New
New
Year 10

Personal networks

I can identify methods of constructing personal networks and the essential skills needed as a remote worker.

New
New
Year 10

Personal networks

I can identify methods of constructing personal networks and the essential skills needed as a remote worker.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. There are different ways to create ad hoc networks including personal area networks (PAN), open Wi-Fi and tethering.
  2. Ad hoc networks can be helpful in connecting devices and accessing the internet temporarily.
  3. Ad hoc networks are generally less secure than more traditional networks.
  4. It is important to to be aware of the risks associated with ad hoc networks before you join one.

Keywords

  • PAN - personal area networks connect nearby personal devices together via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB cables

  • Ad hoc network - a network that is created with a temporary device-to-device connection, without the need for a connection to a Wi-Fi access point or router

Common misconception

PANs are limited to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections.

PANs can use a variety of technologies, including wired connections like USB and FireWire, and wireless connections like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and more.


To help you plan your year 10 computing lesson on: Personal networks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Ask pupils how many different types of networks they use each day. It may surprise them to realise how many different networks they encounter in their day-to-day activities.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What term describes the technology that allows users to access data and services remotely over the internet?
Correct Answer: cloud computing
Q2.
What is a main advantage of cloud computing for storing data?
it always increases internet speed
it guarantees no data loss
it requires no security measures
Correct answer: it allows data to be accessed from anywhere with internet
Q3.
What does SaaS stand for?
Software and System
Storage and Access
Correct answer: Software as a Service
Security as a System
Q4.
Which of these best describes the term infrastructure in computing?
Correct answer: the underlying structure supporting systems
the speed of the internet
a type of software
a security protocol
Q5.
Match each term to its correct description:
Correct Answer:disaster recovery,restoring systems and data after a major incident

restoring systems and data after a major incident

Correct Answer:encryption,protecting information by converting it into a coded format

protecting information by converting it into a coded format

Correct Answer:insider threats,risks posed by individuals within an organisation

risks posed by individuals within an organisation

Correct Answer:data backup,protecting data by saving copies in a separate location

protecting data by saving copies in a separate location

Q6.
What is the cloud service model that provides a platform for developers to build, test and deploy applications without managing the underlying infrastructure?
Correct Answer: PaaS, platform as a service

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the term for a network that connects nearby personal devices such as phones, tablets and laptops?
Correct Answer: PAN, personal area network
Q2.
Match each term to its correct description:
Correct Answer:PAN,connects nearby personal devices

connects nearby personal devices

Correct Answer:ad hoc network,temporary device-to-device connection

temporary device-to-device connection

Correct Answer:tethering,sharing internet from one device to another

sharing internet from one device to another

Correct Answer:security risk,potential threat to data or privacy

potential threat to data or privacy

Q3.
Which of the following is a common method for creating an ad hoc network?
installing a dedicated server
setting up a fibre optic cable
connecting through a landline
Correct answer: using a Personal Area Network (PAN)
Q4.
What is the main purpose of an ad hoc network?
permanent business infrastructure
Correct answer: temporary device-to-device connection
government communication only
replacing all traditional networks
Q5.
Which of these is NOT a risk associated with joining an ad hoc network?
Correct answer: increased security
potential data interception
unauthorised access
weak encryption
Q6.
Which statement about Personal Area Networks (PANs) is incorrect?
PANs can use USB cables to connect devices
PANs support both wired and wireless technologies
Correct answer: PANs are only possible using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
PANs connect devices within a short range