The functions of twisted pair, coaxial and fibre cables; infrared, microwave and satellite links; the switch, router, modem and network interface card; and why mobile communication matters in education, commerce and journalism.
4 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
Between your laptop and a website there are cables or radio waves, a switch, a router and a modem, each with a different job. Knowing them helps you answer both theory questions and troubleshooting questions.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Follow a packet through the switch, router and modem.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Copper pairs; cheap; LANs.
Shielded copper core; cable TV.
Light in glass: fastest, secure, expensive.
Short range, line of sight / towers / orbit.
Connects a device to the network.
Connects devices in a LAN.
Connects networks and directs data.
Converts signals for the ISP line.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Information Technology Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (14 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [14 marks]
A new school is being wired. The IT department must connect 40 computers in a lab and give them Internet access.
(a) (a) Recommend a transmission medium for the lab and state two reasons. [3]
(b) (b) State the function of (i) a switch and (ii) a router. [4]
(c) (c) Explain why a modem is needed to receive Internet service over a telephone or cable line. [2]
(d) (d) State the purpose of a network interface card. [1]
(e) (e) Describe how mobile communication technologies benefit (i) education and (ii) journalism. [4]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.