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J277 1.3.1 LAN hardware and topologies

Part 2 of 7 · J277 1.3 · Networks

Building a LAN from its components, then arranging the connections between them.

Students will:

  • explain what a NIC, transmission medium, switch, wireless access point and router each do
  • distinguish the roles of a switch and a router
  • describe star, full mesh and partial mesh arrangements
  • compare the advantages and disadvantages of each topology
  • apply hardware knowledge and recommend a topology in context

Inside: 3 text sections, 3 multiple-choice activities, 3 completion activities, 5 written answers. 22 marks. Suggested teaching time: 45–65 minutes. 4 diagrams.

Includes a teacher guide with suggested sections, timings and common misconceptions.

Series: J277 1.3 · Networks, part 2 of 7.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 14 cells
  • About 60 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 27 Oct 2026

Preview

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

LAN hardware and topologies

1. Hardware has different jobs

ComponentTask
NIC: network interface controller/cardLets a device connect, using a wired or wireless connection. It has a MAC address.
Transmission mediaCarry signals between devices: copper cable, fibre-optic cable or radio waves.
SwitchConnects local devices and directs data within a LAN. It uses stored MAC addresses to find the connection towards the destination.
Wireless access point (WAP)Connects wireless devices to the LAN. It may be separate or part of a combined router/access point.
RouterForwards packets between networks, such as a LAN and the internet, using destination IP addresses.

The switch does not provide the file server's storage service. Within a LAN and between networks describe different tasks.

Different hardware, different jobs A desktop uses a NIC and cable to reach a switch. A tablet connects by radio to a wireless access point, which has a cable to the switch. The switch connects to a router, which connects to another network. Lines show connections, not a compulsory route for every packet. DesktopNIC + cablewired connection Tabletwireless NICradio link Access point(WAP) Switch Router Another network
Fill in the blanks4 marks
A Answer 1 lets a computer connect. A Answer 2 connects local devices. A Answer 3 gives wireless devices access. A Answer 4 connects different networks.
  • NIC
  • switch
  • wireless access point
  • router
  • file server
Fill in the blanks2 marks
A desktop needs a network interface, called a Answer 1. Its Ethernet cable is an example of Answer 2 carrying signals.
Written answer2 marks

A switch receives data for a computer on the same LAN. Describe how it directs the data to the intended computer.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

A wired LAN is already working. New tablets need wireless access to the same LAN. Name the additional network device needed and describe its task.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

A classroom LAN must send packets to a network outside the school. Which component performs the between-network forwarding?

  • ASwitch
  • BRouter
  • CNIC
  • DFile server

2. Arrange the connections

A topology describes the arrangement of devices and connections, not whether computers act as clients or servers.

TopologyArrangementBenefit and limitation
StarEach end device has a connection to one central device, usually a switch.One device link can fail without disconnecting the others. Adding a device needs a link and a spare connection at the centre. Failure of the central device stops communication through it.
MeshDevices have links to other devices. A full mesh has every possible direct link; a partial mesh has fewer.Alternative routes can keep data moving if a link fails. Extra links increase installation/management work and cost. A partial mesh must be designed with enough alternative routes where needed.

A star can include wireless devices through an access point. Star does not mean client-server, and mesh does not mean peer-to-peer.

Star topology A, B, C and D each connect only to a central switch. Each end device has its own connection to the centre. Star ABCDSwitch Each device has a link to the centre. Full mesh topology Four devices A, B, C and D have all six possible direct links: A-B, A-C, A-D, B-C, B-D and C-D. Every pair has a direct connection. Full mesh ABCD Every pair has a direct connection. Partial mesh topology Four devices have links around a square: A-B, B-D, D-C and C-A. There are alternative routes, but the direct A-D and B-C links are omitted. Partial mesh ABCD Alternative routes; fewer direct links.
Fill in the blanks2 marks
Every pair of devices has a direct connection in a Answer 1. A Answer 2 has fewer links, but can provide alternative routes.
Multiple choice1 mark

In the star diagram, the cable between A and the central switch breaks. The switch and other cables still work. What happens?

  • AAll four end devices lose their connection
  • BOnly A loses its connection to the switch
  • CThe network automatically becomes a full mesh
  • DThe switch stores A's files
Written answer2 marks

A network has alternative routes between its devices. Explain one benefit of these routes when one connection fails.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

Explain one drawback of installing a full mesh instead of a star for a room of wired computers.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

A network uses a central switch and a separate file server. Which description is possible?

  • AStar and client-server at the same time
  • BEvery star is peer-to-peer
  • CThe switch must be the file server
  • DMesh and client-server mean the same thing
Written answer3 marks

A flood-warning network needs messages to continue if one connection fails. It has funds for extra links but wants to avoid unnecessary ones. Recommend full mesh or partial mesh. Explain how your choice meets these needs and give one limitation.

Students type their answer here.

Review

Use one answer to check the distinction between a network device's job, a connection layout and a computer's role. If a reason is only ‘better’, add what changes and why that matters.