usability models based on network artifacts for rural...
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Usability Models Based on Network Artifacts for Rural
Development
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Gupta
School of Studies in Computer Science & Applications,
Jiwaji University, Gwalior-474002 (M.P), India
[email protected], [email protected]
Abstract
Network role is vital to transfer benefits of information
technology in rural hands to minimize the gap between
urban and rural infrastructure. Observations represent coarse
relationships to identify and understand possible models
based on Network Artifacts (NA) to establish computer
network in rural areas. The purpose is to promote such NA
which would consume less effort to learn and use new technology to bring fast growth in rural development, and
control the situation of population burst in cities by
retaining people in rural areas by providing IT enabled
services on supreme priority.
Keywords: Rural Development (RD), Information
Technology (IT), Network Artifacts (NA).
1. Introduction
Due to strong technological development and speedy growth
of computer industries has given opportunities to serve large
number of separate but interconnected computers as tool to
offer a powerful communication medium among widely
separated group of people to facilitate and fulfill their social,
economic and computational needs. Such a nice
arrangement of resource sharing utilized by the rural citizen
may give numerous benefits like fast access of information,
better communication and control of policies, and user
friendly interactive environment. Across India lot of
possibility exist to more strengthen basic infrastructure like roads, transport, power supply, clean drinking water,
healthcare, education system, poverty eradication,
communication network etc. in rural areas. Work has been
done to educate and train innocent community of deprived
areas about buzzword of Information Technology but more
effort to be done to penetrate deep into the heart and culture
to rural people in 21st century through computer,
Information, and Communication technology to learn,
understand, use, and spread practicalities in their own
language as network. However, network may be represented
as group of resources and devices that can be linked to each
other and shared within the group [13] to improve the
standard of living of rural population. However, network
artifact is defined independently as piece of resource/
and device capable to aid/ perform intended operations to
establish network. Objective of considering usability
models of NA is to identify, classify and understand the
role of various available NA to minimize effort in
building computer network used for rural development.
Moreover, in rural perspective, NA’s are related one
another in many way which indicate the presence of
control and data relationships. However, usability (Ub) is defined as a measure of how easy is to use a product to
perform prescribed tasks [20] and use effort (Ue) is
described in [5,6,7]. Coarse relationships are symbolized
in usability models to capture the domain use of
obtainable analogous NA to implement most appropriate,
to minimize usable effort in rural scenario. This
mechanism may help to provide way to enhance use of
NA in design and use network as most of the rural
community unable to make such type of measurable
calculations.
The main content of the paper is organized in a following
way. Section 2 describes the aim and Scope of Computer
Network in rural area. Section 3 briefly discusses
importance of Networks using modern technologies for
the benefit of rural citizens. Section 4 describe
observations on usability models for analysis of NA and RD. Usability models and their issues are summarized in
section 5, and discussion and future work is given in
section 6 and 7 respectively. Lastly, conclude in section
8.
2. Aim and scope of computer network
In India, rural people are innocent and are more often
involved in traditional way to provide community
services or engaged in agriculture sector or processing
small business. Impact of new technology is clearly
Dr.Sanjay Kumar Gupta , Int.J.Computer Technology & Applications,Vol 4 (3),508-513
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visible in various sectors to boost economy of urban areas.
Rural segment is one of the prominent areas where more
than half population lives and benefits of new technology
must be reached to the farmers’ doorsteps through establish
network between urban and rural to promote use of
computers. Computers working in networks use various
resources and services breaking the distance barrier.
Therefore, good network infrastructure in rural areas
provides opportunities to have strong connections for interaction and communication. Result of that its benefits
are numerous like increase in food grain production,
commercial crops, horticulture, dairy products, service
sector; bank, insurance (crop, livestock), more funding
institutions-for agriculture sector, communication services
such as export and import of products and business,
availability of good quality seeds, agrochemicals
(pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers),
fruits, vegetables, processed milk, marine products, use of
electronic equipment, better control of diseases, insects,
pests, improve people and animal health monitoring and
management, mathematical modeling and simulation of
agriculture processes, soil fertility analysis and
conservation, irrigation source scheduling and control, good
methods for planting, cultivating, harvesting, and storage,
use of forecasting models-weather, crops, temperature etc.
Therefore, high usability of network for communication successfully bridged the gap between rural community and
urban resources, to increase income level of farmers.
