Wi-fi, Bluetooth and cloud computing Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology revision
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In plain words
Wi-fi and Bluetooth both replace cables with radio waves, but they are built for different jobs. Cloud computing takes the idea further: not just no cables, but no storage of your own either.
6 things to know
- Wi-fi and Bluetooth both use radio waves to send data without cables.
- Wi-fi connects devices to a network, and so to the internet, through a wireless access point. It has a range of tens of metres, transfers data quickly and can serve many devices.
- Bluetooth connects two devices directly over a short range, about 10 metres. It is slower and uses little power. The two devices are paired first. It is used for headphones, speakers and connecting a phone to a car.
- Cloud computing means storing data and running software on remote servers that are reached over the internet.
- Advantages of cloud storage: files can be reached from any device, anywhere there is an internet connection. They are easy to share with other people, they are backed up by the provider, and nothing has to be carried.
- Disadvantages of cloud storage: no access without an internet connection, a continuing cost for large amounts, and the security of the data depends on the provider.
Worked example
A student wants to send music from her phone to a speaker in the same room, and also to hand in homework from home. Which technology suits each?
- Phone to speaker: two devices, close together, little data at a time. Bluetooth.
- Handing in homework: the phone needs the internet. Wi-fi connects it to the home network and so to the internet.
Tips and tricks
- Similarities: both wireless, both use radio waves. Differences: range, speed and how many devices. Questions ask for both.
- "Cloud" answers need the words "remote servers" and "internet".
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Wi-fi, Bluetooth and cloud computing: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
What do wi-fi and Bluetooth have in common?
Both are wireless.
Which is true of Bluetooth compared with wi-fi?
About 10 metres.
What is cloud computing?
The servers belong to the provider.
Which is an advantage of cloud storage?
Only an internet connection is needed.
What must be done before two Bluetooth devices can exchange data?
Pairing links the two devices to each other.
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.
Wi-fi, Bluetooth and cloud computing
Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology 0417 · 5 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
Give one similarity and two differences between wi-fi and Bluetooth.[3]
Show answerHide answer
Both use radio waves to transfer data without cables. Wi-fi has a longer range than Bluetooth. Wi-fi transfers data faster. (Also: wi-fi connects many devices to a network, but Bluetooth pairs two devices.)
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of storing files in the cloud.[2]
Show answerHide answer
Advantage: the files can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Disadvantage: they cannot be accessed without an internet connection.
Answers: Wi-fi, Bluetooth and cloud computing
- 1. Both use radio waves to transfer data without cables. Wi-fi has a longer range than Bluetooth. Wi-fi transfers data faster. (Also: wi-fi connects many devices to a network, but Bluetooth pairs two devices.)
- 2. Advantage: the files can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Disadvantage: they cannot be accessed without an internet connection.