Computer networks

How computers connect to each other to share information across rooms, cities and the world

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
What is a computer network? A) A group of computers and devices connected together so they can share data B) A single laptop C) A printer with no cables D) A type of computer game
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2
True or false? The internet is the biggest example of a wide area network in the world. A) True B) False
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3
Your home Wi-Fi connects your laptop, phone and tablet so you can print and share files. What type of network is this? A) LAN B) WAN C) Internet D) USB
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4
What is a computer network? A) Two or more computers connected together B) One computer alone C) A printer D) A type of file
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5
Match each network word to its meaning. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: LAN, WAN, Internet, Router Right: Local Area Network (like a school or home), Wide Area Network (across a city or country), A worldwide network of networks, Device that directs traffic between networks
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6
What is the main job of a server? A) To provide services such as websites, files or email to other computers B) To plug into a wall socket C) To make a pizza D) To replace a router
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7
What is a 'client' in a network? A) A device that asks a server for services - like your laptop browsing a website B) A type of cable C) A boss of a server D) Another name for the internet
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8
Without a router in your home, what would NOT work properly? A) Devices would struggle to connect to the internet and to each other B) Lights would stop working C) The fridge would unplug itself D) Books would disappear
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9
Which sentence about the internet is correct? A) The internet is a network of many smaller networks B) The internet is a single computer in one country C) The internet only contains one website D) The internet only works through wires, never wirelessly
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10
Which is most likely a WAN? A) The internet B) Your home Wi-Fi C) School computer room D) One laptop alone
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Answer key

Computer networks · for parents and teachers

1
A group of computers and devices connected together so they can share data
A network is two or more computers and devices connected together so they can communicate and share data.
2
True
Yes. The internet is a huge network of networks, spread all around the world. It is the biggest WAN that exists.
3
LAN
A LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small area like a home or school, linking devices in one place.
4
Two or more computers connected together
A network is computers connected together so they can share data.
5
LAN → Local Area Network (like a school or home); WAN → Wide Area Network (across a city or country); Internet → A worldwide network of networks; Router → Device that directs traffic between networks
LAN = local network (school, home). WAN = wide network. Internet = global network of networks. Routers connect them.
6
To provide services such as websites, files or email to other computers
A server is a computer that provides services. Examples: web servers serve web pages, mail servers handle email, file servers store files.
7
A device that asks a server for services - like your laptop browsing a website
A client requests services from a server. When you browse a website, your phone is the client and the web server replies with the page.
8
Devices would struggle to connect to the internet and to each other
Routers send data to the right place on your network and out to the internet. Without one, devices would not connect properly.
9
The internet is a network of many smaller networks
The internet is exactly that - a global network of networks. Wires AND wireless links join millions of smaller networks together.
10
The internet
The internet is the biggest WAN, covering the whole world.