3. Networks Related Work
Work has been done by researchers to offer inexpensive
hardware and software solutions to establish network for
rural applications. There are good numbers of grassroots
projects in India that are using modern technologies for the
benefit of urban and rural citizens [17]. APSWAN is a
State-wide network for voice, data and video
communication established by AP from the state
headquarters to all the districts and the other important
centers [9]. A satellite network, which connect several Bhoomi Data Centres located at various taluk Centres
[10,11,12]. Network connects local self-governing bodies in
Kerala to expedite transactions accessible to the public in
Panchayat wards. Drishtee offers services including access
to government programmes and benefits, market related
information and private information exchanges and
transactions [16, 11,12]. The Computer-Aided
Administration of Registration Department (CARD) in AP,
deploys networked computers to reform the processes of
registering deeds and stamp duties etc. [17]. Information
Village Project connected by network many villages near
Pondicherry in southern India [12]. Mandi Board in M.P.
has a scheme to computerize its activities and for integration
of Mandi network. Akshaya an implementation of Kerala
State IT mission, aims to set up a network of large number
of information centres that serve as agri-business centres
to the farmers [17]. An industrial PC based electronic
monitoring and control system for cropping process stage
at National Research Centre for Mushrooms, Solan, H.P.
[19]. Baatchit aim is to facilitate Information access,
communication, entertainment and socio-economic
opportunities within villages [17]. In TARAhaat the in-
built motivation has empowered people to eliminate
middle men in marketing their produce directly over network, online services to several rural communities
and consumer-to-consumer, and e-choupal [16,11,12].
4. Observations on Usability Models
To represent NA usability, assumption is to how hard the
physical component to use. However, In each category,
pool of ITNA is available as per requirement of
application (say 1.. N). Task of each physical network
component is performed by changing many finite states
& properties (say 1.. M). These all possibilities put
together and attempt has been made to represent in form
of coarse relationship as crude subjective metrics to
quantify usability in form of models of NA usability
resources in IT led RD climate in India to keep usability
high and costs low in day to day life to make better
operation of this segment. This part pertains to various NA models on observations for usability analysis
considering few design related issue in rural climate.
4.1 Network Process Model
Communication among computers and other resources demand to establish a network which can understand and
propagate data to appropriate recipients. Each of these
devices fulfills a specific role in a network; however,
only the largest and most complex environments use all
of them to promote rural development.
Use of HuB (HB) Connects all computers in a network to
each other and helps direct messages to appropriate
recipients. It is a central connection point for wiring the
network [1]. It forwards data to all ports, regardless of
whether the data is intended for the system connected to
the port [15]. Therefore, use of HB in rural segment help
to expedite NA by providing services. Therefore, NA
usability of HB will be
Thus, use of HB can enhance rural communities’
opportunities by improving their access to market information and lower transaction costs. Result of that
increase efficiency, competitiveness and market access
for poor farmers and traders.
Use of SWitcH (SWH) provides a central connection
point for cables from workstations, servers, and
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peripherals. It helps to overcome the problem of accessibility
which has opened new ventures for rural citizens. Therefore,
NA usability of SWH in IT led RD will be,
Thus, use of SWH facilitates easy and affordable
information accessibility for rural citizens that make
agriculture business more productive and remunerative.
A BRidGe (BRG) will connect to distinct segments (usually referring to a physical length of wire) and transmit traffic
between them. It connects two similar networks and also
allows segmentation of large networks into two smaller,
more efficient networks [1] that operates at physical and
data link layers [18]. Therefore, NA usability of BRG in IT
led RD will be
Thus, use of BRG provides rich contents to the rural
segment related to awareness of socio economic, and
agriculture domain which accelerate community
development. Result of that rural communities are empower
to access information as urban communities.
RouTeR (RTR) can be used to connect different types of
networks and, it operates at physical, data link and network
layer [18] because of that can dynamically make the best
(cheapest, fastest, etc) choice of route between the networks.
Routers divide the network logically instead of physically
[1]. Therefore, NA usability of RTR will be
Thus, use of RTR delivers easy to access, cost effective
form of information in transmission of knowledge to
farmers which speed up rate of literacy. Result of that urban
service will be available in rural areas that empower rural
communities by promoting greater transparency and speed-
up decision-making process
A GaTeWay (GTW) connects two dissimilar computer
networks. It operates at all the seven layers [18]. A gateway
allows a LAN user to access a mainframe network without
leaving his or her PC. Similarly, a gateway between a LAN and a WAN enables a LAN user to send E-mail over the
WAN [1]. Therefore, NA usability of GTW will be
Thus, use of GTW provides aid to new methods of doing the
same traditional activities by changing the life style of the
rural people. Result of that urban amenity will be available
in rural areas.
