| LII.org (Home) | About LII IPL.org Suggest a Site Subscribe to New This Week Contact |
|
|
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
Communication Systems
 Websites presented in alphabetical order "Rifle" Sniffs Out Vulnerability in Bluetooth Devices 
 This National Public Radio (NPR) program looks at the "BlueSniper rifle, a tool that looks like a big gun which can 'attack' a wireless device from more than a mile away." Site provides audio of the program, tips for protecting wireless devices (such as smart phones and PDAs) that use Bluetooth technology from hackers, and links to related resources. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4599106 Topics: Computers, Computers, Technology Last updated Apr 19, 2005 311 Non-Emergency Telephone Service
A map of the United States showing cities with a 311 telephone number for non-emergency government service calls. Also includes a brief description of the service for cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York. From Dispatch Monthly Magazine. http://www.911dispatch.com/info/311map.html Topics: Technology Last updated Oct 15, 2005 ABTolls
This site is "...dedicated to providing consumers and businesses accurate and helpful information to foster intelligent decisions in their quests for telecommunications nirvana." Charts compare long distance, calling card, and toll free rates. A glossary identifies and explains telecommunications terms and acronyms. There is discussion about 10-10 and wireless services, reading a telephone bill, understanding common monthly fees and charges, avoiding scams, and stopping telemarketing calls and mail. Links offer up-to-date Telecom Industry News . http://abtolls.com/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Technology Last updated Nov 14, 2002 AMBER Alert Plan
The site provides information on the AMBER (America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert Plan, "a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases. Broadcasters use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) ... to air a description of the abducted child and suspected abductor" over radio, television, and highway alert systems. From the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=991 Topics: Crime, Families, Technology Last updated Jan 6, 2006 Arctic Health
This National Library of Medicine site provides "a central source of information on diverse aspects of the Arctic environment and the health of Northern peoples. It provides access to evaluated health information from hundreds of local, state, national, and international agencies, as well as from professional societies and universities." Features a searchable directory of health topics, sections for telemedicine and traditional medicine, and information on the Arctic Council. http://www.arctichealth.org/ Topics: Environment, Public Health & Safety, Regions of the World, Technology Last updated Oct 28, 2007 AT&T Technology Timeline
This timeline features descriptions of telecommunication, sound, and data technology developments starting with the birth of the telephone in 1876. Some of the of the events include fax service (1924), sound motion pictures (1926), synthetic speech (1936), the first mobile telephone call (1946), the first direct-dial transcontinental telephone call (1951), UNIX and the Internet (1969), and quantum computing (1999). From AT&T. http://www.corp.att.com/attlabs/reputation/timeline/ Topics: Technology Last updated Oct 31, 2007 Bandwidth Meter
Use this site to quickly measure the current speed of an Internet connection. Tests broadband services, such as cable Internet or digital subscriber line (DSL), as well as ISDN and dial-up modem. The results page compares the connection speed with that of local competing services. http://reviews.cnet.com/internet-speed-test/ Topics: Internet, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Technology Last updated Nov 22, 2008 Bluetooth FAQs
Questions and answers about this wireless connection system for personal computers and other related handheld devices, which was named after a Viking and king of Denmark. Topics addressed include situations in which Bluetooth may be used and wireless technology issues. Searchable. From the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), a privately held, not-for-profit trade association. http://bluetooth.com/Bluetooth/SIG/FAQ/ Topics: Computers, Computers, Internet, Technology, Web Design and Management Last updated Dec 31, 2007 CNET's Quick Guide to Satellite Radio
