Networks (Edexcel IGCSE Ict)
Exam board Pearson Edexcel · IGCSEUpdated 2024-11-04
Local area networks (LANs)
Spec point —
2.1.2
What is a local area network?
- A local area network (LAN) is a network which has a small geographical area (under 1 mile)
- All of the hardware is owned by the company/organisation/household using it
- LANs will use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, fibre optic cable or wireless connections (Wi-Fi)
Advantages and disadvantages of LANs
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Allows centralised management of updates, backups and software installations | If hardware fails, the network may not function properly or even at all |
| Can secure its devices with the use of firewalls, antivirus software and other security features to prevent unauthorised access | Networks are more prone to attacks than standalone computers |
| Allows users on the network to share resources such as printers and other peripherals | Access to data and peripherals can be slow depending on network traffic |
| Allows the users of the network to collaborate and share files and folders | Require maintenance to ensure that software is up to date, upgrades and backups which can be costly |
Wide area networks (WANs)
Spec point —
2.1.2
What is a wide area network?
- A wide area network (WAN) is a network which has a large geographical area (over 1 mile)
- They are a collection of LANs joined together
- The computers on a WAN are connected via routers
- The hardware used to connect the networks together is not all owned by the company/organisation/household using it.
- For example, telephone lines owned by telecommunication companies
- WANs will use fibre optic cable, telephone lines and satellite to connect the LANs together
Personal area networks (PANs)
Spec point —
2.1.2
What is a PAN?
-
A personal area network (PAN) is a network that is used for transmission of data between devices in close proximity
-
A PAN has a very short range (10 metres)
-
Bluetooth is the most widely used PAN
-
Typical examples of devices which make use of a PAN are:
- Wireless headphones
- Mobile phones
- Tablet
- Laptop etc.
Tethering
Spec point —
2.1.2
What is tethering?
- Tethering is when a host device shares its internet connection with other connected devices
- Commonly used by mobile devices to share its mobile data connection to devices such as laptops and tablets
- Tethering can be enabled or disabled as part of the mobile contract
- Some network providers charge extra to use this feature
Worked Example Draw a diagram to show how a smartphone can be used to provide a tablet computer with an Internet connection.
Label each component and the connectivity you use in your diagram
[4]
Answer
A drawing that shows:
- A smartphone connected to the Internet / mobile phone mast [1]
- Correct connectivity identified for this (3G, 4G etc.) [1]
- Tablet directly connected to smartphone [1]
- Correct connectivity identified for this (Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / USB etc.) [1]
"Image coming soon"
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