Electronic Business and Commerce

Class 2


Topic: 
Internet Technology
Class Plan:

In this class we cover Internet technology basics. The Note on Internet Technology is a quick overview of the Internet. 

Required Reading:
  • A Note on Internet Technology (Stanford Note)
  • Metcalfe's Law (Stanford Note).
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Study Questions: 
  1. What are the differences between packet switching and circuit switching?
  2. What does Metcalfe's Law have to do with the Internet?
  3. Suppose you want to send a check over the Internet.  What would you want not to happen to it in transit?  Can any of these things happen, given the basic technology?  What are the technology requirements to prevent them?
  4. What do you think are the main barriers to broadband adoption in the United States?  Can the Government do anything about them?  Should it?