable the highest throughput, lowest cost wireless network possible. [wikipedia] Anywhere, anytime computing.

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Carriers
A cellular carrier is a company that builds and maintains a cellular network and provides cell phone service to the public.

See how they rate: www.consumerreports.org Succeeding with Technology

GSM

CDMA Verizon Sprint Nextel

GSM and CDMA

Cingular AT&T T-Mobile

Digital networking standards for cell phone networks are GSM and CDMA.

GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications CDMA: Code division multiple access

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GSM

CDMA Verizon Sprint Nextel

GSM and CDMA

GSM
Covered in virtually all parts of the world Mature, more stable network with robust features Less signal deterioration inside buildings Talktime is generally higher Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) allows users to switch networks and handsets at will interferes with some electronics, especially certain audio amplifiers

Cingular AT&T T-Mobile

CDMA (IS-95)
It can accommodate more users uses soft handoff, reducing the likelihood of dropped calls has a well-defined path to higher data rates are generally unable to roam internationally Smaller market so features are sometimes late in coming to CDMA devices every time you subscribe with a new provider you must buy a new phone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_mobile_phone_standards

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GSM

CDMA Verizon Sprint Nextel

GSM and CDMA

Cingular AT&T T-Mobile

GSM Phones include a subscriber identity module (SIM) for security and convenient data transfer between phones.

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Choosing a Cell Phone Service

Consumers choose a carrier based on coverage area, handsets available, and services provided. There are typically two service options:
A pay-as-you-go plan is a prepay system in which you buy minutes up front that must be used in a given time frame Service contracts are typically for two years and involve finding a plan that best matches your usage

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Choosing a Cell Phone Service

Calling plan option variables:
Whenever, or anytime, minutes with no time restrictions Weeknight minutes, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. or 6:59 a.m. Weekend minutes, typically Saturday 12:00 a.m. to Sunday 11:59 p.m. Rollover minutes are leftover unused minutes passed on from one month to the next Mobile-to-mobile, or in-network calls refers to phoning other users of the same carrier. Roaming refers to making calls outside the carriers coverage area using another carriers network

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Choosing a Cell Phone Service

Fees:
Using additional minutes beyond your service plan agreement can cost big $ in fees Roaming can cost big $ in fees

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Cell Phone Technologies

Learn about Service Plans, Handsets, Features, and Services by clicking the logos below.

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Cell Phone Features

http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/finder.
Phone Finder In Depth

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Cell Phone Technologies

Cell phone accessories provide added features for example
A 2 GB mini SD memory card can provide ample storage digital photos, music, and video files. A Bluetooth headset allows you to interact with your phone without taking it out of your pocket. Car chargers allow you to charge your cell phone from your car power supply. Assorted cases protect cell phones from damage and make them handy to access.
Bluetooth Ear bud reviews: http://review.zdnet.com/4566-12523_16-0.html?sort=edRating16+desc

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Wireless Technologies
Bluetooth is wireless technology that enables a wide variety of digital devices to communicate directly.
33 ft range 1 Mbps www.bluetooth.com

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Bluetooth

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