Section 4 - Networks

Tasks and Exam Questions

Exam question

A hub

Email/IM

LAN

Switch
Controls internet traffic by sending packets to its intended
destination.
Network card
Enables the computer to be connected to a network

Hub
It sends the packets to all computers connected.

Networking card

Because it is wireless so you dont need to have it

connected to a device so you dont have to sit next to
it you can go elsewhere in the house
Its cheaper as you dont have to buy as much
cables to connect it.

Because you can only have up to 8 devices which

means you would have a limited amount.
Only works over a short distance

Answer the following questions

Use page 36
of the iGCSE
textbook to
help you

Define the term Wi-Fi.

Enables computers and other devices to communicate wirelessly with each other.
What are hotspots also known as
Access points
For a home network what is the normal range for a signal distance?
50m indoors and 100m outdoors
Give 5 advantages of Wi-Fi.
You dont have to work in the same place, there are no network wires so no costs for installation, easier to keep a
working area clean, provided you have wireless signal you can work in places like hotels and cafes and fewer wires
to trip over.
Give 4 disadvantages of Wi-Fi.
The dangers of hackers reading your messages, some areas you cant get a wireless signal, some evidence that
there may be a danger to health and limited signal range.
Define the term Bluetooth.
Its a wireless technology used to exchange data over short distances and it makes use of radio waves.
What is the typical range for using Bluetooth?
5m to 100m
List 5 uses of Bluetooth.
Wireless communication between input and output devices, communication between a wireless hands-free headset
and a mobile, transferring appointments/contacts, communication using game controller, creating a small wireless
network where the computers/devices are near to each other.

Use slides 2-4 and

pages 37-38 of the
iGCSE textbook to
help you

Answer the following in your books

What is the Internet?
A huge group of networks joined together
What can the Internet be used for?
Information, communication, entertainment, shopping, services
What is an Intranet?

A local or restricted communications network, especially a private network created using World Wide Web
software
List the main differences between the internet and an intranet
Internet is global intranet is within an organization, internet is public intranet is private, internet may not have
reliable data intranet does have reliable data, internet has more information than intranet
Give 3 advantages of using the Internet.
Huge amount of information can be accessed almost anywhere, can help people with disabilities be more
independent and improved communications systems
Give 3 disadvantages of using the Internet.
Cyber crime, pedophiles look for children using the internet, increased problems due to hacking and viruses
Give 3 advantages of using an Intranet.

The differences between LAN and WLAN are that LAN is confined to a small
area whereas WLAN