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Year 4

Connecting networks

I can explain how networks are connected together and why it is important they are protected.

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New
New
Year 4

Connecting networks

I can explain how networks are connected together and why it is important they are protected.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Networks can be physically connected to other networks.
  2. Data can be shared between computers on different networks.
  3. Networks need protecting to keep the information on them secure.
  4. The internet is a network of networks.

Keywords

  • Router - a device that manages the flow of data between computer networks

  • Network - a group of interconnected computing devices

  • Internet - the global system of interconnected computer networks

Common misconception

Because a computer is connected to a network, it will be connected to the internet.

Not necessarily, it still needs a connection to the internet through a router. Networks can be created and used for many different purposes and that does not always have to involve being connected to the internet.


To help you plan your year 4 computing lesson on: Connecting networks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

We will be discussing networks. It might help to be able to show children some of the school's physical computer network so that they appreciate physically what they look like.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a network?
a single computer used for gaming
a device that connects to the internet
Correct answer: a group of devices that are connected together
a type of computer game
Q2.
What is the internet?
a group of computers in one building
a type of computer program
a device used to store data
Correct answer: a global system of interconnected computer networks
Q3.
Why do computers connect to networks?
Correct answer: to share information and resources
to play games offline
to store files permanently
to create new devices
Q4.
Which of these devices can connect to a network?
Correct answer: a smartphone
Correct answer: a computer
a wall
Correct answer: a washing machine
Q5.
Which of these is an example of a network?
Correct answer: a computer connected to a printer
a tablet used offline
a phone without an internet connection
a calculator used in school
Q6.
What is a secret word or phrase used to access a computer, network or online account?
Correct Answer: password

6 Questions

Q1.
What does a router do?
Correct answer: manages the flow of data between networks
protects computers from viruses
stores data for future use
creates computer programs
Q2.
Why do networks need protecting?
to stop them from running too fast
Correct answer: to keep the information on them secure
to make them harder to use
to stop them from connecting to the internet
Q3.
What happens when networks are connected to each other?
Correct answer: they can share information between computers on different networks
they stop working
they lose all stored data
they only work with one type of computer
Q4.
Does connecting a computer to a network mean it is connected to the internet?
Yes, all networks are part of the internet.
Correct answer: No, it also needs a connection through a router.
Yes, as long as the computer is turned on.
No, computers cannot connect to the internet.
Q5.
What is one example of a network in everyday life?
Correct answer: a computer connected to a printer
a calculator used in school
a phone without an internet connection
a tablet used offline
Q6.
What is a password used for?
to delete files from a computer
to connect devices to the internet
to stop devices from working
Correct answer: to access a network securely