A7 Issues relating to transmission of data How the features and processes of data transmission affect the use and performance of
IT systems.
•
Protocols used to govern and control data transmission for common tasks,
e.g. HTTP, HTTPS, POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, VoIP, FTP, TCP/IP.
•
Security issues and considerations when transmitting data over different
connection types and networks.
•
Factors affecting bandwidth and latency, e.g. connection type, number of users,
protocol used, distance from server, data/signal conversion.
•
The implications of bandwidth and latency on the use and performance of an
IT system.
•
Types of compression:
o
lossy, e.g. MP3, MP4, JPEG
o
lossless, e.g. FLAC. GIF. PNG, zip.
•
The applications and implications of data compression.
•
The use and implications of codecs when using and transmitting audio and
video in digital format.
A8 Online systems The features, impact and implications of the use of online IT systems to store data and
perform tasks.
•
The personal and professional uses and applications of cloud storage.
•
The personal and professional uses and applications of cloud computing.
•
The impact and implications on individuals of using cloud storage and
computing.
•
The impact and implications on organisations of using cloud storage and
computing.
•
Systems that enable and support remote working:
o
VPNs
o
remote desktop technologies.
•
Factors affecting the use and selection of online systems:
o
security
o
cost
o
ease of use
o
features
o
connectivity.
A9 Emerging technologies The features of the new and emerging technologies and their implications for
organisations and their stakeholders.
•
Developments in digital devices, e.g. smartphones, activity trackers,
portable computing.
•
Developments in networks and connectivity, e.g. 4G/5G, IoT, virtualisation,
containerisation.
•
Developments in modelling and data interrogation, e.g. augmented reality,
virtual reality, data warehousing, machine learning.
