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1CP2-P-6.6 Wireless connections and choosing media

Part 6 of 8 · 1CP2-P-6 · Networks

The wireless worksheet, matching Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and Zigbee to the purposes each one suits.

Students will:

  • state accurately what a wireless LAN provides
  • match a wireless technology to a stated purpose
  • compare wired and wireless connections for a fixed room
  • justify a low-power technology for small frequent readings
  • choose suitable connectivity for two contrasting cases

Inside: 6 explanation cells, 4 multiple-choice questions, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 4 written answers. 20 marks, about 45 minutes.

Series: 1CP2-P-6 · Networks, part 6 of 8.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 16 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026

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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Wireless connections and choosing media

Wireless communication carries data using electromagnetic waves rather than a cable between communicating devices. Different wireless technologies are designed for different ranges, data demands, power use and interaction patterns.

1. Connect without a device cable

In a wireless LAN, a device uses a wireless network interface and a protocol such as Wi-Fi to communicate with an access point. The access point connects wireless devices to the wider LAN. Walls, distance, interference, congestion and access-point placement can affect performance.

Wireless does not mean the entire network has no cables: access points commonly connect to a wired network.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
A wireless device commonly connects to a LAN through an gap 1. Wireless signals can be affected by distance, obstacles and gap 2. A network using both cables and radio links is a gap 3 design.
  • access point
  • hybrid
  • interference
  • router address
  • standalone
Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement about a wireless LAN is accurate?

  • AEvery connection in the entire network must be wireless.
  • BWireless communication never uses protocols.
  • CThe access point stores every file permanently.
  • DWireless devices may use an access point connected to a wired backbone.

2. Match technologies to purposes

  • Wi-Fi: wireless LAN access with comparatively high data rates over building-scale distances.
  • Bluetooth: short-range device-to-device or peripheral connection, often with relatively low power use.
  • Zigbee: low-power, low-data-rate communication among sensors and control devices, often supporting mesh arrangements.
  • RFID: a reader communicates with a tag, commonly for identification and tracking.
  • NFC: very short-range communication, often a few centimetres, used for deliberate tap-style interactions.

These are characteristic uses, not promises that every implementation has identical performance.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
A wireless keyboard commonly uses gap 1. A warehouse reader identifying tagged boxes uses gap 2. A tap-to-pay interaction uses gap 3. Low-power building sensors may use gap 4.
  • Bluetooth
  • NFC
  • RFID
  • Wi-Fi
  • Zigbee
Multiple choice1 mark

Which technology is normally most suitable for laptops accessing a school LAN across classrooms?

  • AWi-Fi
  • BNFC
  • CRFID
  • DZigbee

3. Compare wired and wireless LAN connections

Wired links commonly provide stable performance, strong physical connection and less radio interference. Wireless links support mobility and avoid a cable to each mobile device, but may face variable signal strength, interference, shared capacity and greater exposure beyond a room or building boundary.

Security depends on configuration as well as medium. Do not claim that every wired network is secure or every wireless network is insecure.

Written answer3 marks

Compare wired and wireless connections for desktop computers in a fixed examination room.

Give advantages and disadvantages in this specific context.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

Explain why wireless connectivity may be preferable for tablets used while staff move around a hospital ward, and give one limitation to manage.

Link mobility to the task, then identify a realistic wireless constraint.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Why is NFC suitable for a deliberate tap-to-access interaction?

  • AIt always has the highest bandwidth of every technology.
  • BIt covers an entire city.
  • CIts very short range helps require close intentional placement.
  • DIt requires a long copper cable to the phone.
Written answer2 marks

A greenhouse has many battery-powered temperature sensors sending tiny readings. Justify using Zigbee rather than Wi-Fi for the sensor links.

Use data demand and power.

Students type their answer here.

4. Use a selection chain

A strong recommendation follows this chain:

requirement → relevant characteristic → consequence → choice

Model: A stock label only needs to send an identifier when a reader is nearby. RFID supports reader-to-tag identification, so it is more suitable than a full Wi-Fi connection for every label.

Written answer2 marks

Choose suitable connectivity for each case: (a) a wireless headset, and (b) a fibre-linked access point serving classroom laptops. Justify both choices.

Name the device link in each case and recognise the mixed network in part (b).

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which conclusion is best?

  • AWireless is always better because it has no cables.
  • BConnectivity should be selected from range, bandwidth, latency, mobility, interference, security and cost requirements.
  • CWired is always better because it cannot fail.
  • DEvery device should use NFC.

Route forward

You can distinguish the named wireless technologies and justify wired, wireless or mixed connectivity. Next you will connect these performance ideas to bus, star and mesh topologies.