Year 10 · ICT · Autumn 2
Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Internet, intranet, extranet; the cloud
Theory4.1b Types of network and cloud computing
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
You will learn to
- Compare the internet, an intranet and an extranet.
- Describe cloud computing, with advantages and disadvantages.
- Answer past-paper questions on network types and the cloud.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Success criteria
You have got it when you can say:
- I can fill in a table showing who can use the internet, an intranet and an extranet.
- I can give two advantages and two risks of storing school work in the cloud.
- I can mark my answer with the mark scheme and add the missing point.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Retrieval starter
Questions from before. Write your answers, then show them.
- Last lesson
Landscape orientation is…
A Wider than it is tallB Taller than it is wideC Square
A. Wider than it is tall
- Last unit
Magnetic tape is used for…
A Fast game loadingB Large, cheap backupsC Phones
B. Large, cheap backups
- Last lesson
Zip compression is…
A LosslessB NeitherC Lossy
A. Lossless
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Key words (1 of 2)
- Network
- Two or more devices connected so they can share data and resources.
- IP address
- An address that identifies a device on a network or the internet.
- LAN
- Local area network: covers one building or site.
- WLAN
- Wireless LAN: devices connect by Wi-Fi.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Key words (2 of 2)
- WAN
- Wide area network: covers a large area, joining many LANs.
- Intranet
- A private network for members of one organisation.
- Extranet
- Part of an intranet that authorised outsiders can reach.
- Cloud computing
- Storing data and running software on remote servers over the internet.
The explanation · step 1 of 4 · 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.
The explanation · step 1 of 4 · 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 |
The explanation · step 2 of 4 · 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.
The explanation · step 2 of 4 · 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 · step 3 of 4 · part 1 of 2
Internet, intranet and extranet
The internet is a worldwide network of networks. It is public: anyone can connect.
An intranet is a private network inside one organisation. It uses the same technology as the internet, but only members (staff, students) can use it. Example: a school intranet with timetables and homework.
An extranet is part of an intranet that selected outsiders can reach with a password. Example: a supermarket lets its suppliers check stock levels.
The explanation · step 3 of 4 · part 2 of 2
Internet, intranet and extranet (continued)
| Internet | Intranet | Extranet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Anyone | Members of one organisation | The organisation plus authorised outsiders |
| Content | Public, not checked | Private, controlled by the organisation | Selected private content |
| Size | Worldwide | Usually one organisation | One organisation and its partners |
| Reliability of information | Varies a lot | More reliable, because it is managed | More reliable |
The internet is not the same as the World Wide Web. The internet is the network. The web is the pages you reach over it.
The explanation · step 4 of 4 · part 1 of 2
LAN, WLAN and WAN
A LAN (local area network) covers one building or site, such as a school. Devices are connected by cables.
A WLAN (wireless LAN) is a LAN where devices connect by Wi-Fi through wireless access points (WAPs).
A WAN (wide area network) covers a large area, such as a country or the world. It joins many LANs. The internet is the biggest WAN. A bank with branches across Spain uses a WAN.
The explanation · step 4 of 4 · part 2 of 2
LAN, WLAN and WAN (continued)
| LAN (cabled) | WLAN | WAN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area | One building or site | One building or site | Cities, countries, worldwide |
| Connection | Cables | Radio waves (Wi-Fi) | Telephone lines, fibre, satellite, leased lines |
| Speed | Fast | Usually slower than cable; drops with distance and walls | Slower than a LAN |
| Security | More secure: need physical access to a cable | Less secure: signals can be picked up outside | Needs strong security |
| Advantage | Fast and reliable | Users can move around; no cables to trip over | Links offices far apart |
| Disadvantage | Cables are costly to install; users cannot move | Interference from walls and other devices | Expensive to set up and run |
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Quick quiz · 1 of 3
A gutter is…
- A The page border
- B A footer
- C The gap between columns
C. The gap between columns
Set it with the column settings.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Quick quiz · 2 of 3
A section break lets you…
- A Change orientation or columns part-way through a document
- B Add a picture
- C Spell check
A. Change orientation or columns part-way through a document
A page break only starts a new page.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Quick quiz · 3 of 3
Header text appears…
- A In the margin of one page
- B At the top of every page
- C Only on page 1
B. At the top of every page
Your name and candidate number go here in the exam.
Year 10 · ICT · Networks; layout and styles · Lesson 2 of 5
Exit ticket
Answer on paper before you go. Then check.
A house style…
A Is only for websitesB Keeps every document consistentC Is a type of font
B. Keeps every document consistent Same fonts, colours and layout everywhere.
A style can set…
A Font, size, colour, alignment and spacingB The file nameC Only the colour
A. Font, size, colour, alignment and spacing And bullets, line spacing, bold and italic.