Introduction to Computing: Actor Network Theory and Two Case Studies

This essay delves into the application of Actor Network Theory (ANT) within the realm of computing, examining the dynamic relationships between technology, humans, and organizations. The report begins by defining computing and ANT, establishing the framework for understanding how technological innovations and social structures interact. Two case studies are then presented to illustrate ANT's principles: the increasing demand for Wide Area Networks (WAN) and Google's initiative to test innovative 3.5GHz wireless technology in Kansas City. The essay analyzes how actors (e.g., WAN, Google) and actants (e.g., IT departments, individuals) form networks, impacting business operations and societal connectivity. The discussion highlights the benefits and potential challenges associated with these technologies, emphasizing the importance of ANT in comprehending the evolving landscape of computing and its effects on various stakeholders. The essay concludes by underscoring the significance of ANT in understanding the complex interplay between technology and society, and the need to address potential issues arising from technological advancements.

INTRODUCTION
TO
COMPUTING

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................3
Actor Network Theory and its relevancy ...................................................................................3
Two computing stories ...............................................................................................................4
Story 1: The new network ..........................................................................................................4
Story 2: Google to test innovative 3.5GHz wireless in Kansas City ..........................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Computing is defined as goal oriented activity which gets benefit with computer
technology. Computing involve designing, developing hardware and software system, processing
and managing different types of information. The aim of computing is to involve any type of
computer device (Farias and Bender, 2012). Further, there are different fields in computing and
some of them include computer engineering, software engineering, computer science,
information technology, etc.
This present report has been prepared on computer networking theory by considering two
new stories and these stories have been effectively analysed with help of Actor Network Theory.
Further, this assignment has been prepared in essay format in order to give reader brief idea
about modern computing and different new technologies.
Actor Network Theory and its relevancy
Actor Network Theory (ANT) is defined as a continuous process which shows effective
relationship of society with various technologies and non human factors. This theory is also
treated as an approach to social theory which generally originates in field of social science and
consider objects as social networks. Further, actor theory is also considered as one of the
effective tool which shows different processes with the help of innovations and also
technological systems (Venturini, 2010). Moreover, ANT is also treated as a constructive
approach where it generally neglects the essential explanations for different events and
innovations.
Furthermore, actor network theory also make strong bond with those firms who are
working in field of sociology as well as anthropology. This actor network theory is presented in a
graphical format and there exist two different views on this theory. The first view is of actor as it
plays an important role in this theory as it freezes the frame process in model. On the contrary
side, actants are considered as individual or collective agent who can be connected to other
agents in order to make effective relations (Sayes, 2014). With the combination of both actor and
actant, they form a network and gets connected strongly. Moreover, actors in the theory have to
be treated in their own rights and can never be intermediary who simply relying an effect of one
entity to another. Apart from it, the actors in actor network theory can be human, technology or
different intangible actors.

Two computing stories
Story 1: The new network
This present story is based on increase in Wide Area Network (WAN) demand which
giving positive upfront to IT department in order to come with new solutions in software-defined
WAN. By taking Actor Network Theory into consideration, the actor in this theory is WAN and
actants are IT organizations, people and other users of WAN network (Hall, 2010). Further, by
combining both actor and actant, IT organizations are trying their best in order to give business
ventures best of the comfort so that their data can be shared easily across different area and
location.
Furthermore, Wide Area Network (WAN) is a telecommunication network which
generally extends over large geographical area. The main characteristics of these Wide area
networks are that they often established with leased telecommunication circuits. Apart from it,
different business enterprises, education and government are dependent on this WAN network in
order to collect data of different parties who belongs from different locations (Bell, 2010).
Moreover, with the help of ANT network, WAN can bring some necessary changes in the
working style of business ventures. It is also depicted that the actor of this story is acting and
impacting positively on different actants.
Moreover, the WAN network has been changing over the years and it is benefiting IT
organizations effectively. The end result is that employee will simply need to connect which ever
device organization prefer to automatically receive configuration from a central controller
destination. In short, the device will behave like if it were connected to organization on-premise
WAN (Alcadipani and Hassard, 2010). This network will help different business enterprise,
schools colleges, etc. to collect data from different sources and also from geographical locations.
Internet is a WAN network and it plays an important role in 21st century.
Furthermore, relation of WAN network and different parties form Actor Network theory
where the actants are dependent on actor in order to function well in dynamic environment.
Further, with the help of WAN network, organization collects data of their different parties and
make relative record of the same. This eventually helps venture in smooth functioning of
ventures. Moreover, as the WAN covers the large geographical area, it helps IT organization and
different parties to get connected with one another in order to have smooth working operations
(Munro, 2009).

