← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10

Drawing a network diagram

A drawing that shows each device as a labelled symbol and each connection as a line, so you can see how data can travel between devices.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Networked Systems and Access Control — Module 13, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Network Communications — Module 84

Understanding Drawing a network diagram in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10

What it does: A dashed line is commonly used in a network diagram to show a wireless connection, while a solid line shows a wired one. Labelling the router, switch and server and joining them with lines shows how data can travel between them. Each device needs a label so readers know what it is. A switch connects the wired devices in a star network, so it goes in the centre. The router joins the local network to the internet, so it is drawn on that link. Labels explain each device's role. They do not change how the real device performs.

Common mistakes: A line can only join devices that are already in the diagram. S9 was never added. The switch is S1, so it should be link R1 S1 wired. The device type is misspelled, so the tool cannot draw the router symbol. It should be add router R1.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 12–34) and word search (Modules 12–55).

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Learning
Duo
In a network diagram, what does a line between two symbols usually show?
A connection between the two devicesThe amount of RAM in each device
Matches
[Laptop] ---- [Printer] (no switch or router drawn, no labels)
↓
The symbols are not labelled and the diagram is missing the device that joins them, so you cannot tell how data actually travels.
Applying
Meanings
Term
network diagram
Meaning
A drawing that shows each device as a labelled symbol and each connection as a line, so you can see how data can travel between devices.
Practice
Internet --- Router
Testing
Gaps
("Router", "router")
Check Answer
Spots
3add server Web1
4link R1 S9 wired

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Quick Questions

1. In a network diagram, what does a line between two symbols usually show?
A. A connection between the two devices ✓
B. The amount of RAM in each device
Lines show connections, so you can see how data can travel between devices.
2. Which is the best way to show a device in a network diagram?
A. A labelled symbol, such as a box labelled Router ✓
B. An unlabelled shape that everyone has to guess
Each device needs a label so readers know what it is.
3. How is a wireless link often drawn in a network diagram?
A. A solid line is the only option, so wired and wireless look the same
B. A dashed line or a wave symbol ✓
Showing wireless links differently from wired links makes the diagram clear. A dashed line is a common choice.
4. Which device would you label at the centre of a star network to link the wired computers?
A. Monitor
B. Switch ✓
A switch connects the wired devices in a star network, so it goes in the centre.
5. Where does a router usually sit in a diagram of a home or school network?
A. Between the local network and the internet ✓
B. Only inside a printer
The router joins the local network to the internet, so it is drawn on that link.

Match the Pairs

network diagram → A drawing that shows each device as a labelled symbol and each connection as a line, so you can see how data can travel between devices.
Solid line between a laptop and a switch → A wired link, such as an Ethernet cable, joining two devices
A wireless link is drawn as a dashed line from a tablet to a wireless access point, showing data can travel without a cable. → Tablet - - - - Wireless Access Point
Each device symbol needs a label so the reader knows which device it is, such as the router that connects the network to the internet. → [Router] ---- [Switch] ---- [Server]
[Laptop] ---- [Printer] (no switch or router drawn, no labels) → The symbols are not labelled and the diagram is missing the device that joins them, so you cannot tell how data actually travels.
[Tablet] ---- [Wireless Access Point] (solid line used for a Wi-Fi link) → A solid line shows a wired connection, but the tablet connects by Wi-Fi, so the link should be dashed.

Key Term

network diagram
A drawing that shows each device as a labelled symbol and each connection as a line, so you can see how data can travel between devices.

Fill in the Blanks

1. device("Router", "router")
Hint: Type the function name that adds a labelled symbol for a device to the diagram.
2. link("Switch", "Server", "wired")
Hint: Type the connection type for a link that uses a cable.
3. link("Laptop", "Router", "wireless")
Hint: Type the connection type for a link that has no cable.
4. device("File Server", "server")
Hint: Type the device type that gives the symbol its shape: the computer that shares files with other devices.
5. device("Switch", "switch") device("PC", "computer") link("Switch", "PC", "wired")
Hint: Type the function name that draws a line between two devices already placed on the diagram.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A add router R1
B add switch S1
C add server Web1
D link R1 S9 wired
Line D — A line can only join devices that are already in the diagram. S9 was never added. The switch is S1, so it should be link R1 S1 wired.
Question 2
A add routr R1
B add laptop L1
C link R1 L1 wireless
Line A — The device type is misspelled, so the tool cannot draw the router symbol. It should be add router R1.
Question 3
A add router R1
B label R1 "Switch"
C add switch S1
D link R1 S1 wired
Line B — R1 is the router, so its label must say Router. Labelling it Switch would mislead anyone reading the diagram. It should be label R1 "Router".
Question 4
A add switch S1
B add P1 phone
C link S1 P1 wireless
Line B — The add command needs the device type first, then its name. It should be add phone P1.
Question 5
A add router R1
B add switch S1
C add laptop L1
D link S1 L1
E link R1 S1 wired
Line D — Every link must say whether it is wired or wireless so the correct kind of line is drawn. It should be link S1 L1 wired.

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