Provides an overview of satellite radio, with a discussion of potential benefits over traditional commercial radio (diverse offerings, commercial-free programs, good reception), equipment requirements, and a comparison of major satellite radio services Sirius and XM Radio. From CNET. http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6466_7-5068442-1.html Topics: Media, Sports, Recreation, & Entertainment, Technology Last updated Oct 19, 2004 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act: AskCALEA
Government information about the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA), a federal law designed to make wiretapping easier. CALEA is implemented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). http://www.askcalea.net Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Law, Technology Last updated Dec 21, 2005 Connected Earth: How Communication Shapes the World
This site "lets you explore communications past, present and future." Features illustrated essays on types of telecommunications (such as telegraph, telephone, radio, and satellite), advertising, uses, and pioneers and personalities. Also includes images of telecommunications artifacts, personal stories, and material for children (games and how the technology works). Don't miss the "gadgets" section where you can "explode" equipment to see what is inside. From British Telecom (BT) and several museum partners in the UK. http://www.connected-earth.com/ Topics: Technology Last updated Jan 2, 2008 CTIA: The Wireless Association
"CTIA [Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association] is the international organization that represents all sectors of wireless communications-cellular, personal communication services and enhanced specialized mobile radio." The site features information about industry issues, a timeline of wireless technology, FCC and legislative materials, and materials for consumers (such as a glossary, tips on wireless phones and safe driving, and a discussion of health issues). Searchable. Some material only available to members. http://www.ctia.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Industries, Internet, Technology Last updated May 25, 2004 Emergency Alert System (EAS)
"A national public warning system that requires broadcasters, cable television systems, wireless cable systems, satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) providers and, ... direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service providers to provide the communications capability to the President to address the American public during a National emergency." The site provides handbooks for radio, television, and cable services; rules and regulations; and links to state and local plans. From the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/eas/ Topics: Home & Housing, Military, Science, Science, Technology, War and Peace: Resources on Iraq Last updated Mar 28, 2007 Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Consumer Information Directory
This is a directory of FCC consumer information sites for telephone, broadcasting, Internet, and wireless communications. It includes rules and regulations, how to interpret a telephone bill, telephone and other communications scams, where to report fraud, how to register complaints about broadcasting program content and advertising, a cell phone FAQ, what can be done about unwanted faxes, and many more topics that fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC. Some information also available in Spanish. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumers.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Technology Last updated Nov 16, 2002 Fiber-Optic Technologies
This chapter from a 2004 book about optical-fiber network design covers a brief history of fiber-optic communications and "its wide spread applications ranging from global networks to desktop computers." Topics addressed include the physics behind fiber-optics, optical-cable construction, and fiber-optic cable systems. Although some of the material is technical, also includes background for laymen. From Cisco Press, a publisher for Cisco certification and network technology self-study resources. http://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=170740 Topics: Technology Last updated Apr 13, 2009 The History of AT&T
A site about AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph Company), founded in 1875 by Alexander Bell. Features a timeline and overview of company history (including the 1984 divestiture), a history of the AT&T network, and information about the invention of the telephone and AT&T and television. Also includes video clips and other images. http://www.corp.att.com/history/ Topics: Business, Industries, Technology Last updated Feb 9, 2007 How Do You Fix an Undersea Cable?
