Network Devices

1. List 7 pieces of hardware that are used to build a network.

i. Router
ii. Network Interface Card
iii. Hub
iv. Network Cables
v. Switch
vi. Modem
vii. Bridge

2. Describe the purpose of the following network devices.

Name of
Purpose
the device
Routers enable data to be sent between different types of networks.
Router

Switches connect computers/devices to form a LAN

Switch

Hub sends the data onto every computer/device on the network.

Hub

Bridges are used to connect LAN’s together

Bridge

Modems were used to connect computers to the internet before the use of
Modem
broadband connections
Interface NICs are used to connect individual computers / devices to a network.
card

3. Routers can be described as being ‘intelligent’ devices. Explain 3 functions that routers perform
that make them intelligent.
Routers are intelligent because:

1. They can read data and decide where to send it

2. They can decide on the fastest route in which to send data

3. They can make the format of the data suitable for the network.

IGCSE ICT: Unit 4 - Networks

 4. Explain what an IP address is.

All computers and devices connected to the internet are assigned a unique number
called an Internet Protocol Address (IP Address).

5. Hubs can be described as being ‘unintelligent’ devices. Explain why hubs are considered
unintelligent.

Hubs are non intelligent because they send data onto every computer/device on the
network whether requested or not.

6. Why would a network connected using a hub run very slowly?

Networks using hub run very slowly because there is a lot of unnecessary data flowing
around.

7. Switches are said to be ‘intelligent’ devices. Explain 3 functions that switches perform that make
them intelligent.
Switches are intelligent because:

1. Each network device has a MAC (Media Access Control address)

2. Switch looks for each device MAC address

3. Sends data to the relevant device only rather than to all devices

8. List the 2 different types of network computers.

• Client

• Server

9. List the 4 different types of networks.

• Local Area Network (LAN)

• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

IGCSE ICT: Unit 4 - Networks

 10. Write the full form of the following abbreviations?

a. LAN Local Area Network

b. MAN Metropolitan Area Network

c. WAN Wide Area Network

d. WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

e. Aps Access Points

f. MAC Media Access Control

g. Modem Modulator Demodulator

11. Name the technology that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi use to connect devices
together.

Wireless

12. Define.

a. hotspot

Area where computers / devices can access the internet using wifi are known as

hotspots

b. ISP

An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organization that provides services for

accessing, using, or participating in the Internet.

c. Server computer

Server computers are powerful computers that provide ‘services’ to the client
computers on the network.

13. Which network device is used to connect devices together wirelessly?

Router

IGCSE ICT: Unit 4 - Networks

A Hub B: Switch

C Switch D: router

E: Bridge F :router

IGCSE ICT: Unit 4 - Networks