Community resourceWorksheet
1CP2-P-6.1 Why networks LANs and WANs
Part 1 of 8 · 1CP2-P-6 · Networks
The opening networks worksheet, establishing why organisations connect devices at all and how a LAN differs from a WAN.
Students will:
- give a network benefit rather than a description of equipment
- explain two reasons a school connects its computers
- explain one disadvantage of depending on a network
- compare a LAN with a WAN using geography and ownership
- recommend how LANs and a WAN could serve a multi-site organisation
Inside: 6 explanation cells, 4 multiple-choice questions, 1 fill-in-the-blanks cell and 4 written answers. 20 marks, about 45 minutes.
Series: 1CP2-P-6 · Networks, part 1 of 8.
Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher
- 15 cells
- About 45 minutes
- CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shared 17 Aug 2026
Preview
The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.
Why networks, LANs and WANs
A computer network is two or more connected devices that can exchange data or share resources. This worksheet explains why organisations use networks and how local area networks (LANs) differ from wide area networks (WANs).
1. Connect for a purpose
Networks can support communication and collaboration, shared files and devices, centralised management, rapid deployment of updates and remote access. A reason becomes an explanation when it links the network feature to an organisational consequence.
Model: Central storage lets authorised staff access the latest shared document, reducing conflicting copies.
- data
- distributed
- resources
- standalone
Which is a network benefit rather than merely a description of equipment?
- AStaff can collaborate on a centrally stored document.
- BEvery computer has a keyboard.
- CThe monitor displays pixels.
- DEach device uses electricity.
Explain two reasons why a school might connect computers in a network.
For each reason, link a network feature to a useful consequence.
Students type their answer here.
2. Recognise costs and dependence
Networks also create risks and costs. Hardware and administration cost money. A service or infrastructure failure can interrupt many users. Malware may spread between connected devices. Central resources and accounts need suitable security and backups.
A disadvantage should identify what fails or spreads and the resulting effect, not say only that a network is 'bad'.
Explain one disadvantage of using a network for a school library system.
Name the network issue and a consequence for library work.
Students type their answer here.
3. Compare LAN and WAN precisely
A LAN covers a limited geographical area such as one site, and its infrastructure is normally owned or controlled by one organisation. A WAN covers a large geographical area, connects LANs or distant sites, and often uses telecommunications infrastructure supplied by another organisation.
Do not write only 'a LAN is small and a WAN is big'. Examiners need the type of scale and infrastructure to be clear.
Select the two statements that describe a LAN.
- AIt normally covers one limited site or local area.
- BIt must use satellites.
- CIts infrastructure is normally controlled by one organisation.
- DIt always connects several countries.
A company links the LANs in offices in London, Cardiff and Glasgow using leased telecommunications links. What type of network is formed?
- AA standalone computer
- BA LAN
- CA WAN
- DA personal area network
Explain two differences between a LAN and a WAN.
Use geographical coverage, ownership or infrastructure, and what is connected.
Students type their answer here.
4. Apply network choice
A WAN can let an organisation's distant sites access shared services and communicate as one organisation. This benefit comes with dependence on long-distance links and external providers, so answers should match the network to the scenario rather than claiming one type is always better.
A charity has one small office and three community centres in different towns. Recommend how LANs and a WAN could be used together.
State what each network connects and one resulting benefit.
Students type their answer here.
Which comparison would be insufficient in an examination answer?
- AA LAN covers a limited geographical area, while a WAN covers a large area.
- BA LAN is small, while a WAN is big.
- CA LAN normally uses organisation-controlled infrastructure, while a WAN often uses third-party links.
- DA LAN connects local devices, while a WAN can connect distant LANs.
Route forward
You can justify networking and distinguish LANs from WANs precisely. Next you will examine how the internet connects networks and why IP addresses, routers, DNS and protocols are needed.