Year 7 - Computing
Wired and wireless networks
Computer networks and data transmission
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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 explore the impact networks have on our daily lives. They will define what a network is and explore the benefits of networking, before covering how data is transmitted across networks using protocols. They will investigate different types of network and hardware required.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare the performance of different types of network connections.
Key Notes
- Wired and wireless networks have different advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different situations.
- Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent at a time, affecting the overall time taken to complete a transfer.
- Different online activities require different amounts data be transfered.
- Different mobile data technologies provide varying levels of bandwidth, which affects the quality of network activities.
Vocabulary To Learn
- wired: uses a cable to connect a device to a network
- wireless: the transmission of data between devices without using physical cables or wires
- bandwidth: the maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a communication channel
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Bandwidth is the speed of data being transmitted across a network. The higher the bandwidth, the faster data can be transferred between points in a network.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Wired and wireless networks have different advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different situations. Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent at a time, affecting the overall time taken to complete a transfer.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'wired'
uses a cable to connect a device to a network. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: Bandwidth is the speed of data being transmitted across a network. The higher the bandwidth, the faster data can be transferred between points in a network. Correction: Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted at a time, not the time it takes to reach from one point to another. Higher bandwidth reduces the total transfer time of data but this is only noticable when there is a lot to transfer.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Computing guide library.