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EnglandComputer Science

Topic 4: Networks

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are network protocols, and what is each of the key network and email protocols for?

Understand the role of and need for network protocols (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP) and email protocols (POP3, SMTP, IMAP).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 4.1.6, covering the role of and need for network protocols and what each of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, POP3, SMTP and IMAP is for.
9 min answer →

Why is network security important, and how are network vulnerabilities identified and networks protected?

Understand the importance of network security, ways of identifying network vulnerabilities (penetration testing, ethical hacking) and methods of protecting networks (access control, physical security, firewalls).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 4.2.1, covering the importance of network security, identifying vulnerabilities by penetration testing and ethical hacking, and protecting networks with access control, physical security and firewalls.
9 min answer →

Why are computers connected in a network, and what is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?

Understand why computers are connected in a network and understand the different types of networks (LAN, WAN).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 4.1.1 and 4.1.2, covering why computers are connected in a network and the difference between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN).
8 min answer →

How does the four-layer TCP/IP model handle data transmission, and what are the characteristics of bus, star and mesh topologies?

Understand how the four-layer (application, transport, internet, link) TCP/IP model handles data transmission over a network, and understand the characteristics of network topologies (bus, star, mesh).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 4.1.7 and 4.1.8, covering how the four-layer TCP/IP model (application, transport, internet, link) handles data transmission, and the characteristics of bus, star and mesh network topologies.
9 min answer →

How is the internet structured, and how do IP addressing and routers move data to the right place?

Understand how the internet is structured, including IP addressing and routers.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 4.1.3, covering how the internet is structured as a global network of networks, the role of IP addresses in identifying devices, and how routers direct data.
8 min answer →

How do wired and wireless connections affect performance, and how do you calculate transmission time from file size and speed?

Understand how the characteristics of wired and wireless connectivity impact on performance (speed, range, latency, bandwidth), that network speeds are measured in bits per second, and construct expressions involving file size, transmission rate and time.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 4.1.4 and 4.1.5, covering how wired and wireless connectivity affect speed, range, latency and bandwidth, network speed units, and calculating file size, transmission rate and time.
9 min answer →