AQA · GCSE · Computer Science
Course version: 8525 · Version from Sept 2020
Students should know what each protocol is used for (eg HTTPS provides an…
Full specification wording
Fundamentals of computer networks: Students should know what each protocol is used for (eg HTTPS provides an encrypted version of HTTP for more secure web transactions).
A protocol is an agreed set of rules for how devices communicate across a network.
Checked against the AQA 8525 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 17 of 50
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A protocol is an agreed set of rules for how devices communicate across a network. This criterion asks you to match each named protocol to its purpose, not to describe its internal workings. Learn a short purpose for each: HTTP transfers web pages between a browser and a web server; HTTPS does the same but encrypts the traffic, so data such as passwords and card details is protected during web transactions; FTP transfers files between computers; SMTP sends email, while POP and IMAP retrieve it; TCP breaks data into packets and checks they arrive, and IP handles addressing and routing. The HTTPS example shows the pattern: identify the base protocol, then state the added security benefit. In a multiple-choice question, read every option and eliminate those describing a different protocol's job before choosing.
What earns the marks
- States that a protocol is an agreed set of rules governing communication between devices on a network.
- Gives the purpose of HTTP as transferring web pages or resources between a client browser and a web server.
- Explains that HTTPS is HTTP with encryption, providing a more secure connection for web transactions.
- Gives the purpose of at least one further protocol, for example FTP for file transfer, SMTP for sending email, or TCP/IP for packet delivery and addressing.
- Selects the option that matches the stated purpose rather than one describing a different protocol.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing HTTP with HTTPS.
Put it right: HTTPS adds encryption to HTTP, so it is the secure version used for sensitive transactions.
Describing a protocol as a piece of hardware or a cable.
Put it right: A protocol is a set of communication rules implemented in software.
Mixing up SMTP with POP or IMAP.
Put it right: SMTP sends outgoing email, whereas POP and IMAP are used to retrieve incoming email.
Exam tips
- Learn one short purpose sentence per protocol so you can match quickly under time pressure.
- When an option mentions encryption or security, check whether the question is about HTTPS rather than plain HTTP.
- Eliminate options that describe a different protocol's function before committing to an answer.
Try the lesson
The start of the Fundamentals of computer networks: Students should know what each protocol is used for (eg HTTPS provides an encrypted version of HTTP for more secure web transactions). lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A shopper enters card details on a website and the address bar shows a padlock with the prefix https. Which protocol is being used to protect the transaction?
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