SAM HARRIS TECH REVISION
OCR GCSE CS - 1.3 Networks, Connections and Protocols
1.3 Networks, Connections and Protocols (OCR J277)
1.3.1 Networks and Topologies
- Types of Networks: LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network).
- Factors Affecting Performance: Bandwidth, number of users, transmission media, and latency.
- Client-Server vs Peer-to-Peer: Centralised management vs decentralised data sharing.
- Hardware: NICs, Switches, Routers, Hubs, and WAPs.
- The Internet: A global network of networks; DNS (Domain Name System), Hosting, and The Cloud.
- Star and Mesh Topologies: Advantages and disadvantages of central hubs vs interconnected nodes.
1.3.2 Wired and Wireless Connections
- Wired: Ethernet (twisted pair/coaxial) and Fibre optic cables.
- Wireless: Wi-Fi (frequencies and channels) and Bluetooth.
- Encryption: Protecting wireless data using standards like WPA/WPA2.
1.3.3 Protocols and Layers
- IP and MAC Addresses: Logical (software) vs physical (hardware) identification.
- Common Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, POP3, IMAP, and SMTP.
- The Concept of Layers: Dividing network tasks to reduce complexity and allow interoperability.
Related Past Paper Questions
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Year: 2023
Identify two advantages of using a star network topology instead of a mesh network topology.
Mark: [2]
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Year: 2023
Explain the purpose of a router in a network.
Mark: [2]
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Year: 2022
Describe the difference between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN).
Mark: [2]
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Year: 2022
Explain how the use of layers can help when developing network protocols.
Mark: [3]
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Year: 2021
State the purpose of the Domain Name System (DNS).
Mark: [2]
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Year: 2021
Identify two factors that can affect the performance of a wireless network.
Mark: [2]
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Year: 2020
Describe what is meant by a 'Client-Server' network model.
Mark: [2]
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Year: 2020
Explain the function of the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack.
Mark: [4]
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Year: Sample Paper
Define the term 'Network Protocol'.
Mark: [1]
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Year: Sample Paper
Identify the protocol most likely used to retrieve an email from a server and explain why.
Mark: [3]