WJEC GCSE Digital Technology Systems: devices, networks, the internet, software and the SDLC

The Digital technology systems content of WJEC GCSE Digital Technology Unit 1 explains how devices work, how they connect into networks, how the internet links those networks, the software that runs everything, and the structured process used to build new systems. This guide maps the whole topic and links to a focused answer page for each examinable point, all assessed in Unit 1, The Digital World.

Devices and connection

Every digital system follows an input - process - output model, often using storage: data is entered or sensed, the processor acts on it using a stored program, and results are sent out. An embedded system is a computer built into a larger device (a washing machine, car or thermostat) to control one function. Devices increasingly connect, by cable or wirelessly, so they can share data and services automatically, which is the foundation of networking.

Networks and hardware

A network is two or more connected devices sharing resources.

• LAN (Local Area Network): a small area, such as one building.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): a large area; the internet is the biggest WAN.
• Wired connections (cable) are fast, reliable and secure but fixed; wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) is mobile and convenient but can be slower and less secure.

Networking brings benefits (sharing files and hardware, central backup) and drawbacks (single points of failure, security risk, management cost). The hardware that builds a network includes the NIC (lets a device connect), the switch (joins devices in one network, sending data to the right device), the router (connects different networks, especially to the internet), the wireless access point (lets devices join by Wi-Fi), and transmission media (copper or fibre-optic cable, or radio).

The internet

The internet is the global network of networks; the World Wide Web is a service of websites running on it. Every device has an IP address; the Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses; and most web use follows the client-server model, where a client requests and a server responds. Cloud computing uses remote servers over the internet to store data and run software.

Software

Software divides into two categories:

The operating system manages hardware, memory, processes, files, the user interface and security. Utility software maintains and protects the system (antivirus, firewall, backup, compression, disk maintenance).

The systems development life cycle

New systems are built with a structured process: analysis (requirements), design (plan), development (build), testing (check with normal, boundary and erroneous data), implementation (install and use), and evaluation and maintenance (review and update). This ensures the system meets the requirements and catches errors early.

How to study this topic

1. Learn precise one-line roles for each device and software type; the exam asks you to describe functions.
2. Nail the key distinctions: LAN versus WAN, switch versus router, internet versus Web, system versus application software.
3. Memorise the SDLC stages in order and why analysis and testing matter.
4. Practise balanced evaluation of networking and of software choices.
5. Link to other topics: connectivity and the cloud reappear in security and the impact topic.

The Systems dot points

Each examinable point has its own answer page with worked exam questions and cross-links:

• Interaction and connection
• Types of network
• Network hardware
• The internet
• Operating systems
• Utility software
• System and application software
• The systems development life cycle

For the official specification

WJEC publishes the full Digital Technology specification, past papers and mark schemes at wjec.co.uk. Always revise from the current specification and WJEC's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.