Networks_Lesson_Slides

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• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Networks and Types of Networks

IT & Digital Technology | Level 1

25 May 2026

Duration: 60 minutes

Today we will learn: Purpose of networks • Common uses • Benefits of networking • Environmental impact (ESD)

What does CPU stand for?

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second

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A

Central Processing Unit

B

Computer Power Unit

C

Central Program Uploader

D

Core Processing Utility

Which component is known as the "brain" of the computer?

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A

RAM

B

Hard Drive

C

CPU

D

MOTHERBOARD

What is the main purpose of RAM (Random Access Memory)?

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A

To permanently store files and documents

B

To temporarily store data the CPU is actively using

C

To connect the computer to the internet

D

To display images on the screen

Which of these is an example of an OUTPUT device?

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A

Keyboard

B

Mouse

C

Microphone

D

Monitor

What is the difference between HDD and SSD storage?

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A

HDD uses flash memory; SSD uses spinning magnetic disks

B

HDD is only used in mobile phones

C

SSD uses flash memory and is faster; HDD uses spinning magnetic disks

D

They are exactly the same — just different names

Which component connects all the parts of a computer together and allows them to communicate?

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A

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

B

Graphics Card (GPU)

C

Optical Drive

D

Motherboard

What is a Computer Network?

A network is two or more computers (or devices) connected together to share resources, data and services.

Sharing Resources

Share printers, files

and internet connections across devices

Communication

Send emails, messages

and collaborate in real time

Centralised Data

Store data in one place

so everyone can access it securely

Think: Where do you see networks used in everyday life?

Types of Networks

LAN

Local Area Network

Example: School, office or home — covers a small area

WAN

Wide Area Network

Example: The internet — connects networks across countries

PAN

Personal Area Network

Example: Bluetooth devices around one person (phone, earbuds)

MAN

Metropolitan Area Network

Example: City-wide network — e.g. a university campus or town

🧍‍♂️ Personal Area Network (PAN)

A PAN is the smallest type of network, centered around a single person.

Range: Up to ~10 meters

Examples: Bluetooth headphones, smartwatch connected to a phone

Use: Quick, short‑range communication between personal devices

🏠 Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN connects devices in a small, limited area.

Range: A room, building, or small campus

Examples: Home Wi‑Fi, school computer lab, office network

Speed: High-speed (100 Mbps – 1 Gbps or more)

Use: Sharing files, printers, and internet within a building

🏙️ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A MAN covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.

Range: A city or large university campus

Examples: City-wide fiber networks, university campus networks

Use: Connecting multiple LANs across a city

🌍 Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN spans very large geographical areas.

Range: Countries, continents, or global

Examples: The Internet, multinational company networks

Use: Connecting LANs across long distances

Comparison table

Benefits of Networking Computers

Resource Sharing

Printers, scanners and storage shared across devices — reduces cost and duplication

Centralised Storage

Files saved to a server — easy backup, recovery and access from any device

Collaboration

Multiple users work on the same files simultaneously — ideal for teamwork

Speed & Efficiency

Data transferred quickly between devices — faster than physical media like USB drives

Remote Access

Connect from anywhere — staff can work from home using VPN or cloud services

Reduced Hardware

Fewer devices needed overall — one printer for many users reduces e-waste and cost

ESD Focus: The Environmental Impact of Networks

Did you know? The global digital sector accounts for approximately 4% of all greenhouse gas emissions — and this is rising.

LAN

Local Area Network

• Lower energy use overall

• No data centre dependency

• Hardware shared = less e-waste

• Best for small, fixed locations

Cloud / WAN

Internet & Remote Access

• Data centres use vast electricity

• Cooling systems required 24/7

• Enables remote work (reduces travel)

• Can use renewable energy sources

Your Role as IT Pro

Professional Responsibility

• Choose energy-efficient hardware

• Recommend right network for the job

• Consider lifecycle & e-waste

• Know relevant legislation (WEEE)

Standard 2 — Promoting Education for Sustainable Development

Activity 1 — Network Comparison Table

Complete the comparison table on your activity sheet:

Tips for the Environmental Impact column:

Think about: energy use, hardware required, data centre dependency, e-waste, and whether the network supports remote work (which reduces commuting).

Activity 2 — Network Design Challenge

The Scenario

PixelBloom Digital Marketing Agency

You have been hired as the IT consultant for a small digital marketing agency. Here are the details:

• One office in the city centre with 12 staff

• 4 staff work from home 3 days per week

• They share large design files daily

• Budget is limited — they want to avoid unnecessary hardware

• The director cares about the company's environmental impact

Your Task

1.

Recommend a network solution for this agency

2.

Justify your choice using: cost, performance, scalability and environmental impact

3.

Extension: How could your solution be made even more energy-efficient?

Work independently — make your own decisions and justify them in writing.

Peer Review — How to Give Great Feedback

1

What meets the brief?

Find at least two things your peer has done well. Be specific — point to exact sentences or decisions.

Sentence starter: You have clearly explained... / Your recommendation works because...

2

What could be improved?

Identify one area where the reasoning could be stronger or a criterion has been missed.

Sentence starter: You could develop this further by... / You haven't yet considered...

3

One specific suggestion

Write one clear, actionable suggestion your peer could use to improve their response right now.

Sentence starter: One thing you could add is... / Try explaining why [X] matters by...

Remember: Feedback should be specific and kind — not just 'good' or 'wrong' but WHY.

Self-Assessment Checkpoint

Rate your confidence honestly — this helps YOU plan your next steps:

Red — I am not confident — I need more help with this

Amber — I sort of understand but I am not fully sure yet

Green — I am confident — I can explain this to someone else

1. I can identify and describe at least three types of networks (LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN)

2. I can explain at least two common uses and three benefits of computer networking

3. I can compare network types against environmental criteria and justify a recommendation

My next step target: _______________________________________________

Lesson Review

What did we cover today?

• Types of networks — LAN, WAN, PAN and MAN

• Common uses and benefits of networking

• The environmental impact of different network types

• How to make justified professional recommendations

Exit Question

"Name ONE environmental consideration an IT professional should make when choosing a network — and explain why it matters."

Be ready to share your answer with the group.

Next lesson: Network Security and Protocols