From combining the observations as equation 1 to 5, NA
usability of Network Access Devices (NAD) is derived
as an equation:
Thus, Network process model considering use effort of
NA, can be represented as
4.2. Network Interface Model
Due to networking, data can move from one place to other
place. For performing fast communication good interface
mechanism is required to connect various artifacts of
Network. Usability of Network Interface artifacts have
influence on network for rural development as
NeTwork Adapter (NTA) (also known as NIC) is the
mechanisms by which computers connect to a network
[15]. It is a major factor in determining the speed and
performance of a network and concerned with bus and
port compatibility. Therefore usability of NTA is greatly
influenced by many factors. Therefore, NA usability of
NTA in IT led RD will be
Thus, use of NTA makes available network functionalities
as foremost tools to bridge the gap between rural in
remote locations and urban areas. Result of that promotes
real time communication to improve the surroundings of
remote rural areas.
Use of MoDeM (MDM) offers computers to interact
through serial communication potential across phone
lines. It modulates the digital signal into analog at the
sending computer and performs the reverse function at the
receiving computer. Therefore, NA usability of MDM in
IT led RD will be
Thus, MDM propose useful communication links to
establish a network among communities of rural and
urban areas. Result of that lead to shared understanding to
promote cultural, socio, economic development
irrespective of distance in the globe.
TraNsceiveR (TNR) is a device that can be both a
transmitter and a receiver of signals. A transceiver is a
device that functions as a transmitter and a receiver of
signals such as analog or digital. Therefore, NA usability
of TNR in IT led RD will be
Dr.Sanjay Kumar Gupta , Int.J.Computer Technology & Applications,Vol 4 (3),508-513
IJCTA | May-June 2013 Available [email protected]
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ISSN:2229-6093
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Thus, TNR enables several tasks to be performed over a
network. Result of that villager may easily share or update
knowledge of agriculture and rural segment.
From combining the observations as equation 7 to 9, NA
usability of Network Interfaces (NTI) is derived as an
equation:
Thus, Network Interface Usability model considering learn
and use effort of NA, may be expressed as
4.3. Network Media Model
Communication media is the medium that carries the
information from one place to another. Wired
Communication Media (WCM) that contains some
conducting material or metal to carry data or signal [18]. IT
Infrastructure include a physical medium to pass signal from
one device to another is not frequently available in remote
places.
Use of Twisted Pair Cable (TPC) is for connecting relatively
slow digital resources. It is available in two forms;
unshielded and shielded and helps for providing accurate,
timely, relevant information and services to the farmers,
thereby facilitating an environment for more remunerative agriculture. Therefore, NA usability of TPC in IT led RD will
be
Thus, use of TPC provides aid to move information. Result
of that easy availability to use plan & policies to escape
poverty.
Use of CoaXial Cable (CXC) carries signals of higher
bandwidth that in turn provide interface to transmission of
Information Knowledge to farmers. Therefore, NA usability
of CXC in IT led RD will be
Use of CXC conducts transactions in greater volumes. Result
of that rural people can live a more dignified life.
Use of Fiber Optics Cable (FOC) carries light impulses to
transmit data through tiny glass or plastic fibers which is
thinner than the human hair. It can transmit data at very high speed without error. Therefore, NA usability of FOC in IT
led RD will be
Use of FOC supports rapid information flow. Result of
that better availability of agriculture, veterinary, health
and land services.
Thus, from combining the observations as equation 11 to
13,
Wireless Communication Media (WLCM) transports
electromagnetic signals among computers through air using radio wave, microwave, infrared, laser wave,
satellite. These signals are available to anyone who has a
device capable of receiving them [18]. Therefore,
transport electromagnetic wave without using a physical
conductor (wireless) is more suitable in rural segment
because of uneven geographical conditions in different
part of country.
Use of WLCM plays prominent role in expanding many
services like data, video, multimedia, voice to remote
areas. Result of that it brings rural urban communities and
services as group breaking the distance and geographical
conditions for the development of deprived sector.
