Homework 9-20-2008

1.Write a 200-word summary for today's discussion.

I am full of interest to the WiMAX, hence find again to look for mutually view information,WiMAX is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16, that is intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations. In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited in most cases to only 100 - 300 feet (30 - 100m). With WiMAX, WiFi-like data rates are easily supported, but the issue of interference is lessened. WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a regulated environment and viable economic model for wireless carriers.WiMAX can be used for wireless networking in much the same way as the more common WiFi protocol. WiMAX is a second-generation protocol that allows for more efficient bandwidth use, interference avoidance, and is intended to allow higher data rates over longer distances. The IEEE 802.16 standard defines the technical features of the communications protocol. The WiMAX Forum offers a means of testing manufacturer's equipment for compatibility, as well as an industry group dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of the technology.

from:http://www.wimax.com/education

2.Watch the video recording of KF Lee's keynote speech on WWW 2008 Beijing on Cloud computing. Feel free to write what you think.

Cloud computing is a computing paradigm shift in which computing is moved away from personal computers or an individual application server to a "cloud" of computers. Users of the cloud only need to be concerned with the computing service being asked for, because the underlying details of how it is achieved are hidden. This method of distributed computing is done by pooling computer resources and managing them via software (rather than by a human).
There are four key attributes of cloud computing
(1)Data stored in the cloud
(2)Software services are increasingly moving to the cloud and accessed through the browser
(3)Based on standards and protocols
(4)Accessible from any device
Cloud computing liberates the user from having to remember where the data is, enables the user to access information anywhere once created, and makes services fast and powerful through essentially infinite information and computing. People are using cloud services to find, share, create, and organize information. People are also using cloud services to shop, bank, communicate, socialize. By using cloud computing, these capabilities will be accessible not only on PCs but also telephones, automobiles, televisions, and appliances...