Module 2 website analysis

MR Paul Baran

Paul Baran 1

Introduction

For this module I have chosen to focus on just one section of a site at http://www.ibiblio.org/pioneers/baran.html₂. This profiles a group of ten individuals who have had a significant effect over the years in the development of the internet from its original conception to the present day. The particular section of this website I have concentrated on relates to Mr Paul Baran who worked for the RAND Corporation. He  was initially was interested in finding ways to improve the robustness of the networks in use at the time and was also instrumental in co-designing the network transmission system which became known as Packet Switching, which went on to become one of the standard transmission protocols of firstly ARPANET and then the Internet as we know it it in its present form.

This Sites Use to T171 Students

This part of the course deals with technical subjects which are likely to be new to students undertaking the T171 Course. The technical concepts lying behind computer networks are by its nature extremely complicated. It uses concepts, language and terminology which are rarely in every day use. Although I have based this analysis primarily on only one of ten sections, I feel that to a new student, the information and clear presentation of what a "distribution network" along with the explanation of provided "packet switching" and its importance to the future development of ARPANET would be valuable. This would be further enhanced by the detailed information supplied on the site of the individual’s background and the effect that their work outcomes were. This additional knowledge in relation to the subjects covered within this module could only enhance understanding of the module

 The Relevance, Perspective and Opinions on the Site.

The whole of this site, not just the section relating to Mr Baran links directly to the T171 Course, Module 2, Section 2.5 to 2.7₃ which deal directly with ARPANET and Packet Switching. The site was composed by Mr Scott Griffen ₂ as part of his Masters project in May 2000. The site is clearly presented in a logical manner with clear hyperlinks to all sections of the site which makes navigation very easy. It is written in an academic style and appears to follow the normal conventions of academic work.  The level of language used within the site enhances its readability and he has also made good use of images and diagrams to enhance his site. It is slightly difficult to determine what bias if any exists within the actual page or the site, as there is no obvious slant being presented.  There are also no advertisement links within the site and the wording used is predominately factual rather than subjective. This along with good academic referencing adds to the impression that it is a very balanced site.

Overall I liked the site and found it covered to a reasonable depth the technological interests that Mr Baran obviously had. I based this by comparing the details on this site with the information provided in both the set book for this section and the T171 coursework

References