Networks · StudentHub Lesson
The internet and networks
How devices connect and how data travels across the internet.
20 minIntermediate
01
What you will learn
- Distinguish LANs and WANs
- Explain IP addresses
- Describe packet switching
- Explain the role of DNS
- Distinguish the internet from the web
02
Watch the lesson
We haven’t confirmed a lesson video that matches this topic closely enough yet, so the notes below are the lesson for now. A recommended video will be added once we’ve checked one properly.
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Topic notes
Main Idea
A network is a group of connected devices that share data. The internet is a global network of networks; the World Wide Web is a service that runs on it.
Key Concepts
- A LAN covers a small area; a WAN covers a large area
- Every device on the internet has an IP address
- Data is split into packets that may take different routes
- DNS translates domain names into IP addresses
- Routers forward packets between networks
Definitions
- IP address: A unique number identifying a device on a network.
- Packet: A small chunk of data sent across a network.
- DNS: The Domain Name System, which maps names like example.com to IP addresses.
- Router: A device that forwards packets between networks.
Common Mistakes
- Treating 'internet' and 'web' as the same thing
- Thinking packets always travel the same route
- Forgetting packets are reassembled at the destination
04
Key concepts
A LAN covers a small area; a WAN covers a large areaEvery device on the internet has an IP addressData is split into packets that may take different routesDNS translates domain names into IP addressesRouters forward packets between networks
05
Important terms
- IP address
- A unique number identifying a device on a network.
- Packet
- A small chunk of data sent across a network.
- DNS
- The Domain Name System, which maps names like example.com to IP addresses.
- Router
- A device that forwards packets between networks.
06
Quick revision
- LAN small, WAN large
- IP address identifies devices
- Packets, reassembled at destination
- DNS: name → IP
- Routers forward packets
- Web runs on the internet
07
Check your understanding
Question 1 · Multiple choice
What does DNS do?
Question 2 · Short answer
What is a network covering a single school called?
Question 3 · True or false
The World Wide Web and the internet are the same thing.
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