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AQA GCSE Computer Science

Networks and network topologies — AQA GCSE Computer Science revision

Free revision notes, key terms, common exam traps and 5 practice questions with answers. About 7 minutes to read.

Types of network and models

  • A LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small geographic area such as one building or site, usually owned by one organisation.
  • A WAN (Wide Area Network) connects LANs over a large geographic area, often using third-party infrastructure such as telecom cables; the internet is the largest WAN.
  • In a client-server model, powerful central servers store data/programs and provide services to client devices that request them; easier to manage security and backups.
  • In a peer-to-peer model, devices connect as equals and share files/resources directly, with no central server; simpler and cheaper but harder to secure and backup.

Network hardware and media

  • A NIC (Network Interface Card) allows a device to connect to a network, giving it a unique MAC address.
  • A switch connects devices within a LAN and forwards data only to the intended recipient using MAC addresses.
  • A router forwards data packets between different networks, using IP addresses, and connects a LAN to a WAN like the internet.
  • A WAP (Wireless Access Point) allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.
  • Transmission media include copper cable (cheap, prone to interference), fibre optic cable (fast, expensive, uses light, hard to tap), and wireless radio waves (flexible, but can be blocked or intercepted).

Key terms

LAN
Local Area Network, covering a small site owned by one organisation.
WAN
Wide Area Network, connecting LANs across large distances.
Client-server
Network model where dedicated servers provide services to client devices.
Peer-to-peer
Network model where devices share resources directly as equals.
NIC
Network Interface Card, hardware that connects a device to a network.
MAC address
A unique hardware identifier assigned to a network interface.

Common exam traps

  • Confusing a LAN and WAN — a LAN is one site, a WAN spans multiple sites/large areas.
  • Mixing up MAC addresses (physical, hardware) with IP addresses (logical, can change).
  • Thinking a switch and a router do the same job — a switch works within a LAN, a router connects different networks.

Practice questions with answers

  1. 1. What does LAN stand for?

    • • Local Area Network
    • • Large Area Network
    • • Linked Access Node
    • • Long Address Network

    Answer: Local Area Network

    LAN stands for Local Area Network, covering a small geographic area.

  2. 2. Which network spans a wide geographic area, often using third-party infrastructure?

    • • LAN
    • • PAN
    • • WAN
    • • VLAN

    Answer: WAN

    A WAN connects LANs over large distances, often using leased telecom lines.

  3. 3. Give one advantage of a client-server network over peer-to-peer.

    Answer: Centralised, easier to manage security/backups

    Client-server networks allow centralised control of data, security and backups.

  4. 4. Give one disadvantage of a peer-to-peer network.

    Answer: Harder to secure/backup, no central control

    Without a central server, security and backups depend on each individual device.

  5. 5. What does a NIC provide to a device?

    • • A unique domain name
    • • The ability to connect to a network
    • • Encryption of all data
    • • A firewall

    Answer: The ability to connect to a network

    A Network Interface Card lets a device physically connect to a network and has a unique MAC address.

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