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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      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

      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


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