Unlocking Networks and the Web
Unlocking Networks and the Web
Items in this lesson
Unlocking Networks and the Web
What do you already know about computer networks and the web?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will understand key network types, devices, topologies, the internet, websites, and web browsers.
What is a Network?
A network is a group of computers and devices linked together to share resources and information.
Types of Networks
• PAN: Personal Area Network (few metres, e.g. Bluetooth) • LAN: Local Area Network (home/building)
MAN, WAN
• MAN: Metropolitan Area Network (city scale) • WAN: Wide Area Network (large regions)
PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN
Network Devices Explained
Networks use different devices: modems, hubs, switches, repeaters, routers, and gateways to enable communication.
Device Functions
• Modem: Connects network to the internet • Hub: Shares data to all devices • Switch: Shares data to specific devices
Modem, Hub, Switch
Repeater, Router, Gateway
• Repeater: Boosts signals • Router: Connects networks • Gateway: Connects different network types
Network Topologies
Network topology shows how devices (nodes) are arranged and connected - key shapes include Star, Bus, Tree, and Mesh.
Common Topology Structures
• Star: Central hub • Bus: Single backbone cable • Mesh: Every device connected to each other • Tree: Hierarchical branching
Introduction to the Internet
The Internet is a global network connecting billions of devices for data and communication.
Understanding URL and WWW
• URL: Uniform Resource Locator, the address of a web resource • WWW: World Wide Web, a system of internet-accessible documents and media
Internet Applications
• VoIP: Voice calls via Internet (e.g. Zoom, Skype)
VoIP
Web, Email, Chat
• Web: Browsing sites • Email: Sending messages • Chat: Real-time conversations
What is a Website?
A website is a collection of related web pages found under a single domain name.
Website vs Webpage
A website is a group of webpages. Example: www.bbc.co.uk
Website
Webpage
A webpage is an individual page. Example: www.bbc.co.uk/news
Static vs Dynamic Pages
Static
Dynamic
Content updates often. Example: News website.
Content rarely changes. Example: Company info page.
Web Server and Hosting
Web servers store and deliver website files. Hosting refers to renting space for a site to be accessible on the internet.
Web Browsers Introduction
Web browsers are software applications used to access, view, and interact with websites.
Common Browsers and Features
Popular browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari. Users can change settings, install add-ons or plug-ins, and manage cookies.
Congratulations!
You've completed the lesson on networks, internet, and websites. Review the slides if you want to revisit a topic!
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
which type of network reaches only 1km
LAN
WAN
MAN
PAN
What does LAN stand for?
Low Area Network
Local Area Network
Large Area Network
Long Area Network
Which device connects multiple networks?
Switch
Hub
Modem
Router
What protocol is used for secure data?
HTTPS
FTP
HTTP
SMTP
What does IP stand for?
Internet Protocol
Interconnected Protocol
Intelligent Protocol
Internal Protocol
Which topology has a central hub?
Ring Topology
Bus Topology
Star Topology
Mesh Topology
