Wired and Wireless Networks

OCR

GCSE

Network communication relies on distinct architectures (Client-Server, Peer-to-Peer) and topologies (Star, Mesh) to facilitate data exchange across varying geographical scopes (LAN, WAN). Transmission media, including copper, fibre optic, and wireless frequencies, dictate performance parameters such as bandwidth, latency, and range. The interoperability of these systems is governed by the TCP/IP protocol stack, ensuring standardized packet switching and routing across global infrastructures. Security mechanisms, including encryption and MAC addressing, are essential for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality within these networks.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award 1 mark for defining a WAN as a network that covers a large geographical area and uses hired infrastructure or third-party telecommunication lines
Credit responses that explain a Switch filters data packets by MAC address to send them only to the intended recipient device on a LAN
Award 1 mark for stating that the DNS converts a user-friendly URL into a computer-readable IP address
For Star topology, credit the explanation that if one cable fails, only that specific device is affected, leaving the rest of the network operational
Award 1 mark for identifying that the Transport layer splits data into packets and numbers them for reassembly

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award 1 mark for defining a WAN as a network that covers a large geographical area and uses hired infrastructure or third-party telecommunication lines
Credit responses that explain a Switch filters data packets by MAC address to send them only to the intended recipient device on a LAN
Award 1 mark for stating that the DNS converts a user-friendly URL into a computer-readable IP address
For Star topology, credit the explanation that if one cable fails, only that specific device is affected, leaving the rest of the network operational
Award 1 mark for identifying that the Transport layer splits data into packets and numbers them for reassembly

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When comparing 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands, explicitly link 2.4GHz to 'better range/wall penetration' and 5GHz to 'higher data transfer speeds/less interference'
💡For 8-mark 'Discuss' questions (e.g., on Cloud storage), you must provide a balanced argument with both benefits and drawbacks to achieve Level 3
💡Memorize the TCP/IP layers in order: Application, Transport, Internet, Link. Mnemonics are essential here as the order is frequently tested
💡In DNS questions, ensure you describe the full sequence: URL request → DNS Server lookup → IP returned → Browser sends request to IP

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the roles of a Switch and a Router; candidates often incorrectly state that a switch connects different networks (which is the router's job)
Describing 'The Cloud' vaguely as 'storage in the air' rather than remote servers accessed via the internet
Mixing up email protocols, specifically stating that SMTP is used for retrieving emails (it is for sending) or that POP3 syncs across devices (IMAP does this)
Failing to mention 'hired infrastructure' or 'third-party cables' when defining a WAN, which is a required discriminator from a LAN

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Network Types (LAN, WAN, PAN) and Topologies (Star, Mesh)

Transmission Media (Copper, Fibre Optic, Wireless) and Performance Factors

Protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP/S, FTP, IMAP/SMTP) and Layering

Network Hardware (NIC, Switch, Router, WAP)

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Describe

Explain

Compare

Discuss

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