levo
Log inStart

Computer Networks, Connections and Protocols

LANs, WANs and network performance

  • 3 things to know
  • J277/01

Overview

LANs and WANs, bandwidth, and how the number of devices, transmission media, distance and interference affect performance, with worked transfer-time and shared-bandwidth calculations.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

What is a computer network?

Key term

Define the term LAN.

Key term

Give two common examples of a LAN.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a computer network?

    Model answer

    A computer network is two or more computers or devices linked so that they can exchange data. Linked devices can share resources such as files, printers and an internet connection.

  2. 2

    Define the term LAN.

    Model answer

    A LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices within a small geographical area, such as one building or site. A LAN is usually owned and managed by a single organisation.

  3. 3

    Give two common examples of a LAN.

    Model answer

    A school network linking the computers in its classrooms is a LAN. A home network connecting a laptop, a phone and a smart TV to one router is a LAN too.

  4. 4

    What is a WAN?

    Model answer

    A WAN (Wide Area Network) connects devices or LANs across a large geographical area, such as between cities or countries. The internet is the largest example of a WAN.

  5. 5

    Why does a WAN usually rely on infrastructure owned by other companies?

    Model answer

    A WAN covers distances too great for one organisation to cable itself. The organisation leases lines from telecommunications companies or uses satellite links instead.

  6. 6

    Why would a bank with branches all over the country use a WAN?

    Model answer

    A WAN links every branch to the bank's central systems. Staff in any branch can then reach the same customer records and accounts.

See the rest and revise

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.

1Closed book
2Open book
3Closed book

The 3-step method, run for you

Answer cold, learn it, then prove it stuck. Levo tracks the jump between your first attempt and your last.

Systems Architecture
Memory and Storage
Computer Networks, Connections and Protocols
Network Security

Cram a whole paper in one sitting

Sort every topic into what you know and what you do not, then drill only the weak ones.

A bit is the unit of data.
smallestlargestmain

Blank Blitz makes facts automatic

Rapid timed gap-fills on the terms and numbers you need to recall without thinking.

AThe sum 0 + 0 is 0, and 0 + 1 is 1.
BThe sum 1 + 1 is 0 carry 1.
CThe sum 1 + 1 + 1 is 1 carry 1.

Build It gets the exam shape right

Assemble a full-mark answer from its marking points, in the order an examiner wants them.

Integer means a whole number with no fractional part.
TrueFalse

Test It catches misconceptions

Spot the fault in a statement. The traps are the mistakes students actually make.

721941163128510

Brain Breaks between sessions

Short focus games to reset attention, so the next set lands better than the last.

Every question in Computer Networks, Connections and Protocols, on a schedule.

Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.

Start revising, £5 a monthSee how the method works

Or £46 a year, about £3.83 a month. Cancel anytime.