However, there might exist some issues which can affect the performance business
organization and this will be due to failure of network, server problem and various others. The
main driver of adoption is generally same to that of software-defined networking. Different IT
professionals are looking ahead in order to cut their costs as well. Moreover, enterprise wide area
networks can acts as drainage on broadband services. This is duly because the amount of
bandwidth consumed by business organization as well as different bodies are increasing
subsequently (Arnaboldi and Spiller, 2011). With increasing WAN network, the usage of internet
has also increased and this has subsequently increased the budget of internet of business firms.
Story 2: Google to test innovative 3.5GHz wireless in Kansas City
This present story is based on Google innovative technology where they are setting 3.5
GHz wireless network with the use of antennas on street light in different areas of Kansas City.
With reference to Actor Network Theory, the actor of this story is Google and actants are
individuals business organizations, local body, etc. further, by combining both the actor and
actant, Google is trying to achieve the objective of world connectivity and providing an effective
network where individual gets connected to internet with ease and comfort (Google to test
innovative 3.5GHz wireless in Kansas City, 2016). Kansas city is one of the largest city in state
of Missouri. The test which Google planning to do will be the first large scale test of its kind in
the nation. The test is been done in order to come up with the broadband services for different
organization, individuals, local body etc. so that they get best of the access in fast speed
(Venturini, 2010). Moreover, if Actor Network theory is considered, then here too actants are
dependent on actor in order to have smooth functioning. The test which Google is making will
last for almost 18 months and will result into fast, short range wireless connections to serve some
areas as it is difficult to reach with the Google Fibre.
Furthermore, with the use of ANT, Google will bring mere revolution in world and
actants were able to develop strong relationship with one another. Apart from it, with better
internet facility, actants will be also able to enjoy different services like Wikipedia, social
networking cites, music, YouTube, etc. The services which Google provide will increase one
knowledge and actants can easily enhance their skills and capabilities. Apart from it, it will also
enhance virtual communities, easy, change the beliefs, perception and opinion of individuals as
well. These services will only be operated in smartphones and tablets. The average speed of the
wireless connection will be around 10Mbps to 20Mbps (Fenwick and Edwards, 2010).

Moreover, if Google is successful in the test then it will surely provide different
commercial services and after that the Kansas city will become most wirelessly connected
gigabit region as the city will be advanced with new advanced wireless services (Greenhalgh
and Stones, 2010). With the implementation Google will receive a sum of $45/light pole. The
approval for the same is given by the local body as well as by Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). The actants of Kansas city will be happy as they will get improved internet
services and with that their efficiency in the usage of internet will get increased. Moreover, with
increasing usage of internet, people's perception and lifestyle will start changing and they will
spend more of their time on internet instead of developing personal relations (Justesen and
Mouritsen, 2011). Therefore, with increasing internet usage, actants has to response well towards
the benefit so given by Google. On the other hand, with more usage of internet the thinking,
problem solving and risk taking ability people might get decreased. Further different issues may
come into play like theft of information, lack of privacy, increase victimless crimes, etc.
CONCLUSION
From the above study it is evident that Actor Network Theory plays an important role as
it shows the relationship of actor and actant effectively. In this story, human and technology can
be treated as an intangible actors. The above document presented comprises two computing
stories i.e. The new network and Google to test innovative 3.5GHz wireless in Kansas City.
Further, this report also showcase that computing is one of the most important part in terms of
carrying innovations and improvements. Both stories show some problems which need to be
overcome in efficient and effective manner.

REFERENCES
Journals and Books
Alcadipani, R. and Hassard, J., 2010. Actor-Network Theory, organizations and critique:
towards a politics of organizing. SAGE.
Arnaboldi, M. and Spiller, N., 2011. Actor-network theory and stakeholder collaboration: The
case of Cultural Districts. Tourism Management. 32(3). pp. 641-654.
Bell, F., 2010. Connectivism: Its place in theory-informed research and innovation in
technology-enabled learning. The International Review Of Research In Open And
Distributed Learning. 12(3). pp. 98-118.
Farias, I. and Bender, T., 2012. Urban assemblages: How actor-network theory changes urban
studies. Routledge.
Fenwick, T. and Edwards, R., 2010. Actor-network theory in education. Routledge.
Greenhalgh, T. and Stones, R., 2010. Theorising big IT programmes in healthcare: strong
structuration theory meets actor-network theory. Social science & medicine. 70(9). pp.
1285-1294.
Hall, A. J., 2010. Information Technology Auditing. Cengage Learning.
Justesen, L. and Mouritsen, J., 2011. Effects of actor-network theory in accounting research.
Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal. 24(2). pp. 161-193.
Munro, R., 2009. Actor-network theory. The SAGE handbook of power. London: Sage
Publications Ltd.
Sayes, E., 2014. Actor–Network Theory and methodology: Just what does it mean to say that
nonhumans have agency?. Social Studies of Science. 44(1). pp. 134-149.
Venturini, T., 2010. Diving in magma: How to explore controversies with actor-network theory.
Public understanding of science. 19(3). pp. 258-273.
Online
Google to test innovative 3.5GHz wireless in Kansas City. 2016. [Online]. Available Through:
<http://www.computerworld.com/article/3055998/networking/google-to-test-innovative-3-
5ghz-wireless-in-kansas-city.html>. [Accessed on 26th April 2016]
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