2 Networks

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CIE IGCSE ICT Your notes
2.1 Networks
Contents
Common Network Devices
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Cloud Computing
Extranet, Intranet & Internet
LAN & WAN
Page 1 of 17
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Your notes
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
Network Interface Cards (NIC) allow an electronic device to be connected to a network
Network Interface Cards are connected to the motherboard but in most modern systems are
usually integrated
Each network interface card has a unique identifier which is known as a media access control
address or MAC address which is created during the manufacturing process
Wireless Network Interface Cards (WNIC) are the same as a NIC but use wireless connectivity to
connect devices to networks
A MAC address is a 48 bit hexadecimal code where 12 hexadecimal characters are grouped in
pairs
The general format for a MAC address is that each pair of hexadecimal digits are separated by a
“-”
An example of a MAC address:
Microsoft has an OUI of 00-15-5D,
a new laptop straight out of a Microsoft production line could have a MAC address of “00-
15-5D-45-1B-3F”
Exam Tip
Two completely different products can contain the same Network Interface Identifier but
they must use their own Organisational Unique Identifier
Microsoft can have the MAC Address 00-15-5D-45-1B-3F
Amaz on can have the Mac Address 0C-5B-8F-45-1B-3F
Hubs
Hubs are devices that allow several other devices to be connected to them
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Your notes
Hubs are generally much cheaper than switches but:

When a hub receives a data packet it will broadcast it to every device on the network
This creates two potential issues:
As the information is being broadcast to every device it will make unnecessary traffic
especially if there are a large number of devices
As every device will receive the data packet, security may be a concern
Switches
Switches are also used to connect several devices together just like a hub; however, rather than
sending data packets to all devices on the network, the switch will only send the data to its
intended device
This is done by each switch having a lookup table
Port Mac address
1 DF-42-B2-11-4D-E3
2 11-14-F2-1D-C3-C6
3 00-4B-17-7C-A2-C9
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When a switch receives a data packet, it examines the destination MAC address of the box and Your notes
looks up that address in its lookup table
Once it has found the matching MAC address it will then forward the data packet to the
corresponding port
Worked example
Explain the difference between a switch and a hub regarding data forwarding capabilities.
[2]
A switch forwards data packets based on the destination MAC address and only sends data to
the intended device [1]
A hub broadcasts incoming data packets to all connected devices [1]
Bridges
Bridges are used to connect two networks or network segments to create a single larger
network
An important note is that a bridge cannot communicate with external networks such as the
internet like a router can
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Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Your notes
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that allows devices to be connected within a
maximum range of about 30 meters
Before communication can happen, two devices connect using a process called “pairing” to
establish a secure connection
When two devices pair, they both exchange a cryptographic key. Both these keys are used to
generate a secret shared key which is used to encrypt the data between the two devices and
create a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
Bluetooth operates using a frequency range of around 2.4Ghz
Connected devices continuously change their transmitting frequency between 79 different
channels to avoid interference and improve the reliability of the connection. This is known as the
frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)
Bluetooth may be preferred over Wi-Fi when:
File transfer required between two close-range devices such as a laptop and smartphone
without the need for internet connectivity
Streaming audio from a smartphone to another wireless device such as a speaker or
headphones
Connecting to a car system allows for music streaming and hands-free calling
When low power communication is required
Wi-Fi is also a wireless communication technology that allows devices to be connected up to a
range of about 100 meters depending on the standard that is being used
Wi-Fi operates across the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequency ranges and although 5Ghz is faster, the
2.4 GHz range is preferred as the lower frequencies often travel further and penetrate obstacles
more easily
Similar to Bluetooth bands are split into channels
Wi-Fi-enabled devices connect to a network by connecting to a hotspot or wireless access
point (WAP) also referred to as an access point (AP)
Wi-Fi may be preferred over Bluetooth when:
High speed data transfer is required
Long range communication is required
Many devices are needed to be connected at the same time
Similarities between Bluetooth and Wi-FI
Use radio waves for wireless technologies
Can connect multiple devices
Support encryption for secure connections
Based on industry standards that are universally accepted
It can be used to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applications
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Differences between Bluetooth and -Wi-Fi

Your notes
Bluetooth Wi-Fi
Maximum number of 30 (based on a standard consumer grade router with high end
7
connections options providing substantially more)
Transmission frequency 2.4Ghz 2.4Ghz , 5Ghz
Maximum range (meters) 30 meters 100 meters (depending on obstructions)
Maximum transfer speed

