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OCR H446 1.3.3 Network hardware by purpose

Part 7 of 10 · H446 1.3.3 · Networks

H446 1.3.3 asks for the purpose of network hardware, not its internal electronics, and marks are lost when three devices all get described as things that connect devices. This worksheet makes every device description distinguishable from its neighbours, then asks students to build a sensible hardware route for an unfamiliar office.

Students will:

  • describe the distinct purpose of a NIC, switch, router, wireless access point, modem, hub and cable
  • write device descriptions that could not be swapped between devices
  • follow traffic through the hardware it passes on the way to another network
  • select the minimum sensible hardware for a mixed wired and wireless site and justify each item

Inside: 5 explanation cells, 1 multiple-choice question, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 2 written answers. 25 marks, about 40 to 50 minutes.

Series: H446 1.3.3 · Networks, part 7 of 10.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 10 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 31 Aug 2026
  • Updated 3 Sept 2026

Preview

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

Network hardware by purpose

OCR requires the purpose of common network hardware, not its physical operation. The examination trap is giving several devices the same vague description: ‘connects devices’.

Follow traffic through distinct jobs

Network hardware purpose journeywired deviceNIC interfaceswireless deviceradio connectionWAPjoins wireless clientsswitchforwards within LANrouterbetween networksmodemaccess-link signalsWANother networkCables carry data between wired devices; a hub would broadcast received traffic rather than target one intended port.

A NIC provides a device's interface to a network. A WAP allows wireless devices to join a LAN. A switch connects wired LAN devices and forwards received traffic toward the intended device/port; a hub broadcasts received traffic to all connected ports. A router forwards packets between networks using destination addressing. A modem converts signals into forms suitable for an access link and back. A cable carries data between wired points.

Worked device-specific descriptions

Weak: ‘A router connects devices.’

Stronger: ‘A router connects different networks and examines destination IP information to forward a packet toward the next network.’

Weak: ‘A switch connects devices.’

Stronger: ‘A switch connects devices within a LAN and forwards received traffic toward the intended connected device rather than broadcasting it to every port.’

Name → distinct operation/purpose → traffic consequence.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which pairing is accurate?

  • ASwitch: maps domain names; router: stores every web page
  • BHub: targets one intended port; switch: broadcasts to all ports
  • CSwitch: forwards within a LAN; router: forwards between networks
  • DNIC: reserves a circuit; WAP: reassembles packets
Fill in the blanks4 marks
A gap 1 interfaces a computer with a network. A gap 2 lets wireless clients join a LAN. A gap 3 forwards between networks. A gap 4 broadcasts received traffic to all connected ports.
  • NIC
  • WAP
  • router
  • hub
  • switch
Written answer6 marks

Describe the purposes of a switch, router and NIC so that each description is distinguishable from the other two.

Use a specific verb, object/information and scope. ‘Connects devices’ alone is not enough.

Students type their answer here.

Apply the model independently

The remaining tasks change the context or reduce the support. Complete them without copying the worked model, then check that each explanation connects a mechanism to its consequence.

Written answer10 marks

Design the minimum sensible hardware route for a small office with six wired computers, four wireless tablets and an internet connection supplied over an access line. Select from NIC, cable, switch, WAP, router, modem and hub. Explain each selected purpose and justify one device you would normally omit.

Integrated devices are possible in reality, but explain the logical purposes separately. A hub is normally the omission when a switch is available.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
A switch forwards traffic within a checkpoint gap 1; a router forwards between checkpoint gap 2. A WAP supports checkpoint gap 3 clients. OCR requires hardware checkpoint gap 4, not physical construction.

Review your understanding

Before submitting, check that you can explain the main distinction in your own words, apply it in an unfamiliar context and justify each consequence rather than only naming a feature.