What the syllabus says you need to know…

4.1 Networks

1. understand how a router works and its purpose
   • describe how networks and individual computers connect to the internet
   • describe how a router stores computer addresses
   • describe how it routes data packets
2. understand the use of other common network devices, including: network interface cards, hubs, bridges, switches, modems
3. understand the use of WiFi and Bluetooth in networks
   • describe how computers can use WiFi to connect to a network
4. describe how computers can use Bluetooth to connect to a network
   • compare and contrast Bluetooth and WiFi
5. understand how to set up and configure a small network, including: access to the internet, the use of a
6. browser, the use of email, access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
7. understand the characteristics and purpose of common network environments, such as intranets and the internet
   • define what the internet is
   • define what an intranet is
   • describe the differences between an intranet and the internet
   • explain the purpose of an intranet and how that differs from the purpose of the internet
   • describe the uses of an intranet
   • describe the uses of the internet
   • define the terms Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN)
   • describe the differences between a LAN, a WLAN and a WAN
8. understand the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of computer to access the internet
   • compare the advantages and disadvantages of using laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers and smartphones to access the internet

4.2 Network Issues and Communications

1. Security issues regarding data transfer
   • describe the security issues surrounding the use of computer networks
   • describe other issues such as the idea that the internet is not policed and the effects of this, such as the existence of inappropriate sites
   • identify methods of avoiding password interception (such as the use of anti-spyware and changing passwords regularly)
   • describe the difference between strong and weak passwords
   • describe other authentication techniques (such as biometric methods, magnetic stripes, id cards,
   • passports, other physical tokens, retina scans, iris scans, face scans)
   • describe the use of anti-virus software and other methods of avoiding viruses (such as use of unknown storage media to transfer data, the risk of downloading software from the internet)
   • define encryption and describe its use
   • list the principles of a typical data protection act
2. Network communication
   • describe facsimile communication and describe the differences between physical faxing (which does not require the use of a network) and electronic faxing (which does require the use of a network)
   • describe email communication, including the use of attachments
   • describe the advantages and disadvantages of using email compared with faxing
   • describe video-conferencing, including the hardware used
   • describe audio-conferencing
   • describe web-conferencing and how it can be linked to either video- or audio-conferencing

What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system where two or more computers or electronic devices are linked together to share data, resources (such as printers), and communicate with each other. Networks can be wired or wireless and vary in size from small local networks to the global Internet.

Types of Networks

Type	Description	Example Uses
LAN (Local Area Network)	Covers a small area, such as a building or campus. Devices are connected by cables or wireless links.	Schools, offices, homes
WLAN (Wireless LAN)	Similar to LAN but uses wireless technology (Wi-Fi) instead of cables.	Cafés, airports, schools
WAN (Wide Area Network)	Covers a large geographical area, often connecting multiple LANs using routers and public infrastructure.	The Internet, bank networks
Intranet	A private network within an organisation, using similar technology as the Internet but restricted to internal use.	Company internal sites
Internet	The largest WAN, connecting millions of networks globally.	World Wide Web, email

Common Network Devices

• Router: Directs data between networks, stores addresses, and connects LANs to the Internet.
• Switch: Connects devices within a network, directing data only to the intended recipient device.
• Hub: Connects multiple devices, broadcasting data to all devices on the network.
• Bridge: Connects and filters traffic between two LAN segments using the same protocol.
• Network Interface Card (NIC): Allows a device to connect to a network.
• Modem: Converts digital data to analogue for transmission over telephone lines and vice versa.
• Access Point: Enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network, forming WLANs.

Wireless Technologies: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Feature	Wi-Fi	Bluetooth
Range	Up to 100 metres	Up to 30 metres
Speed	Fast (up to 31 MB/s)	Slower (up to 3 MB/s)
Use Case	Full-scale networks, internet access, and file sharing	Connecting peripherals, sharing small files
Security	Stronger encryption options	Basic encryption
Devices	Laptops, smartphones, smart TVs	Headsets, keyboards, speakers

• Wi-Fi is ideal for connecting multiple devices over larger areas and high-speed internet access.
• Bluetooth is used for direct, short-range communication between devices, such as headphones or file transfers between phones.

Setting Up a Small Network

To set up a basic network:

• Connect devices using cables (Ethernet) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi).
• Use a router to manage connections and provide internet access.
• Configure devices with network settings (IP address, SSID for Wi-Fi).
• Set up browsers and email clients for Internet and communication access.
• Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for external connectivity.

Network Environments: Internet vs Intranet

Feature	Internet	Intranet
Access	Public, global	Private, restricted to organisation members
Purpose	Information sharing, communication	Internal communication, resource sharing
Security	Vulnerable to external threats	More secure, access controlled

Advantages and Disadvantages of Networks

Advantages:

• Resource sharing (printers, files, internet)
• Centralised data management and backup
• Easier communication (email, instant messaging)
• Software updates can be managed centrally

Disadvantages:

• Security risks (hacking, viruses)
• Network failures can disrupt all users
• Initial set-up and maintenance costs
• Privacy concerns in shared environments

Security and Confidentiality

• User ID & Passwords: Control access to network resources.
• Encryption: Protects data during transmission.
• Authentication: Verifies user identity.
• Anti-malware: Protects against viruses and spyware.
• Data Privacy: Essential in networked environments to prevent unauthorised access.

Effects of Using Networks

• Business: Enables payroll systems, online booking, and efficient communication.
• Education: School management systems, resource sharing, and collaborative learning.
• Social: Facilitates global communication, but can lead to issues like cyberbullying or data theft.
• Cloud Computing: Offers remote storage and access, but raises concerns about data security and privacy.

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Teaching Resources

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