Section 4 – Computer Networks

Setting up a small network

Lesson Objectives

• By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

• Describe how to set up a small network involving access to the internet,

• Understanding the need to set up the use of a browser, email and an ISP

Recap

• Using the knowledge learnt from your last theory lesson. Can you identify all the different types of network hardware that we have covered?

• Hubs• Switches• Routers• Repeaters• Bridges• Network Cards• Servers

Networks

• So, we have learnt about what networks are and what there components are but we haven't had a look at they all these pieces work together.

• We will be using a flash animation for the next task. This can be found in the relevant area of the department share.

Task 1

• Using the network scenario sheet create the example network and answer the questions in your book.

Browser

• Short for Web browser, a software application used to locate, retrieve and also display content on the World Wide Web, including Web pages, images, video and other files.

Email

• Short for electronic mail, the transmission of messages over communications networks. The messages can be notes entered from the keyboard or electronic files stored on disk. Electronic-mail systems others have gateways to other computer systems, enabling users to send electronic mail anywhere in the world. Companies make extensive use of e-mail because it is fast, flexible, and reliable.

ISP

• Short for Internet Service Provider, it refers to a company that provides Internet services, including personal and business access to the Internet. For a monthly fee, the service provider usually provides a software package, username, password and access phone number. Equipped with a modem, you can then log on to the Internet and browse the World Wide Web.

Task 2

• Complete the Exam Questions on page 44 of the book.

• Use your notes, lesson PowerPoints & the iGCSE website to help you answer the questions.

Exam Question

• Jasvir and her family have three computers in their home. She wants to connect the computers to create a network and access the internet. List four additional items she would need to set this system. Your answers must include hardware and software.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Aftab and his family have three computers in their home. He wants to connect the computers to a network.

(a) Name an item of hardware used to connect the computers to the internet(b) Name an item of software used to send messages over the internet(c) Name an item of software used to access websites(d) Apart from hardware and software, what else would be needed to provide access to the Internet