Key term
Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 1CP2
Computational Thinking
Data
Computers
Networks
Issues and Impact
Problem Solving with Programming
Topic overviewReadable code, debugging and testingSelection and loops in PythonData types, conversion, variables and constantsString handlingLists, two-dimensional lists and recordsKeyboard input, screen output and CSV filesValidation and authentication in PythonOperators, functions and variable scopeTurtle graphics
Networks
- 6 subtopics
- 18 things to know
- Paper 1
What Networks covers
Networks is examined in Paper 1, Principles of Computer Science. It covers LANs, WANs and the structure of the internet, wired and wireless connectivity and network speed, network protocols, the four-layer TCP/IP model, bus, star and mesh topologies and network security and protection.
Where it is assessed
Paper 1
Principles of Computer Science, a 1 hour 30 minute written paper worth 50% of the GCSE.
Check the Pearson Edexcel specification ↗The 6 subtopics
Each one has its own page.
- LANs, WANs and the structure of the internetWhy computers are networked, LANs and WANs, the internet, IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, and how routers forward packets across networks.Open →
- Wired and wireless connectivity and network speedBandwidth and latency, wired and wireless connections compared, bits per second, the difference between kilobits and kibibytes, and worked transmission-time calculations.Open →
- Network protocolsWhy protocols are needed, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP and IP, HTTP and HTTPS, FTP, and how SMTP, POP3 and IMAP handle email.Open →
- The four-layer TCP/IP modelThe application, transport, internet and link layers, what happens to data going down and up the layers, packets and their headers, and sending an email.Open →
- Bus, star and mesh topologiesBus, star and mesh topologies with their advantages and disadvantages, collisions on a bus, full and partial mesh, and choosing a topology for an office.Open →
- Network security and protectionNetwork vulnerabilities, penetration testing and ethical hacking, access control, physical security, and firewalls, with how each protects a network.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Your recallNot started
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Why is network communication layered, and what does the application layer provide?
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How does the TCP/IP model handle an email being sent?
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Why are computers connected in a network?
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What is bandwidth?
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What is a network protocol?
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What is a network topology?
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Why is network security important?
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How does a network help an organisation manage its computers?
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What is latency?
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Why are standard network protocols needed?
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What is a bus topology?
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What is a network vulnerability?
Evaluation
What are the disadvantages of connecting computers in a network?
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Why does high latency cause problems in online games and video calls?
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What is Ethernet?
Evaluation
What are the advantages of a bus topology?
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What is penetration testing?
Take Networks further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
LAN vs WAN
LAN: a network confined to one building or site, on equipment the organisation owns. WAN: a network spanning cities or countries, usually over leased telecommunications lines.
Bandwidth vs Latency
Bandwidth: the maximum amount of data a connection can carry each second. Latency: the delay between data leaving one device and reaching another.
POP3 vs IMAP
POP3: an email protocol that downloads messages to one device and removes them from the server. IMAP: an email protocol that keeps messages on the server and synchronises them across devices.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Why are computers connected in a network?
Model answer
Networked computers can share resources such as printers, files and an internet connection. Users can also communicate by email and messaging and work on shared files.
- 2
How does a network help an organisation manage its computers?
Model answer
Software can be installed and updated on every computer from one central point. Files can be backed up centrally, and users can log in from any machine.
- 3
What are the disadvantages of connecting computers in a network?
Model answer
A network costs money to set up and needs specialist staff to manage it. Malware and attackers can spread from one computer to the others.
- 4
What is a LAN?
Model answer
A local area network connects devices across a small area such as a home, school or office. The organisation usually owns the cables and equipment.
- 5
What is a WAN?
Model answer
A wide area network connects devices or LANs across a large geographical area, such as between cities or countries. A WAN usually uses lines leased from telecommunications companies.
- 6
Give two examples of a WAN.
Model answer
The internet is the largest WAN. A bank linking its branches across the country uses a WAN as well.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Networks revision questions
- What does Networks cover in Edexcel GCSE Computer Science?
- 6 subtopics: lans, wans and the structure of the internet, wired and wireless connectivity and network speed, network protocols, the four-layer tcp/ip model, bus, star and mesh topologies and network security and protection. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Networks organised?
- By the Edexcel 1CP2 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Networks, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
Or £46 a year, about £3.83 a month. Cancel anytime.