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New
Year 11
OCR

Network hardware and MAC addresses

I can describe how network hardware and MAC addresses are used in local area networks.

New
New
Year 11
OCR

Network hardware and MAC addresses

I can describe how network hardware and MAC addresses are used in local area networks.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Different network devices have specific roles in managing and transferring data across a network.
  2. MAC addresses uniquely identify devices and help ensure data is sent to the correct destination.

Keywords

  • Router - a device that manages the flow of data between computer networks

  • Switch - a device in a wired network that sends data only to the device that needs it

  • Media access control address - an address given to a network interface controller, used to uniquely identify devices on a local area network

Common misconception

All devices on a network share the same MAC address because they’re connected to the same router.

Each network device has its own unique MAC address assigned to its network interface card (NIC).


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

Reinforce that MAC addresses are built into the network hardware and help identify each device on the local network. Use familiar examples like home Wi-Fi networks or school computers to help students relate the concept to real life.
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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 is the term for a device or program on a network that requests and uses services provided by another device?

Correct Answer: Client

Q2.
What does a server do in a network?

requests resources from other devices
only connects to the internet
deletes files from the network
Correct answer: provides services and resources to clients

Q3.
Match each example to the network type:

Correct Answer:PAN,bluetooth headphones connected to a phone

bluetooth headphones connected to a phone

Correct Answer:LAN,school computers connected together

school computers connected together

Correct Answer:WAN,company offices in different countries linked

company offices in different countries linked

Correct Answer:peer-to-peer network,devices sharing files without a central server

devices sharing files without a central server

Correct Answer:client-server network,computers requesting files from a central server

computers requesting files from a central server

Q4.
In a peer-to-peer network, what is NOT required?

devices sharing resources
Correct answer: a dedicated server
direct communication between computers
multiple devices

Q5.
Put these actions in order for sharing a file in a client-server network:

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

Q6.
In a client-server network, what is the relationship between the client and the server?

Both provide services equally.
The server requests services, the client provides them.
Correct answer: The client requests services, the server provides them.
Both store the same data.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the unique address given to a network device called?

Correct Answer: MAC address, MAC

Q2.
What is the role of a router in a network?

to store files
to print documents
to create passwords
Correct answer: to manage the flow of data between computer networks

Q3.
What is the network device that sends data only to the device that needs it in a wired network?

Correct Answer: Switch

Q4.
Which statement about network devices is incorrect?

Correct answer: All network devices can send and receive data without special rules.
Routers manage data flow between networks.
Switches send data only to the right device.
MAC addresses help identify devices.

Q5.
Match each device to its main role:

Correct Answer:router,manages data between networks

manages data between networks

Correct Answer:switch,sends data to the correct device

sends data to the correct device

Correct Answer:computer,creates and receives data

creates and receives data

Correct Answer:printer,outputs printed information

outputs printed information

Q6.
Put these steps in order to connect a device to a network using a wireless access point (WAP):

1 - Turn on the wireless device.
2 - Search for available Wi-Fi networks.
3 - Select the correct network and enter the password.
4 - Device connects to the network through the WAP.