ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation

4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

• Understand how a router works and its purpose

• Understand the use of other common network devices, including: network interface
cards, hubs, bridges, switches, modems
• Understand the use of WiFi and Bluetooth in networks
• Understand how to set up and configure a small network, including: access to the
internet, the use of a browser, the use of email, access to an ISP
• Understand the characteristics and purpose of common network environments, such
as intranets and the internet
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of computer to
access the internet

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Overview What is a Computer Network?

A network is two or more
Workstation computers, or other electronic
devices, connected together so
that they can exchange data.

For example a network allows:

• Computers to share files

Internet Router Switch • Users to message each other
• Share Resources

Network connections between

computers are typically created
Wireless using cables (wires) or via
Access Bridge wireless signals.
Point

Cables
Wireless
Switch
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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Overview

Advantages of using Networks

• Easily share files and data.
• Share resources such as printers and Internet connections.
• Communicate with other network users (e-mail, instant messaging,
video-conferencing, etc.)
• Store data centrally (using a file server) for ease of access and
back-up.
• Keep all of our settings centrally so we can use any workstation.

Disadvantages of using Networks

• Greater risk of hackers.
• Greater risk of viruses (spreading and disabling network).
• The significant cost of extra equipment.
• When the network is down computers can not be used as
standalone computers.
• Print queues can be long.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Understand how a router works and its purpose

Data Packets contain the R R

following information:
Router

• Header to identify Data S Switch

Packet.
Outgoing Data
• Sender and Receivers IP
address.
S R Incoming Data

• Number of data packets Internet

making up the whole
message.

• Connects network/computers to the internet

• Connects LANs/networks together
• Transfers data between networks (Receives and Sends Data Packets)
• Router can connect to devices using cables or wireless signals.
• It stores information about which computer is connected to which
network

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Understand how a router works and its purpose

Web Pages are stored on Web Servers. Web

Server
Webpages have unique IP address &
domain names to find/communicate R Router
with each other.
S
R R R Outgoing Data
Incoming Data

Internet
S R

Routers direct packets of data across

the internet to its destination. R R

Everything connected to the internet has an IP Address.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Common Network Devices

A Hub and a Switch both connect a number of computers together to make a LAN.

Switch Hub

Smart Device Dumb Device

Sends specific packets of data to Sends data packets to all the

specific computers on the LAN using workstations on the network which
workstations unique MAC addresses. causes network traffic.

More secure however more expensive Poor Security

Normally used in larger networks Only would be suitable for a small

found in schools, offices etc. home networks.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Common Network Devices: Switch

Switch Ports Workstation connect to switch ports. Each

Network Card has a unique address (MAC
1 2 3 4 ADDRESS) which switches can use to
identify a workstation.

2 2
You always start Switch Table
with an empty 1 S 3 1 3
Work
Mac S
switch table. station
Address
The switch will 1 AA-AA-AA 4 4
learn each
2 BB-BB-BB
workstations Sending Packets of Data from Sending Packets of Data from
MAC address 3 Workstation 1 – 2 Workstation 2 – 1
when it sends a
4 The switch will send data Now the switch table has the
packet of data
across the packets to all computers MAC address for workstation 1
because it does not know the it is possible for workstation 2
network.
MAC address for Workstation 2. to send a direct pack of data.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Common Network Devices

Modems Analogue <<< Digital Modems convert analogue signals from a

telephone line to digital signals which can be
read by the computer.

The Modem also converts digital signals back

into analogue for transmission over telephone
Analogue >>> Digital lines.

Network Interface Card

Network Interface Card (NIC) allows you to
connect a device to the network. The NIC will
contain the MAC address which will be used to
identify the computer to the network.

Bridges
A bridge is used to connect two parts of a LAN network together
so they function as a single LAN. Two Switches can be connected
using a the Bridge Device.
Switch Bridge Switch

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Understand the use of WiFi and Bluetooth in networks

• Limited area of network

• Strength of signal is weaker
• Possible slow data transfer speeds
• Easier to hack into/less secure
• Physical obstacles can interfere with signal/can
cause disconnection

WiFi is a wireless networking technology makes it possible to connect devices with a wireless connection to a
network or to a single computer .
• Reduced cost of cabling/Safer – won’t trip over wires
• Easier to connect other devices to the network
• Makes the computer portable as long as it’s within range of the wireless access point

• Very slow data transfer speeds

• Short distance of coverage/limited signal strength
• Greater risk of interception of data/less secure
• Supports a limited number of devices in a network

Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology designed for very short-range connections.

• Connecting wireless devices such as mouse, phone, headset to a computer which are close in proximity.
• Transferring files between devices.
• Printing Wirelessly from a Tablet or Mobile Phone.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Setting up a Network

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to
receive an internet connection to your location
Web Browser: Router:
To connect your LAN to the Internet (WAN)
To browse the internet.
Switch/Hub:
Email: To connect Network Devices together using
cables.
To send email messages including Network Cables:
attachments to other users. To create physical connections.

Security: Firewall:
To keep network secure from external threats.
Anti Virus/Spyware software to protect your
computer from external threats Servers:
(Viruses/Hackers) To manage network functions such as network
security, network file storage, share resources
etc.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Common network environments

LAN • LAN is a Local Area Network

• LAN covers a small area (normally
confined to one building or within
a close proximity).
• LAN consists of number of
computers and devices that The most common
usually connect to a switch which examples of WAN is the
is connected to a router. internet.

WAN • A WAN is Wide Area Network is a

network that extends over a large
geographical area.

• A WAN is often created by joining

several LANs together.

• Routers are used to connect LAN

networks to form a WAN Network.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Common network environments

WLAN
• A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN that uses
AP
radio signals (WiFi) to connect computers
instead of cables.

• Devices know Access Points (AP) are

connected to the wired network at fixed
AP
locations.

• These devices provide the wireless access

to devices on the network.

AP • It is much more convenient to use wireless

connections instead of running long wires
all over a building.

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Intranets and the Internet

Internet • Internet is Public (available to all Typical uses of an internet would be:
users)
• Internet is network of networks • Viewing web pages
• Internet is global • Sending and receiving e-mail messages
• Internet has more information than • Sharing files
• Communicating using voice (VOIP)
an intranet and video (video-conferencing)
• Playing multi-player games
• Streaming Video/audio Content
• Online Shopping/Banking

Intranet • Intranet is within one organisation Typical uses of an intranet would be:
(Private)
• Intranets tend to be • Viewing internal web pages (e.g.
policed/managed company schools, university's etc.)
• Intranet has an extra layer of security • Internal e-mail and instant-
messaging between workers
• Data found in an intranet is likely to • Sharing of internal documents
be more reliable/relevant than that
found on the Internet

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 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
4.1 Networks
Chapter 4: Networks and the effects of using them

Accessing the Internet

Device Advantages Disadvantages

laptop computers • More portable and smaller in size compared • Touch pad may be difficult to
to desktop computers. use to navigate webpages.
• Bigger screens compared to tablets and • Processors are not as fast as
phones. desktop computers.

Desktop • Stable internet connection since the • Has to be connected to a

connection is normally wired. power supply at all times.
• Use of input devices including pointing • Not portable.
devices to make navigation easier.

Tablets • Tablet: More portable than desktops/laptops • Signal strength dependant on

however less than phones. location.
• Smaller display screen.
• Mobile: Portable: Easy to carry around and • Not all websites designed to
use whilst on the move. be used by mobiles/tablets.
• Touch screen may be difficult
Smart Phones • Mobile: Always likely to have a mobile phone
to use.
at all times.
• Limited battery Life.
• Mobile: Can access internet via phone
networks (4G)

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