Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      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

      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

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