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WalesComputer Science

Unit 1: Communication and networks

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are IP and MAC addresses, what does DNS do, and how is data routed across the internet?

IP addresses and MAC addresses, the purpose of the Domain Name System (DNS), and how data is routed across the internet.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Computer Science Unit 1 content on internet addressing and routing, covering the difference between IP addresses and MAC addresses, the purpose of the Domain Name System (DNS), how routers direct data across the internet, and how the internet links networks together worldwide.
8 min answer →

What hardware connects a network, and how is data transmitted across it?

The hardware needed for networking (network interface card, switch, router, transmission media), wired versus wireless connections, bandwidth, and how data is sent in packets.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Computer Science Unit 1 content on network hardware and data transmission, covering the network interface card, switch and router, wired versus wireless connections, transmission media, the meaning of bandwidth, and how data is broken into packets to be sent across a network.
9 min answer →

What is a computer network, and how do LANs, WANs, client-server and peer-to-peer models and topologies differ?

The purpose of computer networks, the difference between LANs and WANs, client-server and peer-to-peer models, and common network topologies.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Computer Science Unit 1 content on networks, covering the purpose and benefits of networks, the difference between a LAN and a WAN, the client-server and peer-to-peer models, and common network topologies such as the star and bus, with their advantages and disadvantages.
9 min answer →

What are network protocols, what are the common ones, and why are protocols arranged in layers?

The purpose of protocols, common protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP and HTTPS, FTP, SMTP), and why network communication is organised into layers.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Computer Science Unit 1 content on protocols and layers, covering what a protocol is and why protocols are needed, the purpose of common protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP and HTTPS, FTP and SMTP, and why network communication is split into layers.
8 min answer →