Evaluating wireless architectures for GDS applications

Abstract

While Wireless data communication technology promises to be the next primary communication media in the 21 st century, thus far, skepticism about their degree of reliability and performance has prevented wireless networks from replacing traditional networks in critical or demanding applications. In this paper, we explore the use of wireless environments in various applications related to Group Decision Support (GDS) Systems. In particular, we look into the impact of using various network architectures on the performance measures of GDS applications. Our experiments show that while the Quality of Service parameters of wireless networks still do not the match those of wired networks, the performance of wireless environments is acceptable for several GDS applications. We show that selecting the proper wireless architecture has a significant impact on the performance of the applications. In particular, the peer-to-peer architecture provided far better performance than other wireless architectures.In labs around the world, researchers have recently been working tirelessly to create technologies that will change the way we conduct business and live our lives. Some of these technologies are completely new technologies that could soon transform computing, medicine, manufacturing, transportation, and all other major industries. Mobile computing and wireless networking is clearly one of these technologies. Due to advances in technology, portable computing devices have become more and more available while possessing higher computing power. From smart phones, and personal digital assistants running embedded operating systems, to portable computers running fullblown desktop operating systems, these devices have increasingly provided communication capabilities that utilize wireless connections. With those communication capabilities firmly established, the next logical step is in the direction of greater interaction between users equipped with such devices while achieving higher degrees to stability and performance.Group Decision Support (GDS) applications provide an excellent example of such a problem. GDS applications represent a partnership between traditional group process methodologies and computer technology. Technology support of traditional group process methodologies has given rise to a particular class of Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) which concentrates on face-to-face interactions of individuals in groups. Research has shown that under certain circumstances, GDSS increase the effectiveness and performance of group decision in face-toface settings Hiltz 1999, 2001]. GDSS are most productive when effective structured group process methods are appropriately supported by computer technology. Since such technology is making big strides in the wireless world, it is our attempt to learn how they can impact GDSS. This paper reports on an early study in that direction. It is our goal to design experiments that would show us how GDS applications can make full use of emerging technologies.GDSS use technology to support...