Comprehensive Grade 10 Computer Science Notes: Computer Networking
Introduction
Computer networking is the interconnection of computers and digital devices so they can
exchange data and share resources. A network may consist of two computers or millions of
devices connected through cables or wireless signals.
Reasons for networking include resource sharing, communication, centralized storage,
internet access, collaboration, cost reduction and remote access.
Key terms:
• Node: any connected device.
• Link: communication path.
• Bandwidth: maximum amount of data transmitted per second.
• Latency: delay before data reaches destination.
• Throughput: actual amount of data transferred.
Types of Networks
PAN connects personal devices within a few metres (Bluetooth).
LAN covers a room, office or school.
MAN covers a town or city.
WAN covers countries or continents.
WLAN is a wireless LAN.
Internet is the world's largest WAN.
Include advantages, disadvantages and school examples for each.
Topologies
Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh, Tree and Hybrid.
For each: definition, simple text diagram, advantages, disadvantages and suitable
applications.
Example Star:
PC
|
PC--Switch--PC
|
Printer
Network Devices
NIC, Hub, Switch, Router, Modem, Wireless Access Point, Bridge, Repeater, Gateway, Server,
Client, NAS. Explain function, where used, and difference between hub and switch; modem
vs router.
Transmission Media
Guided media: Twisted pair (UTP/STP), Coaxial, Fibre optic.
Unguided: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Satellite.
Compare speed, cost, interference, distance and common uses.
Data Communication
Elements: sender, receiver, message, medium, protocol.
Modes: simplex, half duplex, full duplex with examples.
Transmission: serial vs parallel, synchronous vs asynchronous.
Protocols
Protocol is a set of communication rules.
Explain HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP, TCP, UDP, IP, DNS, DHCP with practical
examples.
IP Addressing
IPv4 (32-bit), IPv6 (128-bit), public/private, static/dynamic, MAC address, examples of
private ranges, why IPv6 is needed.
Network Security
Threats: malware, viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, phishing, social
engineering, password attacks.
Protection: antivirus, firewall, encryption, MFA, backups, updates, strong passwords,
acceptable use policy.
Internet Services
WWW, email, search engines, cloud computing, VoIP, video conferencing, e-commerce, e-
learning, online banking with benefits and risks.
Troubleshooting
Step-by-step: identify problem, inspect cables, check LEDs, restart devices, verify IP,
reconnect Wi-Fi, ping test, isolate fault, document solution.
Revision Questions
1. 1. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
2. 2. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
3. 3. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
4. 4. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
5. 5. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
6. 6. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
7. 7. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
8. 8. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
9. 9. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
10. 10. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
11. 11. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
12. 12. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
13. 13. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
14. 14. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.
15. 15. Explain a networking concept or compare two related concepts.