Worksheet

F10.1 What is a network?

Networks · GCSE · OCR J277 1.3.1, AQA 8525 3.5, Edexcel 1CP2 4.1.1 · about 15 min

What this lesson is about

Why networks, LAN, WAN and PAN, client-server and peer-to-peer.

• Why connect computers?
• LAN, WAN and PAN
• Client-server and peer-to-peer
• Who is on the network?

Questions 6 marks in all

1. [1 mark]Which is a characteristic of a LAN?

   1. AIt covers a small area and the hardware is owned by the organisation
   2. BIt covers a country and uses rented connections
   3. CIt always uses wireless connections
   4. DIt needs the internet to work

2. [1 mark]What is the biggest WAN?

   1. AThe internet
   2. BA school network
   3. CA Bluetooth headset
   4. DA home Wi-Fi network

3. [1 mark]Which is a disadvantage of a network?

   1. AMalware can spread from one computer to others
   2. BFiles can be shared
   3. CPrinters can be shared
   4. DBackups can be made centrally

4. [1 mark]In a client-server network, what does a server do?

   1. AProvides a service, such as files or web pages, that clients request
   2. BAsks other computers for files
   3. COnly connects devices together
   4. DShares its files equally with every other device

5. [1 mark]Which is an advantage of peer-to-peer over client-server?

   1. AIt is cheap and easy to set up, with no server needed
   2. BBackups are made in one place
   3. CSecurity is managed centrally
   4. DIt is easier to manage as it grows

6. [1 mark]A phone, earbuds and a smartwatch connected by Bluetooth form which kind of network?

   1. APAN
   2. BLAN
   3. CWAN
   4. DClient-server

The task: roll call

Send who is on the network?. Listen for 1.5 seconds and, for each reply, print found <name> using the name the reply gives after here: . Then print devices on the network: <n>, counting the devices you found.

# the two lines every program starts with: the commands, then the robot
from bugbot import *
connect()

Plan your program here, then type it in and press Run.

Do it on the robot
www.bugbotlab.com/learn/f10-1-what-is-a-network/
The simulator checks it and tells you when it passes. Nothing to install, no account.

Challenges

1. Print the devices in alphabetical order.
2. Ask twice, a second apart, and only count each device once.
3. Is your school's network client-server or peer-to-peer? Give two pieces of evidence.