Types of network, intranets and extranets Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology revision
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In plain words
Networks are named by how far they reach, and by who is allowed in. Three names describe the reach, and three more describe the access.
6 things to know
- A local area network (LAN) covers a small area, such as one building or site. It is owned by the organisation that uses it.
- A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a LAN that uses wireless signals in place of cables. Devices can be moved freely and there is less cabling, but it is less secure, can be slower, and the signal can be blocked.
- A wide area network (WAN) covers a large geographical area, often joining several LANs together. The internet is the largest WAN.
- The internet is a public, global network of networks. Anyone can use it.
- An intranet is a private network inside an organisation that works like the internet. Only members can use it, the organisation controls what is on it, and it is more secure.
- An extranet is part of an intranet that is opened to chosen people outside the organisation, such as suppliers or customers, who must log in.
Worked example
A company lets its staff read internal news and policies on its own network, and lets its suppliers log in from outside to check orders. Name the two kinds of network.
- A private network for the staff of one organisation is an intranet.
- Opening part of it to authorised outsiders, with a login, makes that part an extranet.
Tips and tricks
- Internet: public. Intranet: private, inside one organisation. Extranet: private, but with authorised outsiders let in.
- LAN, WLAN and WAN are about size and connection. Internet, intranet and extranet are about who has access. Do not mix the two sets.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Types of network, intranets and extranets: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
Which network covers a single building?
Local means a small area.
What is the largest WAN?
It covers the whole world.
Which is an advantage of a WLAN over a cabled LAN?
There are no cables to hold a device in one place.
What is an intranet?
Only members of the organisation can use it.
What is an extranet?
Suppliers or customers log in to it.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
2 questions, 5 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Types of network, intranets and extranets
Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology 0417 · 5 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
Give three differences between an intranet and the internet.[3]
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An intranet is private, but the internet is public. An intranet is controlled by one organisation, but nobody controls the whole internet. An intranet holds only information relevant to the organisation, and it is more secure.
Describe the difference between a LAN and a WAN.[2]
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A LAN covers a small area, such as a single building. A WAN covers a large geographical area, such as a country.
Answers: Types of network, intranets and extranets
- 1. An intranet is private, but the internet is public. An intranet is controlled by one organisation, but nobody controls the whole internet. An intranet holds only information relevant to the organisation, and it is more secure.
- 2. A LAN covers a small area, such as a single building. A WAN covers a large geographical area, such as a country.