KS3 Computer Networks

Computer Networks

KS3 Computer Science

Open Ended

A network is two or more computers (or other electronic devices) that are connected together, usually by cables or Wi-Fi.
What devices have you used today that are connected to a network. Name as many as you can!

Objectives

1. Understand what a computer network is and its basic components.

2. Describe different types of networks (LAN, WAN).

3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of computer networks

Computer Networks

A network is two or more computers (or other electronic devices) that are connected together, usually by cables or Wi-Fi.

What does a network consist of?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z78nydm#zft48hv

Clients
Servers
Switches
Cables

​Taken from BBC Bitesize

Two different types of network

​LAN: Local Area Network
Within the same building or campus.
Doesn't have to be connected to
internet.

WAN: Wide Area Network
A collection of LAN's

Multiple Choice

Is the internet an example of a WAN or a LAN?

• LAN
• WAN

Task 1 (10 minutes): Research

What are the disadvantages of networks?

What are the advantages of networks?

Extension task: Think of how a network can be made secure. What methods can you think of as a group?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Networks

Advantages	Disadvantages
- Sharing devices like printers saves money.	- Network cabling and file servers can be expensive.
- Site licenses are cheaper than standalone licenses.	- Managing a large network is complicated and requires training.
- Easy file sharing between users.	- File server breakdown leads to inaccessible files.
- Communication via email and instant messenger.	- Virus spread across the network is possible.
- Enhanced security; users can't access each other's files.	- Hacking threats, especially in wide area networks.
- Easy data backup on file servers.	- Need for security procedures like firewalls.

Main Task (15 mins)

Open the worksheet and answer all questions. You may discuss in your same breakout rooms.

Plenary

Quiz time!

10 Questions to check your knowledge of Computer Networks.

Multiple Choice

What is meant by a Local Area Network?

• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in outer space.
• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices globally.
• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices underwater.
• A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a disadvantage of computer networks?

• File servers and cabling are expensive
• Central backups are quicker
• Users can access their files on any computer on the network
• Data can be lost as storage can be easily scratched

Multiple Choice

Define what is meant by a 'Wide Area Network' WAN

• Two or more computers connected together over a large geographical area, such as the Internet.

• Two or more computers connected together over a small geographical area, such as school.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a disadvantage of computer networks?

• Networks have a limited storage capacity
• Viruses can spread quickly across a network
• Sharing devices such as printers saves money
• Increased security

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an advantage of computer networks?

• Central backups are quicker
• Viruses can spread quickly across a network
• File servers and cabling can be expensive
• If the file server stops working, the whole network goes down

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an advantage of computer networks?

• They are portable and easy to carry around with you
• Viruses can spread quickly across a network
• Specialist IT staff are needed to maintain them which is expensive
• Sharing devices such as printers saves money

Multiple Choice

Define what is meant by a 'Local Area Network' LAN

• Two or more computers connected together over a large geographical area, such as the Internet.

• Two or more computers connected together over a small geographical area, such as school.