1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols (1.3.2 Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers)

Question 1

Wired vs wireless networks

Answer 1

Wired: faster and more reliable, use Ethernet cables (twisted copper wire, coaxial or fibre optic)
Wireless: more convenient as you can move around, use radiowaves (Bluetooth or WiFi)

Question 2

What is encryption?

Answer 2

When data (plain text) is translated into a code (cipher text) which only someone with the correct key can access

Question 3

What is an IP address?

Answer 3

A unique address for each computer device on a network for identification
2 formats: IPv6 (128 bits) and IPv4 (32 bits)
Written in denary

Question 4

What is a MAC address?

Answer 4

Media access control
Unique number assigned to each NIC for identification
Written in hexadecimal

Question 5

What is TCP/IP?

Answer 5

Transmission control protocol: sets rules for how devices connect on a network by splitting and reassembling data packets
Internet protocol: directs packets to their destination

Question 6

What is HTTP?

Answer 6

Hyper text transfer protocol

Used by web browsers to access websites and communicate with web servers

Question 7

What is HTTPS?

Answer 7

A more secure version of HTTP, where all information is encrypted

Question 8

What is FTP?

Answer 8

File transfer protocol

Used to access, edit and move files between devices on a network

Question 9

What is POP?

Answer 9

Post office protocol
Used to retrieve emails from a server.
Holds email until downloaded onto your device, then it is deleted.

Question 10

What is IMAP?

Answer 10

Internet message access protocol
Used to retrieve emails from a server.
Unlike POP, server holds the email until you delete it, you only download a copy
Used by most email clients