Communication and internet technologies

14.1 Protocols

Candidates should be able to:

1. Show understanding of why a protocol is essential for communication between computers
2. Show understanding of how protocol implementation can be viewed as a stack, where each layer has its own functionality
3. Show understanding of the TCP / IP protocol suite

Notes and guidance

1. Four Layers (Application, Transport, Internet, Link) Purpose and function of each layer
2. Application when a message is sent from one host to another on the internet

4. Show understanding of protocols (HTTP, FTP, POP3, IMAP, SMTP, BitTorrent) and their purposes

Notes and guidance

1. BitTorrent protocol provides peer-to-peer file sharing

14.2 Circuit switching, packet switching

Candidates should be able to:

1. Show understanding of circuit switching

Notes and guidance

1. Benefits, drawbacks and where it is applicable

2. Show understanding of packet switching

Notes and guidance

1. Benefits, drawbacks and where it is applicable
2. Show understanding of the function of a router in packet switching
3. Explain how packet switching is used to pass messages across a network, including the internet