What are networks?
You might be part of many different networks. A network is a group of people or items that are connected. The connection can be something you enjoy doing or something you are all trying to achieve.
Can you think of any networks you belong to?
Some networks you belong to might be:
- a class at school
- your family
- your friends
- a sports team
- an activity group such as cubs or brownies
What are computer networks?
Computers can also be a part of a network. A A group of connected computing devices. is formed when two or more computers are connected together.
When computers are connected together, they can share information allowing them to do more than if they were not connected.
Networks allow people to access the same information from any computer on the network.
Being connected to a network allows a A machine or a device with a computer inside, that has been programmed for a specific task. such as a printer or smart speaker to be shared. Any computer that is connected to a network can use a printer that has been connected to the same network.
Did you know...?
The first computer networks were created in the 1970s in research labs.
Up until this point, if people wanted to share information between computers, they had to store it on magnetic tape and carry it from device to device!
What are the main parts of a network?
Networks need different parts to allow information to be shared.
Image caption, Clients
Clients are the devices that you use such as computers, laptops or tablets.
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How do you connect to a network?
Some computers use a cable to connect to a network. This cable is called an ethernet cable.
Other computers, like laptops, tablets and smartphones can make a wireless connection to the network. This type of connection is known as wi-fi.
What types of networks are there?
A LAN or Local Area Network is a group of devices all connected in the same location. The network you might have at home and at school is an example of a LAN.
Hospitals often use LANs. It allows doctors and nurses to share patient notes between different devices on the hospital's network.
A PAN or Personal Area Network is when devices like bluetooth headphones are connected to a smartphone or tablet.
When the two devices connect, information can be shared. Music from the smartphone is sent to the headphones. Buttons on the headphones allow you to select a song or change the volume on the smartphone.
A WAN or Wide Area Network is when networks connect to another network.
The internet is the biggest example of a WAN. It is such a big network it is often called the network of networks.
What are the benefits of being connected to a network?
- Information can be shared between different devices connected to a network.
- You can access your files from any computer that is connected to the network.
- If you connect a printer to a network, every computer on the network can use it.
Activities
Computing - Dance Mat Typing. game
Build and test your computing skills with different levels of touch type challenges
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