3 Mbytes /
(Depending on the 75 Mbytes / Sec
Sec
standard being used)
Worked example
A school IT team is trying to determine what technology they should use to connect students'
tablets around the school for data transfer and are unsure whether to choose Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
technology. Consider the advantages and limitations of both and justify your answer
[7]
WiFi offers significantly faster transfer rates compared to Bluetooth [1]
so students will be able to upload and download files faster [1]
WiFi coverage can be over a much larger area compared to Bluetooth [1]
so that students will be able to access resources wherever they are in the school [1]
Bluetooth however, is easy to set up [1]
students can transfer data without the school having to invest in expensive infrastructure [1]
Given the current situation, the school is in, the preferred choice for connecting student's
tablets would be Wi-Fi [1]
Page 6 of 17
Cloud Computing
Your notes
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a method where data is stored on remote servers and accessed through the
internet
Local storage refers to a storage device that is connected to the computer
The three types of cloud storage are:

Public Cloud - The customer and the cloud storage provider are different companies
Private Cloud - The customer and the cloud storage provider are a single organisation
Hybrid Cloud - Combines both public and private cloud options and allows for sensitive
data to remain private whilst providing public cloud services for less sensitive information
Cloud data is duplicated and stored on other servers to ensure data availability during system
failures, upgrades and maintenance periods
Advantages of Cloud storage
Scalability
As the business requirements change the customer can scale services up or down to meet
their needs
Cost saving
Cloud storage eliminates the need for a business to purchase expensive equipment for
infrastructure and maintenance which can result in significant cost savings
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Accessibility
Cloud services are available globally and allow both remote working and data sharing
Reliability Your notes
Cloud computing providers offer high levels of uptime ensuring that services are always
available for its users
Storage Space
Cloud services can offer an almost unlimited amount of storage
Backup and recovery
If a customers machine or storage device fails, a backup of the data from the cloud will allow
for recovery
File Synchronisation
Files can be synced across multiple devices
Convenience
A user does not need to carry storage devices around with them as all data is stored on the
cloud
Disadvantages of Cloud Storage
Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is required to use cloud storage
Security
Storing data in the cloud may be vulnerable to security breaches
Dependency
The user is dependent on the storage provider for the availability and reliability of its services
Ceases to trade/dissolve
Should the company dissolve or cease to change, all cloud data may be lost
Cost
As the amount of storage or bandwidth required increases, the service may become
expensive over time
Worked example
Explain the difference between cloud storage and local storage
[2]
Cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet [1]
While local storage refers to storing data on physical devices like hard drives or flash drives [1]
Page 8 of 17
Extranet, Intranet & Internet

Your notes
Internet
The Internet is a very large global network that consists of many other interconnected networks
The world wide web is the vast collection of web pages that can be accessed using a web
browser
The world wide web allows you to access information by using the internet
Exam Tip
You must be very clear about the difference between the World Wide Web and the Internet
Characteristics of the Internet

Open
The Internet is an open network meaning anyone with access can access the same
resources and information as everybody else
Decentralisation
The Internet is a decentralised network with no owner, controller or governing body. Instead,
it is made up of vast numbers of interconnecting networks that operate independently but
work together to provide communication
Global Reach
The internet is a global network meaning that people from all over the world can
communicate with each other in real-time
Accessibility
The Internet is available to anyone who has a suitable device and access to any one of the
interconnected networks
The Internet has many uses and plays a critical role in our lives. This can include;
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Education and training

Social Networking
Online shopping Your notes
Entertainment
Page 10 of 17
Intranet
Intranets operate in a similar way to the Internet and although they are still networks, they are Your notes
usually private and are used to send information securely and safely
Unlike the Internet which is a global network accessible by all, access to an organisation’s
Intranet is restricted and only accessible to authorised users such as employees
Intranets have many advantages over the internet such as:

Better bandwidth than the internet
Data is kept within the organisation
Less chance of hacking and attacks
Administrators can manage access to external sites and links
Characteristics of an Intranet
Private
An intranet is a private network that is accessible to employees within a company or
organisation
Security
An intranet is usually behind a firewall to ensure security and that only authorised users can
access it
Sharing and Communication
An Intranet allows for document sharing and the use of collaboration tools between users. It
can also allow the use of email and video calling to enable efficient communication within the
organisation
Customisation
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An intranet can be customised to meet the specific requirements of the business such as
navigation and subject content as well as the service being able to be scaled up as the
business grows Your notes
Users will require a username and password to access the Intranet
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Extranet
An extranet is a private Intranet that also allows access by selected parties that reside outside of Your notes
the organisation. These parties, for example, maybe customers, key stakeholders or clients
External users will have an authorisation level once they have successfully logged in which will
determine which resources they may access
Similarities between the Internet, Intranet and extranet are as follows:

