GCSE Computer Science Revision

Hardware Needed to Connect Stand-Alone Computers into a Local Area Network (LAN)

Introduction: A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of interconnected computers that are located in a relatively small geographical area, such as a school, office, or home. In order to connect stand-alone computers into a LAN, certain hardware is needed.

  1. Wireless Access Points (WAP) A wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. It acts as a central hub that allows wireless devices to communicate with each other and with wired devices on the network.

  2. Routers A router is a device that connects multiple networks together and directs traffic between them. It uses IP addresses to determine where to send data packets and can also provide security by blocking unauthorized access to the network.

  3. Switches A switch is a device that connects devices together on a LAN and allows them to communicate with each other. It directs data packets to their intended destination based on the MAC addresses of the devices.

  4. Network Interface Controller/Card (NIC) A network interface controller (NIC) or network interface card is a piece of hardware that allows a computer to connect to a network. It connects the computer to the LAN using a cable and is responsible for sending and receiving data packets.

  5. Transmission Media Transmission media is the physical path through which data is transmitted between devices on a network. It can be wired or wireless, such as coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, fiber optic cable, or radio waves.

Page 2: Tasks Performed by Each Piece of Hardware

Introduction: Each piece of hardware in a LAN serves a specific function and performs certain tasks. Understanding the tasks performed by each piece of hardware is important for building and maintaining a functional LAN.

  1. Wireless Access Points (WAP) Tasks performed by a WAP include:
  • Providing wireless connectivity to devices on the network
  • Authenticating and authorizing devices to access the network
  • Directing traffic between wired and wireless devices on the network
  1. Routers Tasks performed by a router include:
  • Directing traffic between different networks (e.g. LAN to WAN)
  • Translating IP addresses between networks using Network Address Translation (NAT)
  • Providing security features such as firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
  1. Switches Tasks performed by a switch include:
  • Directing traffic between devices on the same LAN
  • Learning and storing MAC addresses of devices on the network
  • Providing Quality of Service (QoS) by prioritizing traffic based on its type and destination
  1. Network Interface Controller/Card (NIC) Tasks performed by a NIC include:
  • Transmitting and receiving data packets to and from the network
  • Authenticating and authorizing the computer to access the network
  • Providing error checking and correction to ensure data integrity
  1. Transmission Media Tasks performed by transmission media include:
  • Transmitting data between devices on the network
  • Providing a physical connection between devices and the network
  • Determining the maximum data transfer rate and distance between devices

Practice Questions:

  1. What is a wireless access point and what task does it perform in a LAN?
  2. What is the function of a router in a LAN?
  3. What is the purpose of a switch in a LAN?
  4. What does a NIC do in a LAN?
  5. What is transmission media and what tasks does it perform in a LAN?

    Answers to Practice Questions:

  1. A wireless access point is a device that connects wireless devices to a wired network. It performs the task of allowing wireless devices to access the LAN.
  2. The function of a router in a LAN is to connect different networks together and direct data traffic between them. It also assigns IP addresses to devices on the network.
  3. The purpose of a switch in a LAN is to connect devices together on the network and direct data traffic between them. It allows for efficient communication between devices and prevents network congestion.
  4. A NIC (Network Interface Card) is a hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network. It performs the task of translating data from the computer into a form that can be transmitted over the network, and vice versa.
  5. Transmission media refers to the physical channels that carry data signals between devices on a network. This can include copper wires, fiber-optic cables, and wireless signals. Its tasks in a LAN include transmitting data between devices and ensuring that the data reaches its intended destination.

Past Exam Questions