a group of devices connected together, wirelessly or using cables, to enable communication

a set of rules used to allow devices to communicate with each other

a unique number assigned to each device on a network, used to identify it and allow it to send or receive data

Protocols and IP addresses

Computing

An introduction to computer networks

Wired and wireless networks

The internet

Exploring the World Wide Web (WWW)

Internet of Things

In this unit pupils will explore the impact networks have on our daily lives. They will define what a network is and explore the benefits of networking, before covering how data is transmitted across networks using protocols. They will investigate different types of network and hardware required.

Computer networks and data transmission

a type of hardware used to connect devices

a set of rules that allows devices to communicate

a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network

a physical device that connects computers

an email address must have a single "@" symbol

the use of a password to protect an email account

the option to forward an email to someone else

Which of the following is an example of a protocol used for email communication?

the user will be unable to access the internet

the user's computer might be infected with a virus

What could happen if a website address doesn't follow the correct protocol?

to prevent data from being transmitted too quickly

to ensure that data is sent to the correct device in the correct format

to allow users to access websites without an internet connection

to enable communication between devices that use different operating systems

What is the main reason why computers need protocols when communicating over a network?

a physical address where a device is located

a unique number assigned to a device on a network

Which of the following is a valid IP address format?

to allow computers to communicate and share resources

What is the main purpose of a computer network?

Which of the following is an example of a device that can be shared on a computer network?

a single computer not connected to any other devices

a group of devices that can communicate with each other

Which of these describes a computer network?

Which type of cable uses light pulses to transmit data?

The sender composes the message and enters the recipient's email address.

The email server checks if the recipient's address is correct.

The email is delivered to the recipient's inbox.

Arrange the following steps in the order they would typically occur when sending an email, starting with the first step.

provides services to other devices on the network

physically connects devices in a wired network

Match each network hardware component to its description.

Starter Quiz

What is the main purpose of a computer network?