

Unit 15: Digital Networks
Let's refresh our knowledge base thus far. Humans create data (information) which is entered into a digital device (input). Most digital devices use a binary code to process data. In physical terms data is tiny, tiny, tiny little bits of electricity that the device recognizes as combinations of "0's" and "1"'s. Data can be managed in many ways. It can be:
Displayed or presented
- Visually on a screen (output device)
- Heard - audio with speaker. (output device.)
- Printed (output device)
Stored
- On a storage device. Hard disk, USB, DVD, External hard drive, or the Internet ("Cloud")
- Storage devices are generally input and output devices. Which one listed above is not input/output?
Networked (for sharing)
- LAN (Local Area Network) where devices are connected with a common controlling computer (Server). School is a good example.
- WAN (Wide Area Network) where multiple devices are connected covering a variety of different locations. A large company with many offices around the world is an example.
- INTERNET. Is a huge world wide network of computers that enable us to access data. Websites are an example.
Transmitted (moved) in different ways:
- Using cables to connect each device. Your classroom may use this.
- Wireless. Where each device sends an electronic signal carrying the data to a router device that controls the flow of data.
- Mobile. Often uses any combination of cables, wireless and the telephony system to get information to and from a satellite. A smartphone is a good example.
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Watch the video (top right) about the history of computing, what's inside a computer, and networks |
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Learn about Networks and play a quiz (left) |
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As a class discuss:
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- Examine the main components of common digital systems, and how such digital systems may connect together to form networks to transmit data.
- Examine how whole numbers are used as the basis for representing all types of data in digital systems.
- Acquire, store and validate different types of data and use a range of software to interpret and visualise data to create information.