IB Computer Science HL · Year 2 · Lesson 38
Network purpose, types and digital infrastructures
Networks exist to move data and share resources reliably across connected devices and infrastructures.
Paper 150 minutesA2.1.1 · A2.1.2
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Today’s targets
What you need to be able to do
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- DescribeThe purpose and characteristics of networks
- DescribeThe purpose, benefits and limitations of modern digital infrastructures
A2.1.1A2.1.2
Paper 1 lensMatch the depth of every response to the command term. Previously learned content can move quickly, but retrieval must still be accurate.
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Retrieve
Rapid Recall Deck
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Say the answer aloud before flipping. Mark secure knowledge quickly and spend time on the gaps.
- What is a LAN?: A local area network connects devices over a limited geographic area such as a school, home, or office.
- What is a WAN?: A wide area network connects networks/devices over large geographic distances.
- What are PAN and VPN?: A PAN connects personal devices over a short range; a VPN creates a protected virtual connection across another network such as the internet.
- What are five examples of modern digital infrastructure?: The internet, cloud computing, distributed systems, edge computing, and mobile networks.
- Why use edge computing instead of sending every task to a distant cloud?: Processing nearer the data source can reduce latency and bandwidth use, although edge devices may have fewer resources and add management complexity.
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A2.1.1 + A2.1.2 · Learn
Core knowledge and application
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A2.1.1Describe
The purpose and characteristics of networks
Networks exist to move data and share resources reliably across connected devices and infrastructures.
Exam moveGive a detailed, accurate account of what happens or what something is like.
Required detail 1Networks: local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), virtual private network (VPN)
Explain it without notes
Describe: The purpose and characteristics of networks in the context of a school campus connected to cloud services.
- Networks: local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), virtual private network (VPN)
A2.1.2Describe
The purpose, benefits and limitations of modern digital infrastructures
Networks exist to move data and share resources reliably across connected devices and infrastructures.
Exam moveGive a detailed, accurate account of what happens or what something is like.
Required detail 1Modern digital infrastructure: the internet, cloud computing, distributed systems, edge computing, mobile networks
Required detail 2Examples where specific networks are used may include the worldwide web (WWW), cryptocurrency blockchains, smart traffic lights, a school
Explain it without notes
Describe: The purpose, benefits and limitations of modern digital infrastructures in the context of a school campus connected to cloud services.
- Modern digital infrastructure: the internet, cloud computing, distributed systems, edge computing, mobile networks
- Examples where specific networks are used may include the worldwide web (WWW), cryptocurrency blockchains, smart traffic lights, a school
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Apply
Transfer to a new scenario
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ScenarioA school campus connected to cloud services needs a design or technical decision related to today’s topic. Explain what matters and why.
- Networks: local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), virtual private network (VPN)
- Modern digital infrastructure: the internet, cloud computing, distributed systems, edge computing, mobile networks
- Examples where specific networks are used may include the worldwide web (WWW), cryptocurrency blockchains, smart traffic lights, a school
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Exam lens
Paper 1 practice
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Build the response before checking notesUse precise terminology and match the required depth.
- Describe: The purpose and characteristics of networks in the context of a school campus connected to cloud services.
- Describe: The purpose, benefits and limitations of modern digital infrastructures in the context of a school campus connected to cloud services.
Self-checkAnswer the exact command term. For explain, include mechanism/reason; for compare, pair criteria; for discuss/evaluate/justify, build supported reasoning and a conclusion.
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Homework
Finish the learning cycle
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IA — main task
Finish Criterion D evidence: development documentation, testing evidence, video planning/recording and full source-code appendix.
Syllabus — short
Complete a short Paper 1 retrieval set based on today’s topic.
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End of Lesson 38.