New
New
Year 7
An introduction to computer networks
I can describe a local network and its components.
New
New
Year 7
An introduction to computer networks
I can describe a local network and its components.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Devices on networks connect for communication and resource sharing.
- Networks rely on specialised hardware.
- Devices on networks perform different roles in order to exchange information.
Keywords
Network - a group of devices connected together, wirelessly or using cables, to enable communication
Server - a computer on a network that provides a service like storing files or web pages
Client - a device on a network that requests a service from a server
Router - a device that connects different computer networks together and directs data between them
Common misconception
On a network, servers, clients and routers have the same purpose.
Servers, clients and routers have distinct roles and functionalities in a network. They are not interchangeable and serve different purposes.
Discuss the benefits of a local network in your learners' own lives. Ask them to think about how they use networks at home or at school for communication and sharing resources.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
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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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What does it mean to "share" a digital file with someone?
to give them a physical copy of the file
to delete the file from your own device
to print the file
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of communication using a computer network?
writing a letter by hand
talking on the phone
reading a book
Q3.
What is the main function of a printer?
to store files
to connect to the internet
to display images on a screen
Q4.
Which of the following tasks is typically easier to do when computers are connected to a network?
playing a single-player video game
writing a story in a word processor
drawing a picture using a graphics program
Q5.
What is the most likely reason a school would have a computer network?
to allow students to play online games during class
to provide internet access only to teachers
to prevent students from accessing any websites
Q6.
What is the main purpose of a computer network?
to prevent computers from being used
to make computers run faster
to store files on a single computer
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Identify all of the following that are components of a network?
a screen display
Q2.
What is the function of a server in a computer network?
to request services from other devices
to connect different networks together
to display information on a screen
Q3.
Which of the following is an example of a client in a school network?
a file server
a router
a printer
Q4.
What is the main purpose of a router in a computer network?
to store files and allow other computers to access them
to manage print requests when a computer sends a print job
to display images on a screen
Q5.
Which type of cable uses light pulses to transmit data?
Ethernet cable
USB cable
power cable
Q6.
Identify all of the following that are benefits of having computers connected in a network?
increased cost of hardware