Wired and wireless networks
I can compare the performance of different types of network connections.
Wired and wireless networks
I can compare the performance of different types of network connections.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Wired and wireless networks have different advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different situations.
- Bandwidth determines how much data can be sent at a time, affecting the overall time taken to complete a transfer.
- Different online activities require different amounts data be transfered.
- Different mobile data technologies provide varying levels of bandwidth, which affects the quality of network activities.
Keywords
Wired - uses a cable to connect a device to a network
Wireless - uses radio waves to connect a device to a network
Bandwidth - the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted at a time
Common misconception
Bandwidth is the speed of data being transmitted across a network. The higher the bandwidth, the faster data can be transferred between points in a network.
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted at a time, not the time it takes to reach from one point to another. Higher bandwidth reduces the total transfer time of data but this is only noticable when there is a lot to transfer.
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Wired and wireless networks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Wired and wireless networks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Computer networks and data transmission unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.