ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Networks and Sharing Data Hangman

The 25 key terms

1network

A group of digital systems connected together so they can share data, files, printers and an internet connection. Each connected device is called a node.

2network device

A computer, laptop or tablet that joins a network so it can send and receive data. It must be connected by cable or wireless first.

3networked printer

A printer joined to the network by cable or Wi-Fi, so many computers and tablets can send their printing to it without being plugged in to each one.

4client-server

A client, like your browser, sends a request for data and a server stores that data and sends a response back.

5router

A device that directs data between networks, such as joining a home LAN to the internet and choosing the path data packets take. A home Wi-Fi router also shares the connection wirelessly.

6network switch

A device that connects computers on the same network and sends data only to the device it is meant for, using its ports. A router links different networks.

7hub

A simple box with several ports that joins wired devices. It passes every message on to all connected devices, unlike a switch, which sends it to just one.

8network cable

A wire that carries data between a device and the network. It plugs into a network port, like an Ethernet port, on a computer, switch or router.

9wired transmission

Sending data as signals along a physical cable, such as a USB, Ethernet or fibre optic cable. Wired links are usually fast and reliable.

10wireless transmission

Sending data as radio signals through the air with no cables, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data. Range and interference can weaken the signal.

11wireless access point

A device that connects to a wired network and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal so wireless devices can join the network.

12mobile data

The way a smartphone joins a network through mobile phone towers, so it works without a cable or Wi-Fi, even in places with no Wi-Fi.

13wired 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.

14wired or wireless

Pick wired for a device that stays in one place and needs a steady link, like a lab desktop or printer. Pick wireless for a device you carry around, like a tablet.

15LAN vs WAN

A LAN connects devices in one small area like a home or school. A WAN connects many LANs over a large distance. The internet is the largest WAN.

16data path

The route data takes across a network, passing through devices like a router and ISP from the sender to the receiver (a server), then the reply travels back along the route.

17school network

A school network joins computers, tablets, printers, a server and a router so they can share files, printers and the internet and work together.

18home network

Phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs and games consoles at home joined through one router so they can share the internet and talk to each other.

19network map

A sketch that shows each device as a labelled shape, with lines for the connections. Use a solid line for wired links and a dashed line for wireless links.

20file sharing

Saving a file in one place on a network, like the school server, or sending it to other devices so many people can open the same file.

21shared printer

One printer on a network that many computers and tablets can use, so a school does not need a printer for every device. Print jobs wait in a queue and print one at a time.

22shared connection

One internet connection that many devices use at the same time through a router, so each device does not need its own line.

23internet

The global network of networks that connects computers worldwide. The World Wide Web is one service that runs on it, alongside email, streaming and online games.

24offline

A device that is not connected to a network. It cannot share files, use a shared printer or reach the internet, but it can still run its own programs.

25network description

A few short sentences that name the devices in a network, say how they connect, and say what the network lets people do, such as share files or a printer.