Networks can vary greatly in their performance and reliability. Network performance can be measured by speed, bandwidth, throughput and latency.

'Bandwidth' refers to how much data a network can carry. Internet speed is measured in bits per second. 'Throughput' is the amount of data you get in a certain amount of time. 'Latency' refers to the delay from when you asked for the data to when you received the data.

On networks, each byte of data is transmitted one bit at a time. Network bandwidth, or data transfer rate, is expressed in bits per second. For example, a one megabit (1,000,000 bits) connection means that data can be in theory transmitted at one megabit per second (1 Mb/s).

If internet speed is an issue, an internet speed test can provide a fairly accurate indication of how much bandwidth is available at that point in time.

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Learning tasks (at teacher direction)

1. Develop a basic understanding of the terms 'speed', 'bandwidth', 'throughput' and 'latency' to enable students to discuss network performance.

2. Discuss internet experiences and the performance of your home network or one that you often use. Show your understanding of current issues in relation to access, network connections and internet speed. Look for, and group, common themes. (group discussion, students to 'write up' understandings and findings in a word document).

3. You are to conduct a speed test using a free internet speed test site on their home network and bring the data back to share as a class.

4. Using the cards provided: In groups, order the cards based on the heaviest demand on your bandwidth, least to most. Share students' reasoning behind their chosen order. Discuss the impact on a familys' internet experience when all users are connected to the internet.

5. Look at some home internet packages and discuss value for money and what each package offers.