Digital foundations and emerging technologies

Digital infrastructure forms the backbone of modern computing, communication, and data management. It encompasses technologies that enable devices to connect, share information, and process data securely and efficiently.  

Networking facilitates communication between devices, allowing them to share resources, exchange data, and collaborate on tasks. Networks range from simple home setups connecting a handful of personal devices to complex enterprise infrastructures supporting global cooperations, all based on the fundamental principle of enabling reliable, efficient communication between connected devices. 

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—including storage, processing power, and applications—over the internet rather than relying on a local computer or physical server. This enables users to scale up and down their services as needed and access their data and software from any device with an internet connection, facilitating greater flexibility and collaboration. 

Historically, organisations depended on dedicated mainframe computers and isolated networks with limited connectivity and capacity. Before the advent of cloud computing, individuals and businesses stored data locally on hard drives or servers, restricting accessibility and scalability. The rise of the Internet, wireless networks, and cloud-based solutions has revolutionised digital infrastructure, enabling real-time collaboration, remote work, and seamless information access. Today, advanced networking technologies, virtualisation, and cloud platforms provide the foundation for academic, business, and personal digital interactions. 

Why It Matters 

• Enables secure and efficient data transfer communication within and between organisations. 
• Understanding network security is crucial to protecting against cyber threats. 
• Increases productivity and collaboration by supporting real-time teamwork. 
• Cloud storage improves accessibility and data protection by allowing access to files from any device, eliminating the risk of losing data when a device is lost. 
• Supports automation, reducing manual workload and allowing professionals to focus on high-value tasks.   

• Networking hardware: Routers, switches, modems, and access points. 
• Cloud networking services: Used in industry for scalable computing and storage solutions, Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Networking. 
• Cloud-based software: Applications that run via the Internet rather than being installed locally (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace). The University of Exeter provides students with access to Microsoft 365 support their studies. 
• Cloud-based storage: Storage accessed via the Internet such as Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive. The University of Exeter provides students with access to Microsoft 365 including OneDrive to support their studies. 
• Security tools: Firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and multi-factor authentication (MFA). You can find our more information about MFA for your University account and the University VPN in the Student IT Welcome Pack. 

• Explore the resources available to you via the University of Exeter Digital Hub  
• Secure your network by setting strong passwords and encryption settings for your home network.  
• Use a VPN to encrypt data transmission, especially on public Wi-Fi. 
• Save and sync automatically by enabling auto-sync in OneDrive or Google Drive to prevent data loss. 
• Plan for offline access by downloading essential files if you anticipate limited Internet access. 
• Organise your files with clear folder structures and naming conventions for easy navigation. 
• Utilise version history to track changes and recover lost work using cloud platforms' version history features. 
• Manage access and permissions to control who can view or edit shared documents and protect sensitive data. 
• Optimise connectivity by using wired connections for stable, high-speed Internet, particularly for critical tasks. 
• Regularly test network speed to identify and troubleshoot performance issues. 

By understanding digital infrastructure, networks, and cloud computing, you can leverage technology effectively, ensuring secure, collaborative, and efficient workflows in an increasingly digital world. 

Thinking about your current academic work; 

• How secure is where it is stored?   
• Who has access to your work? Who needs access? 
• If you were offline, how would you access your work? 
• If you lost your primary device, how would you access your work? 
• Is your file and folder structure easy to navigate?