Networks connect devices — Computing, 4–6
A network lets devices send information to one another, sometimes across a room and sometimes across the world.
Devices can pass messages
A network is a connection that lets devices share information. Your tablet might send a message to a nearby router, which passes it onwards to another device. The message travels through links, rather like a parcel moving through several connected streets.
Why connect devices?
A single computer can keep a picture, but sharing it would mean carrying the computer to everyone. Networks solve that problem by carrying information between places. People built them so messages, pictures and other useful information could reach another device without moving the whole machine.
Sending a photo
Mia takes a photo on her tablet and sends it to Leo’s tablet. First, her tablet turns the photo into digital information. Next, the home network carries that information to Leo’s device. Finally, his tablet rebuilds the photo on its screen. If the connection stops, the journey pauses.
The internet is not the air
Because a message can appear almost at once, it can seem to fly straight through the air by magic. It is reasonable to imagine that when we cannot see the cables or radio signals. In fact, devices need working links, and a message may be delayed or fail when a link is busy or broken.
Connected things around us
Networks are used when a tablet plays a video from another computer, when a printer receives a page, or when two people send messages. They are useful because devices can share resources and information. A network does not make every message true or safe, so people still need care and judgement.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…