Audio and text of a January 2007 article about making electrical repairs on the ocean floor. Describes the steps of how the repair takes place: discover location of damage (based on reported phone or Internet service outages or sending light pulses), send a cable repair ship that uses a robot or grapnel to pull the loose ends to the ship, repair by splicing, and lower cable back to the seabed. From Slate. http://www.slate.com/id/2156987 Topics: Technology Last updated Feb 4, 2008 Internet Society
A non-governmental International organization for global cooperation and coordination for the Internet and its internetworking technologies and applications. http://www.isoc.org/ Topics: Technology Last updated Apr 28, 2004 The Joy of Text
Collection of fun features related to text messaging, including facts and figures (emphasis is on UK statistics), video clips, examples of emoticons and abbreviations, and hundreds of funny, romantic, and weird text messages. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/breakfast/3024891.stm Topics: Technology Last updated Jun 29, 2007 Lennie Lightwave's Guide to Fiber Optics
This website provides an introduction to fiber optics, "[p]icture sending signals zipping along from one location to another in the form of light guided through thin fibers of glass or plastic. These signals can be analog or digital." Includes definitions and illustrated articles about fiber, cable, termination, and related topics. Although this site is intended to promote interest in fiber optics certification, much of the content is of general interest. From a voice-data-video (VDV) business. http://www.jimhayes.com/lennielw/ Topics: Technology Last updated Apr 13, 2009 Leonard Kleinrock's Home Page
UCLA professor "Dr. Leonard Kleinrock created the basic principles of packet switching, the technology underpinning the Internet, while a graduate student at MIT." His official site features links to information about how the Internet was born, including his supervision of "the first message transmission on the Arpanet in October, 1969; this was the first murmurings of what later exploded into the Internet." Also includes biographical information and a bibliography. http://www.lk.cs.ucla.edu Topics: Electrical Energy, Internet, Notable People, Science, Technology Last updated Oct 2, 2004 Light Speed
Companion site to an episode of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Innovation program that "tells the story of fiber optics -- the intricate system of glass and light that carries enormous amounts of information around the world." Features a timeline of fiber optics, a feature on fiber optics and remote surgery, a video clip, and the show transcript. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/innovation/episode7.html Topics: Medical Treatments & Devices, Physics, Technology Last updated Jul 27, 2005 The Media Borg Wants You
A series of articles "on the corporate consolidation of the information industries." Topics include the Internet, the impact of the Telecommunications Act (1996), book reviews, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), FCC chairman Michael Powell, and Spanish language media in the United States. From Salon.com. http://archive.salon.com/tech/feature/2001/06/26/borg_intro/ Topics: Media, Media, Technology Last updated Oct 6, 2003 A Nation Online: Entering the Broadband Age
This is "the sixth report released by the U.S. Department of Commerce examining the use of computers, the Internet, and other information technology tools by the American people. Based on the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey of 57,000 households containing 134,000 persons, this report provides ... [data] on the ways that information technologies in general, and broadband more specifically, are transforming the way we live, work, and learn." Includes related links. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/reports/anol2004/NationOnlineBroadband04.htm Topics: Internet, Statistics, Technology, Web Design and Management Last updated Feb 2, 2005 National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA)
The organization set up to administer the Universal Service Discount programs. This site includes a great deal of information about the Schools and Libraries Program. Some information, such as forms, publications, and procedures, require (free) membership. http://www.neca.org/source/NECA_Home.asp Topics: Technology Last updated May 24, 2003 National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
The NTIA is "the President's principal adviser on telecommunications and information policy issues, and in this role frequently works with other Executive Branch agencies to develop and present the Administration's position on these issues." The site contains NTIA reports, filings, and notices; information on grants and jobs; and more. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ Topics: Technology Last updated Aug 7, 2005 Picturephoning.com
This blog "covers the new world of picture and video phones." Material is searchable, or browsable by date or by topics such as copyright issues, privacy concerns, and pornography. From two French science and technology writers. http://www.textually.org/picturephoning/ Topics: Blogs & Podcasts by Subject, Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Technology Last updated May 19, 2004 Recycler's World: Computer & Telecommunications Recycling Section
A good selection of links "along with a list of companies, associations and publications related to the Computer & Telecommunications Recycling industry in general." http://www.recycle.net/recycle/computer/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Dec 21, 2001 Telecommunications Act of 1996
