New
New
Year 11
AQA

Network addressing

I can explain how different types of network addressing are combined to enable devices to communicate on a network.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Network addressing

I can explain how different types of network addressing are combined to enable devices to communicate on a network.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. IP addresses identify devices on a network.
  2. DHCP assigns IP addresses automatically.
  3. DNS converts domain names into IP addresses, which identify devices on the internet.

Keywords

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

  • Domain name server (DNS) - a server that works to resolve domain names to corresponding IP addresses

Common misconception

All devices on a network use the same IP address, so there’s no need for private or public IPs or DNS.

Each device needs a unique private IP address on a local network. To access the internet, the router uses a public IP address. DNS translates website names into IP addresses so devices know where to send data.


To help you plan your year 11 computer science lesson on: Network addressing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use the school network as a relatable example. Highlight how each device in the classroom (laptop, printer, tablet) has its own private IP but shares one public IP when browsing online.
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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What do wireless networks use to connect devices without cables?

Correct Answer: Radio waves

Q2.
Which of the following is a key benefit of wireless networks?

devices are fixed in place
lower speeds
Correct answer: flexibility and mobility
always secure

Q3.
What is a common risk associated with wireless networks?

Correct answer: interference and security issues
unlimited range
guaranteed speed
no need for passwords

Q4.
Match each keyword to its description.

Correct Answer:wireless local area network,allows devices to connect over a local network using radio waves

allows devices to connect over a local network using radio waves

Correct Answer:Wi-Fi,wireless protocol for local networks

wireless protocol for local networks

Correct Answer:Bluetooth,short-range wireless data exchange

short-range wireless data exchange

Correct Answer:interference,disruption to wireless signals

disruption to wireless signals

Q5.
What can interfere with wireless network signals?

Correct answer: walls and electronic devices
passwords
Fibre optic cables
Usernames

Q6.
Which device is commonly used to provide Wi-Fi in homes?

Correct Answer: router, Wireless router

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What unique number is assigned to each device on a network to identify it and allow it to send or receive data?

Correct Answer: IP address

Q2.
Arrange these actions for how DHCP assigns an IP address.

1 - device joins the network
2 - device requests an IP address
3 - DHCP server assigns an IP address
4 - device uses the assigned IP address

Q3.
Match each keyword to its description.

Correct Answer:IP address,the unique number that identifies a device

the unique number that identifies a device

Correct Answer:DHCP,assigns unique numbers to devices automatically

assigns unique numbers to devices automatically

Correct Answer:DNS,converts website names into numbers

converts website names into numbers

Correct Answer:network,group of connected devices

group of connected devices

Q4.
Which statement is correct about how devices use IP addresses on a network?

All devices on a network share the same IP address.
Only the router needs an IP address.
Correct answer: Each device has its own private IP; the network uses a public IP.
Devices use their names instead of IP addresses to send data.

Q5.
Put these steps in order for visiting a website.

1 - Type the website name into the browser.
2 - Browser checks if it knows the IP address.
3 - Browser asks DNS for the IP address.
4 - Device connects to the website using the IP address.

Q6.
Match each term to its main use or example.

Correct Answer:DNS,converts www.example.com to numbers

converts www.example.com to numbers

Correct Answer:IP address,the number given to each device

the number given to each device

Correct Answer:DHCP,assigns addresses automatically

assigns addresses automatically

Correct Answer:public IP,lets devices on a home network access the internet

lets devices on a home network access the internet