Year 10 · ICT · Autumn 2
Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Network hardware and types
Theory4.1a Network devices4.1b Types of network and cloud computing
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
You will learn to
- Describe what a router, NIC, hub, switch and bridge do.
- Explain the difference between a hub and a switch.
- Compare Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Describe LAN, WLAN and WAN, and compare them.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Success criteria
You have got it when you can say:
- I can label each device on a drawing of the school network.
- I can explain why a switch sends data only to the device it is meant for.
- I can say whether a network is a LAN, a WLAN or a WAN, and why.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Retrieval starter
Questions from before. Write your answers, then show them.
- Last unit
A CLI is…
A A touch screenB A command line interface: typed commandsC Clicking icons
B. A command line interface: typed commands
- Last unit
A phablet is…
A Between a phone and a tablet in sizeB A serverC A printer
A. Between a phone and a tablet in size
- Last unit
A touch screen that senses the electricity in your finger is…
A ResistiveB Infra-redC Capacitive
C. Capacitive
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Key words (1 of 4)
- Network
- Two or more devices connected so they can share data and resources.
- NIC
- Network interface card: hardware that connects a device to a network.
- MAC address
- A unique hardware address given to each NIC by the manufacturer.
- IP address
- An address that identifies a device on a network or the internet.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Key words (2 of 4)
- Hub
- Connects devices on a LAN and sends data to all of them.
- Switch
- Connects devices on a LAN and sends data only to the right device, using MAC addresses.
- Bridge
- Joins two LANs that use the same protocol.
- Router
- Sends data between networks, such as a LAN and the internet, using IP addresses.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Key words (3 of 4)
- LAN
- Local area network: covers one building or site.
- WLAN
- Wireless LAN: devices connect by Wi-Fi.
- WAN
- Wide area network: covers a large area, joining many LANs.
- Intranet
- A private network for members of one organisation.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Key words (4 of 4)
- Extranet
- Part of an intranet that authorised outsiders can reach.
- Cloud computing
- Storing data and running software on remote servers over the internet.
4.1a Network devices · The explanation · step 1 of 8
What a network is
A network is two or more devices connected so they can communicate.
Advantages: users can share files, printers and one internet connection, and log on from any computer. Software can be updated and backed up centrally.
Disadvantages: set-up costs, a technician is needed, viruses can spread quickly between computers, and a server failure can stop everyone working.
4.1a Network devices · The explanation · step 2 of 8
Network interface card (NIC)
A NIC is the hardware inside a device that lets it connect to a network, by cable or wirelessly.
Each NIC has a unique MAC address (media access control address), set by the manufacturer. It identifies that device on the network.
4.1a Network devices · The explanation · step 3 of 8 · part 1 of 2
Hub, switch and bridge
A hub connects devices on a LAN. When data arrives, it sends a copy to every device. Each device checks if the data is for it.
A switch also connects devices on a LAN, but it learns the MAC address of each device. It sends data only to the device it is meant for.
A bridge connects two LANs that use the same protocol, so they work as one bigger network.
4.1a Network devices · The explanation · step 3 of 8 · part 2 of 2
Hub, switch and bridge (continued)
| Hub | Switch | |
|---|---|---|
| Sends data to | All devices | Only the intended device |
| Uses MAC addresses? | No | Yes, keeps a table of them |
| Network traffic | More, slows the network | Less, so faster |
| Security | Lower: every device receives every packet | Higher: data goes only where it should |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
Write "a switch is more efficient than a hub because it sends data only to the device with the matching MAC address, so there is less traffic."
4.1a Network devices · The explanation · step 4 of 8 · part 1 of 3
Router
A router connects a LAN to another network, usually the internet. It sends data between networks.
It reads the IP address (internet protocol address) in each data packet and works out the best route for it.
A home router often also acts as a switch and a wireless access point, and gives each device a private IP address.
4.1a Network devices · The explanation · step 4 of 8 · part 2 of 3
Router (continued)
4.1a Network devices · The explanation · step 4 of 8 · part 3 of 3
Router (continued)
MAC addresses find a device inside one network. IP addresses find a network and a device across the internet. Routers use IP; switches use MAC.
4.1b Types of network and cloud computing · The explanation · step 5 of 8 · part 1 of 2
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Both send data by radio waves, so no cables are needed.
Wi-Fi connects devices to a network and the internet over a range of about 30 to 100 metres.
Bluetooth connects two devices close together, usually under 10 metres, such as a phone and wireless earphones.
4.1b Types of network and cloud computing · The explanation · step 5 of 8 · part 2 of 2
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (continued)
| Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Longer (about 30–100 m) | Short (usually under 10 m) |
| Data transfer rate | Faster | Slower |
| Number of devices | Many on one network | Few, usually pairs |
| Security | Better, with strong encryption (WPA2/WPA3) | Weaker; can be intercepted if left discoverable |
| Power use | Higher | Lower |
| Typical use | Laptops in a school, internet at home | Earphones, smartwatch, wireless keyboard, car hands-free |
4.1b Types of network and cloud computing · The explanation · step 6 of 8 · part 1 of 2
Cloud computing
Cloud computing means storing files and running software on remote servers, reached over the internet, instead of on your own computer.
Examples: online file storage and online office apps. A school might keep all student work in cloud storage.
The servers are owned by a cloud provider and kept in large data centres.
4.1b Types of network and cloud computing · The explanation · step 6 of 8 · part 2 of 2
Cloud computing (continued)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Files can be reached from any device, anywhere with internet | Needs a reliable internet connection; no internet means no files |
| Provider makes backups, so data is safe if your laptop breaks | Security and privacy depend on the provider; data could be hacked |
| Easy to share and work on the same file together | Ongoing subscription costs |
| Storage can be increased easily without buying hardware | Data may be stored in another country with different laws |
The explanation · 2 more steps
More on the lesson page
The lesson page has the rest of the explanation, step by step:
- Internet, intranet and extranet
- LAN, WLAN and WAN
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Quick quiz · 1 of 3
A switch…
- A Sends data only to the device it is for
- B Sends everything to every device
- C Connects to the ISP's line
A. Sends data only to the device it is for
A hub sends to everyone. A modem talks to the ISP.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Quick quiz · 2 of 3
A WLAN is…
- A A wide area network
- B A web link
- C A wireless local area network
C. A wireless local area network
A LAN over Wi-Fi.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Quick quiz · 3 of 3
An intranet is…
- A A private network inside an organisation
- B A type of cable
- C The public internet
A. A private network inside an organisation
Same technology as the web, but only for the organisation's users.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 1 of 5
Exit ticket
Answer on paper before you go. Then check.
Bluetooth is best for…
A A headset a metre awayB A whole building's laptopsC Linking two schools
A. A headset a metre away Short range, low power, two devices.
Landscape orientation is…
A SquareB Wider than it is tallC Taller than it is wide
B. Wider than it is tall Portrait is the tall one.