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Net.s Computer Net

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© © All Rights Reserved
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KS2 Computing - COMPUTING THEORY - 5.

Computer networks
www.schoolsofkingedwardvi.co.uk

COMPUTING THEORY – 5. Computer networks

What are computer networks?

A computer network is a number of computers linked together to allow them to “talk” to


each other and share resources. Networked computers can share hardware, software
and data.

Connecting computers to form computer networks and the internet (which is a network
of networks) has had a huge impact on our lives.

Think about how limited our use of technology in school would be if we had no access to
the local network or the internet. Think about how frustrating it is when we have no data
signal for our smartphones or wi for our laptops.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A computer network within a home or school might be made up of only a few computers.
Networks of this size are called local area networks (LANs).

A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building.

The diagram below shows a typical local area network for an organisation such as a
school. The roles of each of the devices connected to the network are explained.

Server
A server is a powerful computer that provides one or more services to a network and its
users.

On a local area network services will include: managing user accounts to enable users to
log in to the network, running software, enabling saving to a shared area, printing and
access to the internet.

Servers are left on at all times and are not used by individuals on a day-to-day basis.

Why are computer networks important?

There are advantages in networking individual computers to create local area networks.

It allows multiple computers to share devices such as printers.


It gives them access to a shared area for saving documents.
Internet access and software can be shared.

Wide Area Network

A wide area network (WAN) is created when lots of smaller networks are connected
together. It covers a large geographical area. The largest WAN of all is the internet.

Clients

A client is any computer system on a network which uses the services provided by the
server.

For example, each classroom in your school might have a computer on the school’s local
area network at the front of the class – being used with an interactive whiteboard.

If there are teacher and pupil laptops, they will also likely be con gured to access a
school’s local area network to enable saving to a shared area, internet access and
printing.

Other devices, such as tablets or phones may also be clients, since these too can
connect to the local area network.

Switch/hubs

Switches and hubs are used to connect the various devices on a network together. They
reduce the amount of cabling required to set up a network.

Wireless devices
A range of devices may connect to a local area network wirelessly. These could be
clients, such as laptops, tablet devices or phones. Devices providing services to the
network, such as printers, may also connect wirelessly. A wireless router enables devices
to connect to the local area network by routing data across a wireless connection.

Modem

A modem provides access to the internet. It does this by turning data from your
computer into a suitable form to be transmitted over telephone lines to your internet
service provider (ISP). Similarly, it turns the data received across the internet into a form
the computers on the network can interpret.

Follow this hyperlink to learn more:-

1. Teach Primary Computing

Computing Home Page

Click here for KS2 Curriculum Dashboard (All Subjects)

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