1.3 computer network, connection and protocols

• What is a protocol in networking?

  A protocol is a set of rules that allow devices on a network to communicate with each other.
• What does TCP/IP stand for?

  Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
• What is the function of TCP in the TCP/IP model?

  TCP allows packets to be sent and received between computer systems.
• How does TCP handle data?

  It breaks the data into packets and reassembles them back into the original data at the destination.
• What is the role of IP in the TCP/IP model?

  IP is in charge of routing and addressing data packets.
• What is the specification code for the OCR exam board related to Wired & Wireless Networks?

  J277
• What are data packets?

  Data packets are smaller parts into which files are broken down for transfer across a network.
• What is a unique feature of every device on a network?

  Every device is given a unique IP address.
• What is required for a wireless connection to function?

  A wireless network interface card (WNIC)
• Why are data packets used instead of whole files for transfer?

  Data packets allow data to be transferred quickly across a network.
• How do wireless connections generally compare to wired connections in terms of speed?

  Wireless connections are generally slower
• What does HTTP stand for and what is its purpose?

  HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is used to transfer web pages over the Internet.
• How do routers function in the context of data packets?

  Routers redirect data packets across networks until they reach their destination.
• What factors can affect the speed of wireless connections?

  The distance from the wireless router and obstacles like walls or bad weather
• What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

  HTTPS is a more secure version of HTTP that uses SSL to transfer encrypted data.
• What physical cables are used in wired connections?

  Copper or fibre optic wires
• What happens to data packets when they arrive at their destination?

  They are reassembled back into the original file.
• What is the function of a Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

  A Wireless Access Point provides a link between wireless and wired networks.
• What does the padlock symbol in the URL bar indicate?

  It indicates that the connection to the website is secure.
• What is required for a wired connection to connect to a network?

  A network interface card (NIC)
• What is the most commonly used wired connection protocol?

  Ethernet
• What is an example of a Wireless Access Point in a public space?

  A WiFi hotspot in a coffee shop or airport.
• What is FTP used for?

  FTP is used to transfer files across a network.
• Can a Wireless Access Point be a separate device?

  Yes, it can be a separate device or built into another device like a router.
• What is the purpose of SMTP?

  SMTP is used to send emails to a mail server and between mail servers.
• What is a network?

  A network is more than one computer system connected together allowing for communication and sharing of resources.
• Compare wired and wireless networks in terms of movement, transmission speed, security, and required hardware.

  • Wired Networks:
  • Restricted movement
  • Faster transmission speed
  • More secure
  • Requires NIC
  • Wireless Networks:
  • Freedom of movement
  • Slower transmission speed
  • Less secure
  • Requires WNIC
• What is the primary function of routers?

  Routers transfer data packets between networks.
• What are the two types of connections discussed in the study material?

  Wired and wireless connections
• How are networks categorized?

  Networks are categorized by their geographical distance apart and the area that they serve.
• How do routers determine the best route for data packets?

  They use the IP address in the packet header.
• What are the main types of networks?

  • Local Area Network (LAN)
  • Wide Area Network (WAN)
  • Client-Server Network
  • Peer-to-Peer Network
• How does POP differ from IMAP?

  POP deletes an email from the server once downloaded, while IMAP syncs the message with the server.
• What is the impact of obstacles on wireless connections?

  Obstacles can affect the speed of wireless connections
• How does a client-server network function?

  Clients make requests to a server, which manages the request and responds.
• What is the role of a network interface card (NIC) in wired connections?

  To connect to a network
• What is a routing table?

  A routing table is a list used by routers to calculate the quickest route for data transfer.
• What are the two versions of IP addressing currently used?

  IPv4 and IPv6
• What is the role of a switch in a LAN?

  A switch connects devices together on a LAN.
• What happens when a user requests access to a web server?

  The server manages the request and responds to the client.