TechTayari

S7 · Computer Studies I · Grade 10 · ages 15–16

Building Networks

Network elements and topologies

Grade 10 · 2.3 Computer Network Elements · 2.4 Network TopologiesCBE strandFree · works offline

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The full lesson adds narration, an interactive mission and a 10-question bank, and the quiz explains any mistakes.

Types of networks by size

A PAN (personal area network) links devices around one person, like a phone and earbuds over Bluetooth. A LAN (local area network) covers a home, office or school. A MAN (metropolitan area network) covers a city. A WAN (wide area network) spans countries; the internet is the biggest WAN.

Network devices

A network interface card (NIC) connects a device to a network. A switch joins devices in a LAN and sends data only to the right one. A router connects different networks, such as your LAN to the internet, and picks routes for packets. A wireless access point lets devices join by Wi-Fi. A modem connects to the service provider's line.

Choosing a network

When planning a network, consider: cost, the number of users, distance, the speed needed, security, and how easy it is to grow and maintain. A school lab of 30 computers needs different equipment from one family's home.

Physical and logical topology

Topology is the layout of a network. Physical topology is how devices are actually cabled; logical topology is how data flows between them. They can differ: a network can be wired as a star but pass data as if in a ring.

Common physical topologies

Bus: all devices share one main cable; cheap, but one break stops everything. Star: each device connects to a central switch; easy to fix, but the switch is a single point of failure. Ring: devices form a loop. Mesh: devices have many links, so data can go around failures. Tree: stars connected in levels, common in schools.

Key points

  • Networks by size: PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN, the biggest of which is the internet.
  • A switch joins devices in a LAN; a router connects networks together.
  • A NIC connects a device; an access point adds Wi-Fi.
  • Plan a network by cost, users, distance, speed and security.
  • Physical topology is the cabling; logical topology is how data flows.
  • In a bus, one break stops all; in a star, the centre is critical.
  • Mesh networks route around failures, which makes them reliable.

Try it for real: Map a network

  • Draw your school's or home network: which devices connect to which, and how (cable or Wi-Fi)?
  • Find the router and count how many devices are connected to it (ask the person who manages it).
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