GoalName the parts of a home or school network and say what each one does.
New words
network · devices linked together to share information or a connectionmodem · the device that brings the internet in and changes the provider’s signal into a digital onerouter · the device that shares the connection and joins networksswitch · a device that sends data only to the device it is meant for
Explanation
A network is a group of devices linked so that they can share information or one internet connection. Look at the picture below. The internet comes from a company called the internet service provider (ISP). The modem is like the front door of the house: it brings the connection in and changes the provider’s signal into a digital signal that the devices can understand. The router is like a roundabout: it shares the connection with many devices and joins one network to another. The switch is like a careful postman. It does not shout to every device; it sends the data to the one device that should receive it. That makes the connection easier and faster, so people call a switch ‘intelligent’. Computers plug into the ports of a switch with cables. A small network in one place, such as a classroom, is called a local area network (LAN). One more word for later: artificial intelligence (AI) means computer programs that copy thinking and learning. You will meet it next week. Many networks carry the data these programs use.
Worked examples
In Marwan’s house the modem is near the front window, where the line from the provider comes in. From the modem, a short cable goes to the router. The modem is the first box after the street.
A teacher prints a worksheet. The print job goes through the switch, and the switch sends it only to the printer. The other computers do not receive it.
Jana’s school computer room is one LAN: eight computers and a printer in one room, all linked to one switch. A LAN is small and stays in one place.
Class activity
Make a network of your classroom on paper. Use boxes and write the name of each device inside: internet, modem, router, switch, two computers and a printer. Draw lines for the links. Check with a partner: does your picture show where the data goes first?
Practice
1
Which device brings the internet into a building and changes the provider’s signal into a digital signal?
The modem.
2
Why do people call a switch ‘intelligent’?
It sends data only to the device that should get it, so connections are easier and faster.
3
In the picture, which device shares the connection with the tablet and phone? Say the letter.
B, the router.
4
What do we call a small network in one place, such as a classroom?
