Course Learning

You might be part of many different networks. A network is a group of people or items that are connected. The connection can be something you enjoy doing or something you are all trying to achieve.

Can you think of any networks you belong to? 

Computers can be connected to each other in something called a network.

A network is when two or more computers are linked together.

When computers are connected, they can share information and work together, so they can do more than if they were on their own.

A network is when computers and devices are connected together.

When things are on a network, people can get the same information from any computer that is connected.

A network also lets devices be shared. For example, if a printer is on the network, any computer on that network can use it.

Networks need different parts to allow information to be shared.

Some computers use a cable to connect to a network. This cable is called an ethernet cable.

Other computers, like laptops, tablets and smartphones can make a wireless connection to the network. This type of connection is known as wi-fi.

💻 What is a LAN?

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of devices that are connected together in one place.

* This could be computers in your home or school.

* They can share things like files, printers, or information.

👉 Example: In a hospital, doctors and nurses use a LAN to share patient notes on different computers.

🎧 What is a PAN?

A PAN (Personal Area Network) is a small network for one person’s devices.

* It connects things like Bluetooth headphones to a phone or tablet.

* The devices can send information to each other.

👉 Example:

* Your phone sends music to your headphones

* You can press buttons on your headphones to change songs or volume

🌍 What is a WAN?

A WAN (Wide Area Network) connects lots of different networks together.

* It covers a very large area, even the whole world!

👉 Example: The internet is a WAN.

It’s so big, people call it a “network of networks.”

• Information can be shared between different devices connected to a network.
• You can access your files from any computer that is connected to the network.
• If you connect a printer to a network, every computer on the network can use it.