Unit 1 Network Technologies
LANs, WANs, web, IoT and intranets, wired and wireless communication, NICs, switches, routers, topologies and organisational networks.
How to study for CCEA GCSE Digital Technology
Connect precise digital concepts to scenario evidence, design decisions, testing and evaluation, then rehearse the controlled-practice lifecycle under your centre's current CCEA instructions.
Core concepts
Concept 1
LAN and WAN classifications describe network scale and ownership, while the web, internet, intranet and Internet of Things describe different services or connected systems.
Exam cue: Identify whether the issue is geographic scope, service, device connection or network hardware.
Concept 2
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optical fibre and mobile networks trade range, bandwidth, interference, mobility, security and installation cost.
Exam cue: Compare communication methods against the distance, movement, capacity and environment.
Concept 3
Network interfaces, media, switches and routers have distinct roles, and topology affects failure, performance and expansion.
Exam cue: Trace a packet within a LAN and between networks before naming switch or router.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Using internet and World Wide Web as interchangeable terms.
Guardrail: Keep to Northern Ireland CCEA scope, never add the weights of both routes, and distinguish a digital concept from unsupported product or technology claims.
Saying a switch and router perform the same role.
Guardrail: Do not combine Units 2-3 with Units 4-5. Filter all revision and assessment claims to the learner's chosen CCEA route.
Naming a topology without explaining its effect on reliability or cabling.
Guardrail: Keep to Northern Ireland CCEA scope, never add the weights of both routes, and distinguish a digital concept from unsupported product or technology claims.
Memory anchors
LAN
A network covering a limited area under local management.
WAN
A network connecting systems across a wide geographic area.
Switch
A device forwarding frames between devices on a local network.
Router
A device forwarding packets between different networks.
Intranet
A private organisational network using internet-style technologies.
IoT
Physical devices connected to collect, exchange or act on data.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
What defines a local area network?
What is a wide area network?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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