Wired and wireless networks
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare the performance of different types of network connections.
Key learning points
- Wired and wireless networks have different advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different situations.
- Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent at a time, affecting the overall time taken to complete a transfer.
- Different online activities require different amounts data be transfered.
- Different mobile data technologies provide varying levels of bandwidth, which affects the quality of network activities.
Keywords
Wired - uses a cable to connect a device to a network
Wireless - the transmission of data between devices without using physical cables or wires
Bandwidth - the maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a communication channel
Common misconception
Bandwidth is the speed of data being transmitted across a network. The higher the bandwidth, the faster data can be transferred between points in a network.
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted at a time, not the time it takes to reach from one point to another. Higher bandwidth reduces the total transfer time of data but this is only noticable when there is a lot to transfer.
Teacher tip
You may want to use an analogy of motorway lanes for bandwidth. More lanes mean more cars can travel side by side without traffic jams. Higher bandwidth is like having more lanes on your internet connection.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a reason why protocols are important in computer networks?
Q2.Which of the following is a valid IP address format?
Q3.Which of the following is an example of a rule used for email addresses?
Q4.What could happen if an email is sent without a valid email address?
Q5.What could happen if a website address doesn't follow the correct protocol and is missing http:// or https://?
Q6.What is the main difference between http:// and https:// in a website address?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If you want a more secure and stable connection for online gaming, what would you use?
Q2.What does it mean when an online video is "buffering"?
Q3.Which of the following online activities typically requires the highest bandwidth?
Q4.Which of these is a disadvantage of wireless networks?
Q5.What is bandwidth?
Q6.Which unit is used to measure bandwidth?
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Wired and wireless networks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 computing lesson on: Wired and wireless networks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Computer networks and data transmission unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.