1.3.1 Networks and topologies · Performance of networks

Performance of Networks

Network performance describes how well a network can send and receive data.
In OCR GCSE Computer Science, you need to understand the main factors that affect the speed and reliability of a network.
These include bandwidth, the number of users, transmission media, errors and latency.

How network performance is affected

More bandwidth usually improves performance. More users can slow a network down. More errors and resending data reduce performance.

Activity 1: Match the factor

Choose the correct network performance factor for each definition.

0 / 5 correct

Activity 2: Diagnose the problem

Read each network issue and decide which factor is the best explanation.

0 / 5 correct

Activity 3: Quick quiz and explain

Answer the retrieval questions, then write a short explanation in your own words.

0 / 3 correct

1. What does bandwidth measure?

How quickly signals physically travel through a cable How much data can be sent on the transmission media each second How many errors happen per minute on a network

2. Which factor is most affected if weak wireless signal causes data to be resent?

Error rate Latency Number of users

3. Which statement about transmission media is correct?

Wireless always performs better than wired Copper cables always have higher bandwidth than fibre optic Wired connections usually perform better, and fibre optic gives higher bandwidth than copper

In two or three sentences, explain how latency and bandwidth are different.

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