Complete text of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There are additional FCC materials and proceedings and links to relevant sites, including the site maintained by the state of Wisconsin focusing on sections of the Telecommunications Act that are of most interest to schools and libraries. http://www.fcc.gov/telecom.html Topics: Technology Last updated May 30, 2002 Telecommunications Research & Action Center (TRAC)
This site helps consumers with telecommunications information so that they can make informed decisions. You can compare plans from major long distance carriers. It offers information on long distance plans, calling cards, time periods, telephone slamming, and spam. It also includes news summaries about long distance service with archives going back to 1994. You can also order TRAC Publications covering various related topics. http://trac.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Magazines, Technology Last updated Aug 4, 2009 Text Messaging: More Than Just an Add-on to Cell Phone Plans
Provides an overview of text messaging (known as SMS, or short messaging service) on cell phones, including how to send messages, who uses text messaging, and benefits of text messaging for the deaf community. Includes links to related resources. From an assistive technology specialist for the Adaptive Technology Center for New Jersey Colleges. http://www.tcnj.edu/~technj/2003/testmessaging.htm Topics: Disabilities, Technology Last updated Jan 13, 2005 Third Nationwide Annual Survey of Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Wondered whatever happened to your local ISP? Read this tell-all report. "Across the US, independent ISPs claim they are being frozen out of DSL and cannot compete on an equal footing with the local Bell monopolies. This is directly harming America's DSL and Internet customers." http://www.newnetworks.com/FINALISPSURVEY2001.htm Topics: Internet, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Technology Last updated Nov 10, 2004 The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC): Schools & Libraries
Official information about the E-rate, or the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, which "provides discounts to most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access." The "Reference Area" section provides background documents on the E-rate and related topics. Site also contains applications, forms, tools, and updates on the program. Searchable. The USAC is a nonprofit corporation appointed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to manage the program. http://www.universalservice.org/sl/ Topics: Librarianship, Technology Last updated Feb 26, 2006 Well Connected
Findings from the Center for Public Integrity's "examination of the telecommunications industry, the centerpiece of which is a first-of-its-kind, 65,000 record, searchable database containing ownership information on virtually every radio station, television station, cable television system and telephone company in America." Database is searchable by geographic area, call sign, or company name, and includes industry-sponsored trips by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officials. Site also features related reports and data. http://projects.publicintegrity.org/telecom/ Topics: Media, Media, Technology Last updated Mar 27, 2009 Wi Fi Freespot
"The Wi-Fi-FreeSpot™ Directory is a listing of Wi-Fi locations that offer Free Wireless Internet Access - Wi-Fi - utilizing 802.11 technology. The locations listed in the Wi-Fi-FreeSpot Directory are business locations like cafes, restaurants, coffeeshops, hotels, airports, downtown business districts, malls, retail stores, etc." Locations are listed by state, and there are links to location directories in places such as stores and libraries. Includes a blog for recent additions and a FAQ about using Wi-Fi. http://www.wififreespot.com/ Topics: Internet, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Technology Last updated May 24, 2006 Wireless 911 Services
Fact sheet from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about steps taken "to increase public safety by encouraging and coordinating development of a nationwide, seamless communications system for emergency services that includes the provision of location information for wireless 911 [emergency] calls." Includes links to information related to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 911 services. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wireless911srvc.html Topics: Internet, Technology Last updated Sep 21, 2005 Wireless Security
This FAQ is a clear, not overly technical document on the inherent security problems associated with "wi-fi" (wireless networking based on the 802.11 standards). Includes steps you can take to make your computers and laptops more secure. Undated, but the text suggests it was written mid-2003. From Rutgers University. http://techdir.rutgers.edu/wireless.html Topics: Technology Last updated Apr 19, 2005 Wireless Short Message Service (SMS)
This tutorial provides an overview of short message service (SMS), which is "a globally accepted wireless service that enables the transmission of alphanumeric messages between mobile subscribers and external systems such as electronic mail, paging, and voice-mail systems." It includes an "introduction to basic SMS concepts, specifications, networks, and services." Includes a glossary. From the nonprofit International Engineering Consortium. http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/wire_sms/ Topics: Technology Last updated Feb 22, 2006 |
|||
| Copyright © 2009, Librarians' Internet Index, LII. All rights reserved. Financial support for LII (Librarians' Internet Index) comes from the The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology and the IPL Consortium. LII is hosted by The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology. |