Networking lesson 1

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

How many devices are connected to the internet?
(In the world) Explain your answer!

We will come back to this at the end.

Extension

https://www.kidztype.com/

Computer networks and protocols

Year 8 – Networks: From Semaphores to the Internet

Lesson 1: Computer networks 

Conquer: Define what a computer network is and explain how data is transmitted between computers across networks.

Aspire: Define ‘protocol’ and provide examples of non-networking protocols

Technology

Over the past 200 years technology has changed massively affecting the way we communicate and work.

• From the very first example of long distance communication by changing the position of metal on a tower. 

Historic communication methods

These are all forms of communication. Can you match the image and the year in which they were first used?

1876

1167

1791

1837

1961

1. Carrier pigeon: Carrier or homing pigeons are birds that have been trained to find their way back home over great distances. Carrier pigeons were used historically to send short messages on a small piece of paper attached to the leg of the bird. They were used in battle by armies to communicate. Some pigeons can fly at over 60 mph. 

Methods of communication 

These are all forms of communication that involve passing a message on between multiple people or devices until the message is received by the recipient. 

We have moved from carrier pigeons that could take days to send a message to emails which appear almost instantly when sent. 
 

What is a computer network?

To communicate over the internet we needed to create a network.

• A computer network is when two or more computers are connected together to allow them to communicate.
  

What common daily activities do you think use computer networks?

Using networks 

• Morning: music playing via a Bluetooth speaker, asking Alexa for the weather forecast.
• Daytime: Logging on to a PC for a Computing lesson, printing to the library printer. 
• Evening: Using social media, playing games online.

Creating a network

To create networks we use protocols (a set of rules) that we have to follow.

We use protocols every single day of our lives. 

What protocol (rules) exists for meeting someone new in the UK?

Protocols

UK:

1. Smile, and say ‘Hello’
   
2. Shake right hands (shaking left hands is considered disrespectful in many countries)
   

Which countries use the following protocols?

In which cultures do people use the below protocol to greet each other?
Bowing

1. Japan
2. Sweden
3. Tibet
4. Italy

In which cultures do people use the below protocol to greet each other?
Rubbing noses

1. China
2. Tibet
3. Austrailia
4. Inuit

In which cultures do people use the below protocol to greet each other?
Sticking your tongue out

1. China
2. Tibet
3. Inuit
4. Italy

Protocols 

Every country uses a slightly different set of protocols when meeting each other. 

We must do the same with computer networks and how they communicate. 

Computer protocols: emails protocols

One method of communicating on a network is via email, We have to follow a set of key protocols when using an email. 

• Here is an example of an email
• [e-mail]
  
• And another 
• [e-mail].

What rules (protocols) exist
for an email address?

Computer protocols: email protocols

[e-mail]

• A first part is to identify the person or service, so the user;
• An ‘@’ symbol must be used.
• The email address must be unique.
  

What parts of this web address
show rules (protocols) being used?
http://www.bbc.co.uk

Computer protocols: email and web address protocols

http://www.bbc.co.uk

• All website addresses start with ‘http://’ followed by ‘www’.
  

• All website addresses are unique.
  

• They use dots to separate each part of the address.
  

EOL Quiz
What is a computer network?

1. 2 or more computers joined.
2. A method of communication.
3. A messaging system.
4. 1 sole computer.

Which of the following is not a protocol for a web address

1. Must start with ‘http://’ followed by ‘www’.
2. You must include dots to seperate.
3. The address mus t be unique.
4. An ‘@’ symbol must be used.

Answer: Over 27 billion

There are currently just under 8 billion people on the planet. In 2019, the number of connected devices on the internet reached 22 billion! A projected 75 billion will be online by 2025 (statista.com).

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