Exercise 3 - Topic 1

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

DNS (Domain Name System) is a naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the internet or a private network. It contains relevant information related to domain names for each of the components. It works as a translator between the human friendly computer hostnames and IP addresses.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a computer networking protocol used by hosts to retrieve IP address assignments and configuration information.


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

A static IP address is required by businesses in order to host web sites, applications on the internet. Without the fixed IP address, the DNS server mapping from hostnames to IP addresses will not work.


3. What role can the following play in business-to-business e-commerce?
a. Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Grid computing services.

VPN is a secure network through which someone can connect to a domain. This can allow users to run application within that particular domain.

Grid computing combines multiple computers to run together as a virtual computer. This virtual computer can then be used to run applications much more faster.


b. Next generation of wireless mesh networks.

The main benefits of the mesh are the following;
 - Cheaper and quicker to deploy.
 - Mesh nodes can be deployed anywhere there is power.
 - Mesh is more fault tolerant than a central wired network.


c. Cloud or Social Cloud applications.

Small businesses can benefit by deploying software to the Cloud (Software as a Service, SaaS). This software can then be accessed by anyone using a web browser. Businesses can benefit by deploying applications to Cloud as it reduces cost for IT infrastructure and maintenance. Businesses do not have to worry about servers, capacity, etc by paying relatively low price to third party hosting the Cloud.


4. If clouding computing is the "black box", then grid computing is a component as the "white box".
   Explain what you interpret about this statement.

Applications are hosted somewhere in the Cloud and users/business are not aware of it's location in the server. The user only need to care if the application is accessible or not. In Grid Computing, the business needs to know whether the application is hosted since it needs to configure the server / network and maintain the application.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DHCP
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System
http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/4129/the-benefits-of-80211s-wireless-mesh-nets/