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Lesson 1: Connecting
networks
Year 4 - Computer systems and networks - The internet
 Objectives

Lesson 1: Connecting computers

To describe how networks physically connect to other networks

● I can describe the internet as a network of networks

● I can demonstrate how information is shared across the internet

● I can discuss why a network needs protecting

 Introduction

What is the internet?

● How would you describe

the internet?

Share your ideas with the rest

of the class
 Introduction

A computer network
Desktop computers Desktop computers

2 3 4

Wires 1 5
Wires

Network switch Network

switch

Can you remember the functions of each part of the network?

4
 Activity 1

Networks recap
1 2
Information flows around networks.
3
Look at the piece of paper you have been Home
network
given. 4

Write your network address on the ‘from’ 6 5

line. This is your number@your table

name e.g. 1@home
Shop Hospital
Pass your message to the person in the network network
‘from’ field.
 Activity 2

Connecting networks

Now you will learn how networks connect

to other networks in different places. Desktop computers
2 3 4

Office 1 5
Wires

Shop Router

Network
switch

Restaurant
 Activity 2

A network of networks

1 2
Your next message may need to go to
another table. 3
Home
network
Pass your message to person 1, who will 4
then pass it to person 1 of the table it
6 5
needs to go to.
1 2 1 2

3 3
Shop Hospital
network network
4 4

6 5 6 5
 Activity 2

Connecting networks

You have created a network networks.

Person 1 is the router. Desktop computers
2 3 4

1 5
Wires

Router

Network
switch
 Activity 2

Connecting networks

When a message passes between

networks, it follows a route like this. Desktop computers
2 3 4

1 5
Wires

Router

Network
switch
 Activity 2

Connecting networks

Where could
Edinburgh
these networks
be?
Belfast
In different cities
within a country
Manchester

London
Cardiff
 Activity 2

In different
continents around
the world
 Activity 2

How are they

connected?

Think, pair, share

 Activity 2

A global network of networks

Where do you think the
most internet traffic
comes from?

https://www.submarinecablemap.com/#/
 Activity 3

Why do we need to keep networks safe?

You wouldn’t allow everyone into your home.

It is important not to let everyone on to your network.

Keeping a network safe is the same as making sure you lock

your front door.

Think, pair, share — what could happen if anyone could

access your network?
 Activity 3

Keeping a network safe

For your next message, you must decide if

you will reject it, or accept it.

Think about:

● Should you share the information?

● Why would someone ask you to do
this?
● Could it put you at risk?
 Activity 3

Securing networks

Networks have security features to

block or allow messages or requests Desktop computers
2 3 4

1 5
Wires

Router
Network
switch
 Plenary

What is the internet?

● How would you describe

the internet?

Think, pair, share your ideas

with the rest of your group.
 Assessment

How confident are you? (1–3)

● I can describe the internet as a 3 - Very confident

network of networks
● I can demonstrate how information is
shared across the internet 2 - Unsure

● I can discuss why a network needs

protecting
1 - Not confident

18

Next lesson
In this lesson, you…
Reviewed your knowledge and
understanding of networks
Described the internet as a network of
networks
Explored why networks need to be kept
secure
Summary
Next lesson, you will…
Explain that the internet enables websites
to be viewed
Recognise that the World Wide Web is
part of the internet
Describe different networked devices and
how they connect to each other
19