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Lesson 2 of 9
  • Year 11
  • AQA

Types of network

I can describe how devices operate in a client–server network and explain the purpose of different types of networks.

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View unit
Lesson 2 of 9
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New
  • Year 11
  • AQA

Types of network

I can describe how devices operate in a client–server network and explain the purpose of different types of networks.

Download all

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A client is a device that makes requests on a network.
  2. A server is a device that responds to requests and provides services.
  3. Computers on a network can act as clients or servers, each with a specific role.
  4. Different network types (PAN, LAN, WAN) are used for communication over varying distances.

Keywords

  • Client-server model - a network where devices are designated as clients or servers

  • Personal area network (PAN) - a network of personal devices that allows data to be exchanged within their immediate vicinity

  • Local area network (LAN) - a single network covering a single site, usually covering a small geographical area

  • Wide area network (WAN) - two or more distinct networks connected together, usually covering a large geographical area

Common misconception

All devices in a network do the same thing, they just send and receive data.

In a client–server network, devices have different roles. Servers provide services like file storage or email. Clients request and use those services, rather than providing them.


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

Use real-life analogies like a school system to make abstract ideas easier to understand by relating them to familiar contexts.
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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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5 Questions

Q1.
What is the term for a group of connected computers that can share resources and communicate with each other?

Correct Answer: a network, network

Q2.
Why do people often use networks in a work environment?

to play games during lunch
Correct answer: to easily share files, printers and resources
to make computers run slower
to avoid using email

Q3.
What is one main reason schools set up computer networks?

to stop students from using the internet
to make lessons longer
to increase electricity bills
Correct answer: to allow students and teachers to access shared resources and collaborate

Q4.
Match each network feature to its benefit:

Correct Answer:server,stores and manages shared files

stores and manages shared files

Correct Answer:internet,provides access to information and online resources

provides access to information and online resources

Correct Answer:network security,controls who can access resources

controls who can access resources

Correct Answer:collaboration tools,allows people to work together in real time

allows people to work together in real time

Q5.
How does using the internet in a network help with research and learning?

Correct answer: It gives access to a wide range of information and online resources.
It blocks all websites.
It makes research slower.
It deletes saved work.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main role of a client in a network?

to provide services to other devices
to manage all devices on the network
Correct answer: to request and use services provided by a server
to store all files for the network

Q2.
What is the main role of a server in a network?

to request resources from other devices
to only connect to the internet
to turn off all other devices
Correct answer: to provide services such as file storage or email

Q3.
Put these steps in order to access a file in a client–server network:

1 - client requests the file
2 - server receives the request
3 - server sends the file to the client
4 - client receives and opens the file

Q4.
Which of these is a misconception about devices on a client-server network?

Clients request services, servers provide them.
Correct answer: All devices have the same role and just send and receive data.
Devices can have different roles in a network.
Servers manage shared resources.

Q5.
What does PAN stand for?

Correct Answer: Personal area network

Q6.
Match each keyword to its purpose:

Correct Answer:client,requests services or resources

requests services or resources

Correct Answer:server,provides services or resources

provides services or resources

Correct Answer:LAN,connects devices in one building or area

connects devices in one building or area

Correct Answer:WAN,connects devices over large distances

connects devices over large distances