Networks (Edexcel IGCSE ICT)
Revision Note
Written by: Robert Hampton
Reviewed by: James Woodhouse
Local area networks (LANs)
What is a local area network?
A local area network (LAN) is a network which has a small geographical area (under 1 mile)
All of the hardware is owned by the company/organisation/household using it
LANs will use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, fibre optic cable or wireless connections (Wi-Fi)
Advantages and disadvantages of LANs
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Allows centralised management of updates, backups and software installations | If hardware fails, the network may not function properly or even at all |
Can secure its devices with the use of firewalls, antivirus software and other security features to prevent unauthorised access | Networks are more prone to attacks than standalone computers |
Allows users on the network to share resources such as printers and other peripherals | Access to data and peripherals can be slow depending on network traffic |
Allows the users of the network to collaborate and share files and folders | Require maintenance to ensure that software is up to date, upgrades and backups which can be costly |
Wide area networks (WANs)
What is a wide area network?
A wide area network (WAN) is a network which has a large geographical area (over 1 mile)
They are a collection of LANs joined together
The computers on a WAN are connected via routers
The hardware used to connect the networks together is not all owned by the company/organisation/household using it.
For example, telephone lines owned by telecommunication companies
WANs will use fibre optic cable, telephone lines and satellite to connect the LANs together
Personal area networks (PANs)
What is a PAN?
A personal area network (PAN) is a network that is used for transmission of data between devices in close proximity
A PAN has a very short range (10 metres)
Bluetooth is the most widely used PAN
Typical examples of devices which make use of a PAN are:
Wireless headphones
Mobile phones
Tablet
Laptop etc.
Tethering
What is tethering?
Tethering is when a host device shares its internet connection with other connected devices
Commonly used by mobile devices to share its mobile data connection to devices such as laptops and tablets
Tethering can be enabled or disabled as part of the mobile contract
Some network providers charge extra to use this feature
Worked Example
Draw a diagram to show how a smartphone can be used to provide a tablet computer with an Internet connection.
Label each component and the connectivity you use in your diagram
[4]
Answer
A drawing that shows:
A smartphone connected to the Internet / mobile phone mast [1]
Correct connectivity identified for this (3G, 4G etc.) [1]
Tablet directly connected to smartphone [1]
Correct connectivity identified for this (Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / USB etc.) [1]
"Image coming soon"
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