Networks

Lesson 1
1

Starter
Find the hidden
words in the grid
and then write a
definition next to
each describing
what you think
that term means.

Objective of the lesson

Understand what a network is and
describe 3 network topologies.
All of you will:
Be able to describe what a network is and identify at least
one network topology.

Most of you will:

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 2 different
network topologies.

Some of you will:

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 3 different
network topologies and explain how data flow on a
network may be disrupted.
3

Homework
Everybody should complete
Tasks 1 and 2 and write your
answers on the sheet.
Some of you may also
want to get the extra marks
by completing the extension
activity.
This homework is due in
next lesson.
Make sure you have written
your homework clearly in
your planner.

What is a network?
A network is two or more computers
linked together so that they can
communicate with each other.
They could be connected in several
different ways:
Cables
Wireless
Satellites

Why use a network?

Periphera

Networks are used so

that:

People can communicate

with each other.
They can store their files
centrally.
They can share software.
They can share peripherals
(such as printers).
They can easily update the
system.

Work stations and

peripherals on a network
as referred to as
Nodes.

Work
station

l
Nodes

Server

Networks
Networks can
have quite
complicated
layouts as one
network can be
connected to
another
network.

Network topologies
Topology is the word used to
describe the shape of a network.
There are three main topologies:
Bus

Ring

Star

Ring topology
The Ring topology is the
simplest and uses the
least amount of cabling so
it is also the cheapest.
All the data travels around
the ring in one direction
and passes through all the
workstations on the
network.
If a connection is lost, the
whole network stops
working.

Bus topology

The Bus topology uses a central cable

which all nodes are connected to.
The data travels along the central cable.
If one connecter is broken the rest of the
network still works but if
the central cable
is broken then
the whole network
stops working.

Star topology
The star topology is the
most robust type of
network.
The network is controlled
by a central Server
which controls how the
data moves around the
system.
If one cable is broken the
rest of the network can
still work without any
delay.
The network will only
stop working if the

What is a server?
A server is a powerful computer
which holds the operating system
software to run the network.
It allows people to:
Log onto the system.
Keep files centrally.
Send print jobs to the printer.
Control internet access and email on the
network.
12

Group activity
Your teacher will split you into teams.
You will each have a set of Network
Cards. You will have to arrange
them onto the piece of paper and
draw in where the cables are to show
the following types of network:
Bus
Star
Ring
13

Logging onto the

network

When you connect to the network

you need to tell the server who you
are.
What two things do you need to input
when you log onto the system?
User ID
Password

Why do you think you need these

two items?
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Suitable passwords
Passwords should be kept secret so that only
you know your own password.
Rules for a good password:
Make sure it is not too easy to guess (your name
or password).
Make sure you use a mixture of letters, numbers
and even symbols.
Make sure you use a mixture of upper and lower
case letters.
Make sure you do not tell anybody else your
password.
15

Cloud computing
Use the internet to
find out what is
meant by the term
cloud computing.
Write a paragraph to
describe what it is
and the advantages
and disadvantages of
using cloud
computing.
16

How much do you

remember?
Answer the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

What is a network?
Why do people use networks?
Name the three topologies.
Which topology uses the least amount of cabling?
Which topology is the most secure?
What tasks does a server do?
What is meant by the term cloud computing?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of
using cloud computing?

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