Network Topologies & Protocols — A-Level Computer Science Revision
Revise Network Topologies & Protocols for A-Level Computer Science. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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Go to Internet & Web TechnologiesWhat is Network Topologies & Protocols?
Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of a network, such as a bus, star, or ring. Network protocols are a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network. Key protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.
Board notes: Covered by AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Students should be able to describe different network topologies and explain the function of key network protocols.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. If one device fails, the rest of the network is not affected. This is different from a bus topology, where all devices are connected to a single cable, and a break in the cable can bring down the entire network.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing physical and logical topologies.
- 2Not understanding the different layers of the TCP/IP model.
- 3Incorrectly describing the function of a protocol, such as confusing TCP with IP.
Network Topologies & Protocols exam questions
Exam-style questions for Network Topologies & Protocols with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Network Topologies & Protocols
Core concept
Network topology refers to the physical or logical arrangement of a network, such as a bus, star, or ring. Network protocols are a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over a …
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol that provides reliable, ordered delivery of data. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a connectionless protocol that does not guarantee delivery or order. TCP is used for applications like email and file transfer, while UDP is used for applications like video streaming and online gaming.
What is the purpose of DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 172.217.169.4). This allows users to access websites without having to remember their IP addresses.