1.3.2 Wired and Wireless Networks, Protocols and Layers - Workbook OCR GCSE ANSWERS

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1. What is meant by the word ‘Protocol’ and why do networks need protocols?

[2]

• A protocol is another name for a rule.


Question Zone 1-3

• Networks reply on protocols to ensure that all devices work in the same way enabling all devices to correctly communicate with one another.

2. What is a data packet and what does a data packet consist of? [6]

• When files are sent over the internet they are split up into millions of data packets – a data packet is therefore a fraction of a file.
• Data packets are made up of the following:
Data + Destination Address + Return Address + Sequence Number + Error Check Number

3. Describe the process involved in packet switching. [4]

• A file is broken up into data packets (according to the TCP Protocol)


• The data packets are sent from router to router towards their destination (according to the Internet Protocol (IP))
• Due to network traffic, packet switching may occur where routers will change their route of data packets according to availability.
• Once received at the destination computer, the file is reassembled using the data packet sequence numbers to ensure the correct order.

4. Explain the need for channels within Wi-Fi frequency bands. [2]
Question Zone 4-6

• A WI-FI’s frequency band is broken down into different channels to allow multiple devices to use the frequency band at the same time.
• At home (for example) one family member could be on their phone browsing the web while another could be streaming a movie without any interference.

5. Explain the reason for data packets and describe fully the various components found in a data packet, explaining why they are needed. [7]

• Data packets are required so that data can be sent across a network.
• Without splitting files into tiny data packets, the file will need a dedicated channel between two computers and as no one owns the internet, there is no way of setting up such
a channel, so instead data packets are sent across millions of different available routes and combined to reform the file at the destination computer.
• Data packets are made up of the following:
o Data: Without this, the packet would not carry any data
o Destination Address: Without this the packets would not be sent anywhere
o Return Address: Without this, if a data packet was corrupted on route, a replacement packet could not be fetched
o Sequence Number: Without this, the received packets could not be combined correctly to reform the original file.
o Error Check Number: Without this, there would be no way of knowing it the received data packets had become corrupted on their journey.

6. Explain the various layers of a network. [4]


Question Zone 7-9

• Data Link Layer & Physical Layer (Layer 1): This layer provides the physical transport of data through electrical signals etc. You can liken this layer to a country’s road network,
allowing cars to travel from place to place.
• Network Layer (Layer 2): This layer provides the routing of data across the network by making use of addressing. You can liken this to the addresses of all of the buildings in a
country.
• Transport Layer (Layer 3): This layer provides transport of data between devices by splitting files into data packets and checking that they have been sent and received
correctly. You can liken this to the cars which use a country’s road network and travel from building to building.
• Application Layer (Layer 4): Provides user access to applications, websites, files and email. You can liken this to all the uses that transportation can provide from deliveries to
commuting.

7. Discuss the issues involved in using wireless technology as a data transfer medium. [6]
Advantages
• No wires so much easier to connect devices
• Due to the channels within a frequency band, multiple devices can connect at once – greater expandability.
• Greater mobility when using connected devices
Disadvantages
• Signals can suffer from interference
• Data can be easily intercepted
• Speed is generally slower than the equivalent wired connection.

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