Communication in rural areas among computers may be
built using more than one type of media to suit as per
geographical conditions. Therefore, Network media model
considering use effort of NA, may be expressed by
combing equation 14 and 15 as
4.4. Network Safety Model
Security is an issue which has been associated with resources used in network. To use the functionality of
network devices, security should be considered.
FireWalL (FWL) is a networking device that controls
access to your organization’s network. This controlled
access is designed to protect data and resources from
outside threat. Therefore, NA usability of FWL in IT led
RD will be
Thus, Network safety model considering use effort of NA
(Security Devices (SCD)), may be expressed as
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4.5. Network Support Model
Network Protocols (NPL) are the languages that allow
computers to communicate with each other. There are many
standard protocols, among them: AppleTalk, Ethernet,
NetBEUI, and TCP/IP [1]. Therefore, NA usability of NPL in
IT led RD will be
Use of NPL offers communication as per requirement to
transfer data. Result of that NA usability of NPL to form &
use efficient network (village network to Internet) more for
RD.
File ServeRs (FSR) is the central data storage unit for
computer network. It is used to controls the communication
of information between the nodes on a network. Therefore,
NA usability of FSR in IT led RD will be
Use of FSR offers many services requested by users. Result
of that of that rural people facilitates more.
Network TopoloGy (NTG) refers to the physical layout of the
network in which connections are made among all computers
and other network devices. It is a geometrical arrangement of
computer network in which all resources are systematically
more efficiently used.
Use of NTG connects all of the devices on a network to
provide more efficient services. Result of that better
connectivity available for rural people to provide
agriculture, veterinary, health and land services.
Thus, Network support model considering use effort of
NA (Other Auxiliary Components (OAC)), may be
expressed by combining equation 19 to 21 as
5. Summarized Table
Issues to represent NA usability of resources/services of
technical infrastructure to promote IT among rural section
for rural development are summarized. If any component
of NA infrastructure in rural area consumes greater effort,
then its NA usability will be less. Therefore, effort
required to understand, learn and operate IT resources in
rural area to determine the impact on rural development.
Each of the usability model discussed has different
intention which is disclosed in table-1 however, best
approach of each NA usability model may be employed to
build computer network in rural areas that consume less effort to operate.
Table-1 Applicability of NA usability models
S.No. Category Usability model Referred
to
Equation
Applicability of model
1. Network Device Network Process model 06
When devices are concern to
communicate
2. Network Interface Network Interface Model 10
When Interfaces are of concern to form
network
3. Communication Media
Network Media Model 16
When communication channels are of concern to establish network
4. Security Device Network Safety Model 18
When safety of network resources are of
concern
5. Auxiliary Component Network Support Model 22
When auxiliary components are of
concern to build network
6. Discussion
A constant is associated with each model which covers
barriers to access infrastructure, high costs and minimal
human resources that use NA often prevent those living in
poverty in reaping the benefits. These models for NA access
in rural areas require extensive perfection to transform from
coarse subjective to objective relationships, based on
statistical data obtained with clear-cut purpose for the
analysis of NA usability of infrastructure and rural
development relationships described in this paper.
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7. Future Scope
Largest numbers of observations on usability models are
efforts to put various network related artifacts altogether in
domain as choice to further promote researchers to estimate
them. Each coarse model is subjective only to represent pool
of artifacts to select as per requirement. Thus, it should be
further critically analyzed to explore the unknown variables,
factors and their relationships with limitations and
characteristics to identify and control their usability to yield
the meaningful outcome. Numbers of symbols are assigned to
the network artifacts of IT in real world to express them to
measure according to clearly identified imperatives. Further,
it needs to define each artifacts in sufficient detail to make
these models of practical use so further investigations and
research are very much needed to collect data and compute it to make observations more general and meaningful to drive
conclusion of practical use in rural environment.
8. Conclusion
Rate of growth of Network services in rural areas has
increased but still it has been largely slower than in urban
areas. Even then, a quiet IT revolution is developing where
the illiterate farm workers ready to use web cams, voice mail
and e-mail regularly. The purpose of Network process model,
Network Interface Model, Network Media Model, Network
safety Model, Network support model are to provide way to
analyze and construct such NA that exhibit high usability in rural areas. The objective is to build network using such NA
in rural areas that consume less effort to operate which show
rural people a profitable path for self growth.
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IJCTA | May-June 2013 Available [email protected]
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ISSN:2229-6093