They are all web based technologies
They allow users to access information remotely
They all use client server architecture
They all use security measures such as authentication and encryption
They all promote and facilitate information and resource sharing
Differences between the internet, intranet and extranet are as follows:
The internet is a global network whereas an intranet/extranet is a private network contained
within an organisation
The use of the internet covers a wide range of purposes whereas an intranet/extranet is
designed for specific users and purposes
Much of the information is publicly available whereas an intranet/extranet is not
The internet is not owned solely by one person or organisation whereas intranets/extranets
are owned usually by the organisation
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Worked example
Your notes
A company uses an Intranet. Explain what is meant by an Intranet
[2]
An Intranet is a private network that is accessible to employees of the organisation and not to
members of the public [1]
It provides employees access to company information and to share resources internally [1]
Page 14 of 17
LAN & WAN

Your notes
LAN
Local Area Networks (LANs) are networks that are usually contained within a single building or
small geographical location
A LAN is made up using hubs and/or switches which will connect several devices together
It is common for one hub or switch to be connected to a router which will allow the LAN
connectivity to other outside networks such as the internet
A LAN can offer many advantages such as:
Centralised management - A LAN allows centralised management of updates, backups and
software installations.
Security - A LAN can secure its devices with the use of firewalls, antivirus software and other
security features to prevent unauthorised access
File Sharing and Collaboration - A LAN allows users on the network to share resources such
as printers and other peripherals. This also allows the users of the network to collaborate and
share files and folders
Disadvantages of a LAN include:
If hardware fails, the network may not function properly or even at all
Networks are more prone to attacks than standalone computers
Access to data and peripherals can be slow depending on network traffic
Maintenance - LAN networks require maintenance to ensure that software is up to date,
upgrades and backups which can be costly
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WAN
Wireless LANs (WLANs) are Local Area Networks that allow devices to connect wirelessly rather Your notes
than using physical cables
Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are connected to an existing wired network which provides a
means to connect wirelessly
Wireless Access Points use spread spectrum technology that has a range of around 30 to 50
metres compared to Infrared which has a range of around 3 metres
WLANs are often used when it is not practical to use cable or devices that will access the
network do not have Ethernet ports
WLANs support a vast range of devices such as smartphones and laptops and are very popular in
public areas such as shopping malls
Advantages of a WLAN include:
Mobility - WLAN allows users to connect anywhere that is in the range of a Wireless Access
Point (WAP) without the need for additional hardware or wiring.
Flexibility - WLANS can be used in a variety of environments both indoors and out making
them highly flexible
Scalability - As the requirements change, additional Wireless Access Points can be added
relatively easily resulting in additional users being able to use the network or increased
network coverage
Wireless devices have access to peripherals such as printers
Disadvantages of a WLAN include:
Coverage - WLANS are limited in their coverage and can be further affected by walls and
other structures
Bandwidth - Bandwidth speeds can become an issue in high traffic areas
Interference - WLANs can sustain interference from other devices which can affect
performance and connectivity
Security - WLANs can be vulnerable to security threats due to wireless signals being
intercepted
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Worked example
Your notes
Give 2 reasons why a fitness centre may want to install a WLAN
[4]
The fitness centre may wish to install a WLAN for several reasons such as :
Customers can connect to their Wi-Fi and search for information such as class times etc [1]
will improve customer services [1]
Staff at the fitness centre will be able to access resources wirelessly such as printers [1]
allowing them to move freely around the centre [1]
Page 17 of 17

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CIE IGCSE ICT Your notes

Common Network Devices

Hubs are generally much cheaper than switches but:

This is done by each switch having a lookup table

Port Mac address

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Differences between Bluetooth and -Wi-Fi

Transmission frequency 2.4Ghz 2.4Ghz , 5Ghz

Maximum range (meters) 30 meters 100 meters (depending on obstructions)

Maximum transfer speed

The three types of cloud storage are:

Extranet, Intranet & Internet

Characteristics of the Internet

Education and training

Intranets have many advantages over the internet such as:

Similarities between the Internet, Intranet and extranet are as follows:

LAN & WAN

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