Year 11 - Computing
Wired networks
Network fundamentals
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will be develop their understanding of computer networks by looking at network models and the tasks performed by network hardware. They will discover the differences between wired and wireless transmission media and the factors that can affect the performance of a network.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how wired networks are connected using different types of transmission media.
Key Notes
- Wired networks use physical cables to connect devices and transfer data.
- Fibre optic and copper cables have different features that affect speed, distance and reliability.
Vocabulary To Learn
- wired networks: a network where devices are connected using physical cables to transfer data
- copper Ethernet cable: a common network cable made from twisted copper wires that transmits data using electrical signals
- fibre optic cable: a high-speed network cable that sends data as pulses of light
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All wired networks use the same type of cable.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Wired networks use physical cables to connect devices and transfer data. Fibre optic and copper cables have different features that affect speed, distance and reliability.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'wired networks'
a network where devices are connected using physical cables to transfer data. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: All wired networks use the same type of cable. Correction: Copper Ethernet and fibre optic cables have different speeds, distances and uses. For example, copper Ethernet is fine for short distances, but fibre optic is better for fast, long-distance connections.
More Lessons In This Unit
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