Lesson video

Hi everyone.

Welcome to today's lesson.

My name is Mrs. Jenkins, and I can't wait to learn with you today.

Welcome to today's lesson, Physical Components of the Computer Network from the Unit, Computer Networks.

And in today's lesson, you'll be able to identify the physical components of a network.

In today's lesson, we have two key words, they are going to be featuring throughout today's lesson, so it's really useful if we know what they mean before we get started.

So we have the word network, which is a group of connected computing devices and the word router, a device that manages the flow of data between computer networks.

So those words are network and router.

Keep an eye out for them throughout today's lesson.

In our lesson, Physical Components of a Computer Network, we have two learning cycles.

Recognise how devices work in a network.

We have two learning cycles.

Recognise how devices in a network connect and explain the benefits of a computer network.

We're going to start with recognise how devices in a network connect.

Let's get started.

Aisha asks us, "What is a network?" A network is a group of connected people or things that can work together or share things with each other.

Great question, Aisha.

She's followed that up with, "What does it mean when things are connected in a network?" A network is a group of devices like computers, tablets, or printers that are connected to each other so that they can share data.

A network has different parts.

It has the devices, so computers, laptops, tablets, has wireless access points, switches, and routers.

We often find these devices connected in networks, laptops, tablets, printers, and smartboards.

These can be connected using wires or with wireless signals.

Jacob said, "What are the ways that devices can connect to other devices?" Devices can connect in different ways.

With wired connections using cables.

Wireless connections like use signals like Wi-Fi.

Aisha says, "But my tablet doesn't have a cable, but I am still using the internet." And Jun has explained, "Yes, your tablet uses Wi-Fi to connect wirelessly to the network." Thanks for explaining Jun.

Jacob has asked us, what does a router do? Great question, Jacob.

A router is a device that sends data between different devices.

It also enables devices to connect to the internet.

The router connects to switches, wireless access points, and the internet.

Let's have a little check-in.

True or false? All devices in a network need a wire to connect.

Have a go.

How did you get on? I asked you true or false.

All devices in a network need a wire to connect.

The answer is false.

Devices can also connect wirelessly.

The router connects the network to the internet.

So let's have a little look at the diagram.

We have got our network switch, which is connected by cables to some of our desktop computers.

It is connected to a wireless access point, so that the wireless devices can connect, so tablets and laptops, but the network switch is then connected to the router.

The router connects that whole network to the internet.

Jacob said, "What happens if the router is turned off?" That's a really good question.

That means the devices cannot connect to the internet even if they are still connected to each other.

Which device connects other devices to the internet? A.

a tablet, B, a router, C, a switch, or D, a printer.

Have a go.

How did you get on? I asked you which device connects other devices to the internet? A, a tablet, B, a router, C, a switch or D, a printer.

The answer is B, a router.

A router connects other devices to the internet.

Great job everyone.

We're going to start our task A now.

I would like you to explore the classroom or area around the classroom and list all the devices that might be part of a network.

Draw a simple diagram of the devices and how they might connect.

Have a go.

How did you get on? I asked you to explore the classroom or area around the classroom and list all the devices that might be part of a network and to draw a simple diagram of the devices and how they might connect.

Okay I have shown our diagram again of our network.

So our network starts with our network switch, connecting the desktop computers by cables and a cable to the wireless access point.

Our wireless devices are connected through wireless signals to the wireless access point, and then our network switch for the network is connected to the router, which connects us to the internet.

Great job, everyone.

Let's move on to learning cycle two now.

We are going to explain the benefits of a computer network.

A computer network lets us share files, print from anywhere, access the internet, use a central storage, and play games together.

In a network, devices can send and receive files easily.

Instead of using a USB stick, you can send a file directly over the network.

A USB stick is a small device used to store and carry files.

You plug it into a computer's USB port.

Then you copy files such as photos or documents onto it and take them to another device.

It is also called a memory stick or flash drive.

Aisha says, "Can't I just use a USB stick to move files between computers?" And Jun said "Yes, but networks can share files more quickly and don't need you to carry anything around." Which of these is an advantage of using a computer network? A, you have to carry your computer network.

B, you can share files and printers.

C, you need a separate internet connection for each device.

Or D, you cannot play games with other people.

Have a go.

How did you get on? I asked you which of these is an advantage of using a computer network? A, you have to carry your computer network.

B, you can share files and printers.

C, you need a separate internet connection for each device, or D, you cannot play games with other people.

The answer is B.

You can share files and printers.

Jacob says, "Do I need a cable to print?" In a network, most computers can print directly to a shared printer, without using a cable.

The router helps all the devices in a network share one internet connection.

Without a network, every device would need its own connection.

True or false? Each laptop in a network needs its own connection to the internet.

Have a go.

How did you get on? I asked you true or false? Each laptop in a network needs its own connection to the internet.

The answer is false.

And the reason why they can all share one connection through the router.

Aisha says, "My tablet connects to the smartboard," and Jun explains, "Yes, that is part of the network." Okay, we're going to move on to task B now.

I would like you to choose a classroom activity that involves technology.

What happens with a network? What happens without a network? You could choose printing, sharing a folder, researching a topic, have a go.

How did you get on? I asked you to choose a classroom activity that involves technology.

What happens with a network? What happens without a network? And you could choose printing, sharing a folder or researching a topic.

Printing with a network, a worksheet is sent from your laptop to the shared printer.

The printer is connected to the school network.

Without a network, you would not be able to print.

Sharing a file.

With a network, I can share my file on the network and others can access it, or I can share my file through email.

Without a network, I would need to save my file to a USB stick and take it to another computer.

And researching a topic with a network, my laptop connects to the wireless access point and I can use the internet to search for facts and watch videos to learn more.

Without a network, I cannot connect to the internet.

I need to use books or ask someone.

Great job, everyone.

You have worked so hard today.

Well done.

We've worked really hard in today's lesson, so let's summarise what we have learned.

A network is a group of devices like computers, tablets, or printers that are connected to each other so that they can share data.

A router sends data between different devices and lets devices connect to the internet.

The router helps all the devices in a network share one internet connection.

Without a network, every device would need its own connection.

Great job, everyone.

You have worked so hard today.

I hope to work with you all again soon.