1.3.2 Wired & Wireless networks, Protocols & Layers

What is a common wired mode of connection?

Ethernet.

Name two common wireless modes of connection.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

What is the main difference between wired and wireless networks?

Wired networks use cables (like Ethernet) to transfer data; wireless networks use radio signals (like Wi-Fi).

State three advantages of a wired network.

Faster (higher bandwidth), more secure (harder to intercept), and more reliable (doesn't suffer from interference).

State two advantages of a wireless network.

More convenient (users can move freely with devices), and it's easier to add new devices without new cables.

What is encryption in networking?

A method of converting data into a coded format so that only authorised users with the correct decryption key can understand it. This secures data from being intercepted.

What is IP addressing (e.g., IPv4, IPv6)?

A system for uniquely identifying devices connected to a network (like a postal address). It allows data to be routed to the correct destination.

What is the format of an IPv4 address?

A 32-bit number, typically written as four decimal numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

What is the format of an IPv6 address?

A 128-bit number, expressed as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, separated by colons.

What is a MAC address?

A unique, permanent identifier assigned to a device's NIC (Network Interface Controller) during its manufacture. It's used for communication within a single network.

What is the format of a MAC address?

A 12-digit hexadecimal number, typically displayed in pairs separated by colons or hyphens (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).

What is the purpose of network standards?

They are agreed guidelines (rules) that allow hardware and software from different manufacturers to interact and communicate with each other successfully.

What is the concept of layers in networking?

The idea of splitting a complex task (like network communication) into smaller, self-contained, independent modules. Each layer handles one part of the process.

Name two benefits of using layers (e.g., in the TCP/IP model).

1. Each layer is self-contained, so it can be developed and updated independently. 2. It makes troubleshooting easier, as problems can be isolated to a specific layer.

What is a communication protocol?

A set of rules that defines how data is transferred between devices on a network.

What is the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)?

The fundamental suite of protocols that governs all communication over the Internet. TCP handles breaking down and reassembling data, while IP handles addressing and routing.

Describe HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

The protocol used for transferring web pages (Hypertext) and other content between a web server and a web browser.

Describe HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure).

The secure (encrypted) version of HTTP. It protects sensitive information like passwords and credit card details from being intercepted.

Describe FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

A protocol used to transfer files (upload/download) between computers over a network, such as managing files on a web server.

Describe POP (Post Office Protocol).

A protocol for retrieving email. It downloads emails from the server to the client and then typically removes them from the server.

Describe IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol).

A protocol for retriecving email. It allows emails to be read and managed from multiple devices while keeping them synchronised on the server (it doesn't remove them).

Describe SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

The protocol used for sending emails from your client to your email server, and between email servers across the internet.