GCSE – Computer networks

Curriculum KS4 Unit

Resources

Computer networks have become an integral part of our daily lives. This unit allows learners to explore how a computer network works from the hardware required to the protocols used for communication. It also allows them to explore simulations of networks using Packet Tracer software. Packet Tracer is free for schools to use and is used in universities to train network engineers.

Unit guide

Updated: 10 Feb 2023

Learning graph

Updated: 10 Feb 2023

Learning graph

Updated: 10 Feb 2023

Summative assessment

Updated: 10 Feb 2023

Summative answer

Updated: 10 Feb 2023

Lessons

Lesson 1

What is a computer network?

Lesson 2

The client-server model

Lesson 3

Network hardware

Lesson 4

Network topologies

Lesson 5

Wired and wireless transmission media

Lesson 6

Network performance and routing costs

Lesson 7

What is the internet?

Lesson 8

Hosting services

Lesson 9

Protocols

Lesson 10

The TCP/IP model

Lesson 11

The OSI model

Lesson 12

Protecting a network

Lesson 13

Summative assessment