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Year 8 · Computing · Networks · Lesson 1

LANs, WANs and network hardware

Computer networks: LANs and WANs, switches, routers, NICs and wireless access points, and wired versus wireless networks.

Whiteboard video lesson: LANs, WANs and network hardware

19-minute video lesson

Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.

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What your child will learn

  • Define a computer network
  • Compare LANs and WANs
  • Explain switches, routers, NICs and WAPs
  • Compare wired and wireless networks
  • Explain bandwidth

The method

  1. LAN = one site; WAN = wide area.
  2. Switch inside; router between.
  3. Compare speed, reliability, security.
  4. Give reasons.

Key words: network, LAN, WAN, switch, router, NIC, bandwidth.

Worked examples

The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.

Question 1

What does LAN stand for?

  1. Step 1: Local Area Network

Answer: Local Area Network

Question 2

What does WAN stand for?

  1. Step 1: Wide Area Network

Answer: Wide Area Network

Question 3

Is a school network a LAN or a WAN?

  1. Step 1: One site

Answer: A LAN