January 2025
TOPIC: NETWORKS AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
L.O.
❖ I can describe a computer network.
❖ I can explain the advantages and disadvantages of
a computer network.
❖ I can identify some network devices.
Key Words:
• Internet
• Network
• ISP
• Computer network
• Resources
• Data
• Communications
• Data Packets
• Network Devices
WHAT IS COMPUTER NETWORK?
A computer network is a group of computers and other
devices connected together to share resources and to
communicate.
A computer network is two or more computers connected
together to communicate.
● It can be connected using wires or wirelessly.
● Examples include home networks and the internet.
A simple computer network consisting of
A simple computer network consisting
a laptop, smartphone, tablet and router.
of two computers and a printer.
Benefits of Computer Network
Computer network makes it possible for us to:
1. Communicate: Computers and other devices in a computer network can be
used to communicate. Emails, video calls, audio calls and instant messages
are made possible through computer network.
2. Share resources: Resources can be shared between computers that are
connected to a network. Computers in a network can share files, programs and
hardware like printers.
3. Do business easily: Different online businesses are made possible through
computer network usually the Internet.
4. Collaborate: Network can help us to collaborate on a task. People can work
together on a task from different locations via a network.
Problems or Disadvantages of Computer Network
● Network can expose your computer to hackers and viruses.
Hackers try to gain unauthorized access to computers.
Viruses can spread through networks and damage systems.
● It expensive to set up a computer network.
● A network can breakdown and this will make it inaccessible.
● A network usually requires an expert called a network administrator to
manage it.
Some Computer Network Devices
1. NIC (Network Interface Card)
2. Hub
3. Switch
4. Router
5. Bridge
6. Modem
7. AP (Access Point)
8. Gateway
9. Repeater
1. Network Interface Card (NIC)
A wired NIC connects computers A wireless NIC connects computers
to a network using a cables to a network using WIFI signals
2. Switch
A switch is an intelligent central connecting device that
connects computers/devices together to form a LAN
A switch sends data packets to only the intended computer.
3. Hub
A Hub is a non-intelligent central connecting
device that connects computers/devices
together to form a LAN.
A hub broadcast data packets to all the
computers in a network.
4. Bridge
A bridge is used to connect (bridge) 2
different LAN’s together so that they act as
one single LAN and then communicate as
one.
5. Router
Router enables data to be sent
(routed) between different types
of networks
A router is a network device that is used to
connect a LAN (Local Area Network) to an
external network like the internet.
Homework
[Link] is a computer network?
Show with a diagram what a computer network is.
[Link] two advantages of a computer network.
3. Mention 5 network devices.