SS3 COMPUTER STUDIES
TOPIC: COMPUTER NETWORK
A computer network is a collection of two or more computers and other
electronic devices that are connected together to share information,
resources, and services. These connections can be made using cables
(wired) or through wireless signals such as radio waves.
A computer network can be defined as a system that links computers and
other devices together so that they can communicate and share data,
hardware, and software resources using agreed communication rules known
as protocols.
PURPOSES OF COMPUTER NETWORK 1. Resource sharing – sharing hardware
such as printers and scanners. 2. Communication – sending emails,
messages, and video calls. 3. Data sharing – easy access to files and
information. 4. Cost reduction – reduces the cost of equipment and software.
5. Centralized control – easy management and security. 6. Internet access –
sharing internet connection among users.
TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORK Local Area Network (LAN): Covers a small
area such as a classroom, school, or office. It is fast and inexpensive.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Covers a city or large town and connects
several LANs.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers a very large area such as countries or
continents. Example is the Internet.
Personal Area Network (PAN): Used for personal devices within a short range
such as Bluetooth.
NETWORK TOPOLOGY Network topology refers to the physical arrangement
of computers and cables in a network.
Bus topology: All computers are connected to a single cable. It is cheap but if
the cable fails, the network fails.
Star topology: All computers are connected to a central device such as a hub
or switch. Easy to manage but depends on the central device.
Ring topology: Computers are connected in a circular form. Data flows in one
direction.
Mesh topology: Each computer is connected to every other computer. It is
reliable but expensive.
NETWORK DEVICES Server: A powerful computer that provides services to
other computers.
Client: A computer that receives services from the server.
Hub: Connects computers and sends data to all devices.
Switch: Sends data only to the intended device.
Router: Connects different networks together.
Modem: Converts digital signals to analog and vice versa.
TRANSMISSION MEDIA Wired media include twisted pair cable, coaxial cable,
and fibre optic cable.
Wireless media include radio waves, infrared, microwave, and satellite.
NETWORK PROTOCOLS Examples are TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP.
ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORK 1. Easy communication 2. Resource
sharing 3. Data backup 4. Centralized security 5. Increased productivity
DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORK 1. High setup cost 2. Security
threats 3. Network failure affects many users 4. Requires skilled personnel
NETWORK SECURITY Network security involves protecting data and
resources from unauthorized access. Security measures include passwords,
firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and access control.
INTERNET AND INTRANET The Internet is a global network connecting
millions of computers worldwide. An intranet is a private network used within
an organization.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS 1. A computer network is best defined as A. a
collection of software programs B. a group of computers connected to share
resources C. a single computer system D. an operating system
2. Which network type covers a small geographical area? A. WAN B. MAN
C. LAN D. PAN
3. The topology that uses a central device is A. Bus B. Ring C. Mesh D.
Star
4. Which device directs data between different networks? A. Hub B.
Switch C. Router D. Modem
5. Which of the following is an example of a WAN? A. School computer lab
B. Home Bluetooth connection C. Office network D. Internet
6. A device that provides services to other computers is called A. Client B.
Modem C. Server D. Switch
7. Which transmission medium uses light to transmit data? A. Twisted
pair cable B. Coaxial cable C. Fibre optic cable D. Radio wave
8. TCP/IP is an example of a A. Network device B. Transmission medium
C. Protocol D. Topology
9. Which topology is the most expensive to install? A. Bus B. Ring C. Star
D. Mesh
10. Which of the following is not an advantage of computer
networking? A. Resource sharing B. Easy communication C. Increased
productivity D. High setup cost
OBJECTIVE ANSWERS 1. B 2. C 3. D 4. C 5. D 6. C 7. C 8. C 9. D 10. D
THEORY QUESTIONS 1. Define a computer network and explain three
purposes of computer networking. 2. Describe the main types of computer
networks. 3. Explain two network topologies with their advantages and
disadvantages. 4. List and explain four network devices. 5. What is network
security? Explain four security measures.
Prepared according to SS3 Computer Studies curriculum WAEC and NECO
standard.