Networks for GCSE Computer Science

GCSE Computer Science, Networks and security. Usually met in years 9 to 11.

Learn how networks are built and connected, from LANs and WANs to the protocols the internet uses.

What you practise

Starts with types of network and builds to protocols and layers. Practice moves up a level when a round goes well and down when it does not.

Each sample comes with the method and the reason every wrong option is wrong. Real practice rounds are ten questions at your level.

Sample question, level 2 of 5

What does ‘wireless access point’ mean?

Show the answer and method

Answer: E, A device that lets devices join a wired network by Wi-Fi

The method: Wireless access point means a device that lets devices join a wired network by Wi-Fi.

Why the other options are wrong:

A, A set of rules for how devices communicate over a network: That describes protocol.
B, A network layout where every device connects to a central switch: That describes star topology.
C, The system that turns a web address into the IP address of the server: That describes DNS.
D, A worldwide network of networks: That describes the internet.

Sample question, level 4 of 5

Which term means: the protocol for web pages sent in encrypted form?

Show the answer and method

Answer: C, HTTPS

The method: HTTPS means the protocol for web pages sent in encrypted form.

Why the other options are wrong:

A, FTP: FTP means the protocol for sending files between computers on a network.
B, MAC address: MAC address means a unique address given to a network card when it is made.
D, Bandwidth: Bandwidth means the amount of data that can be sent across a network in a given time.
E, TCP/IP: TCP/IP means the set of protocols the internet uses, arranged in four layers.