Comparing wired and wireless networks

Name:

Date:

Class:

Quick Questions

Shade in the A or B circle for each question.

1. Which connection is usually faster and more stable for a gaming PC that stays in one spot?

A Wired (Ethernet cable)

B Wireless (Wi-Fi)

2. Which statement is true?

A Wired lets you walk around the school freely while connected

B Wireless lets you move around while staying connected

3. Which type of link is usually less affected by interference from walls and other devices?

A Wired

B Wireless

4. Which type of link is usually harder for a stranger to spy on?

A Wired, because someone needs to physically plug in

B Wireless, because the signal stays inside the room

5. Your class has 25 tablets that students carry between rooms. Which network is the best fit?

A Wired, because cables are always better

B Wireless, because the tablets need to move

Match the Pairs

Draw a line connecting each item on the left to its match on the right.

Left column		Right column
1Ethernet cable (wired)		AThis is wrong. Wired links are usually faster, more reliable and more secure. Wireless can slow down or drop out because of distance, walls and interference.
2Wi-Fi (wireless)		BA wireless link that is more mobile and convenient because there are no cables, but it can be slower and affected by interference.
3A school computer used for online exams needs a fast, steady and secure connection that will not drop out.		CA wired link that is usually faster, more reliable and more secure, but the device must stay plugged in near the port.
4Students carry tablets around the library and classrooms and need to stay connected as they move.		DChoose wired: plug in an Ethernet cable
5Wireless is always faster, more reliable and more secure than wired.		EThis is wrong. Cables limit movement, so wireless is the more mobile and convenient choice. Wired links are better for speed, reliability and security.
6Wired is the best choice for a phone used all over the school because cables are more mobile.		FChoose wireless: connect to Wi-Fi

Definitions

wired vs wireless

Fill in the Blanks

Complete each line of code by filling in the missing parts.

IF priority = speed THEN use _____

IF priority = ________ THEN use wireless

Laptop moving around the school: ________

Harder to intercept, so wired is more ______

IF gaming at a desk THEN use wired ____ use wireless

Spot the Error

Shade in the letter of the line that contains an error.

Question 1

A link ← 'wired'

B speed ← 'usually slower'

C reliable ← TRUE

Question 2

A mobile ← link = 'wired'

B IF mobile THEN

C PRINT 'Move around freely'

D END IF

Question 3

A need ← 'mobility'

B IF need ≠ 'mobility' THEN

C link ← 'wireless'

D END IF

Question 4

A wired ← 'uses a cable'

B wireless ← 'uses radio waves'

C PRINT 'Wired is more secure'

D PRINT 'Wireless: needs wires'

Question 5

A device ← 'laptop in class'

B moves ← TRUE

C IF moves THEN use 'wired'

Answer Key

Comparing wired and wireless networks

Section A: Quick Questions

A — Wired (Ethernet cable)

B — Wireless lets you move around while staying connected

A — Wired

A — Wired, because someone needs to physically plug in

B — Wireless, because the tablets need to move

Section B: Match the Pairs

Ethernet cable (wired) → A wired link that is usually faster, more reliable and more secure, but the device must stay plugged in near the port.

Wi-Fi (wireless) → A wireless link that is more mobile and convenient because there are no cables, but it can be slower and affected by interference.

A school computer used for online exams needs a fast, steady and secure connection that will not drop out. → Choose wired: plug in an Ethernet cable

Students carry tablets around the library and classrooms and need to stay connected as they move. → Choose wireless: connect to Wi-Fi

Wireless is always faster, more reliable and more secure than wired. → This is wrong. Wired links are usually faster, more reliable and more secure. Wireless can slow down or drop out because of distance, walls and interference.

Wired is the best choice for a phone used all over the school because cables are more mobile. → This is wrong. Cables limit movement, so wireless is the more mobile and convenient choice. Wired links are better for speed, reliability and security.

Section C: Definitions

wired vs wireless — Wired links are usually faster, more reliable and more secure. Wireless links are more mobile and convenient. Choose the one that best suits the situation.

Section D: Fill in the Blanks

IF priority = speed THEN use wired

IF priority = mobility THEN use wireless

Laptop moving around the school: wireless

Harder to intercept, so wired is more secure

IF gaming at a desk THEN use wired
ELSE use wireless

Section E: Spot the Error

B — Wired links are usually faster than wireless links. The line should be speed ← 'usually faster'.

A — A wired link needs a cable, so it is the wireless link that gives mobility. Line 1 should test link = 'wireless'.

B — The wireless choice should run when the need IS mobility. The condition should use = instead of ≠.

D — Wireless links do not need wires. Their strength is that devices can roam, so the line should say 'Wireless: can roam'.

C — A laptop that moves around the classroom needs the mobility of a wireless link. A cable would limit it, so the line should use 'wireless'.