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Year 11 - Computing

Network models

The internet and web technologies

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will explore how data travels across the internet. They will explore how protocols define communication between devices and the purpose of common network protocols. They will investigate the risks to networks and the methods that can be used to protect a network.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why network models are used and describe the Open Systems Interconnected (OSI) model.

Key Notes

  • Network models are essential frameworks used to standardise communication between diverse devices across a network.
  • Common network protocols operate at specific layers and serve defined purposes in data transmission.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • OSI model: a seven-layer model that describes how different computer systems can communicate over a network
  • encapsulation: when data is packaged with additional information as it moves down through the layers of the network model
  • decapsulation: when data is received and unpacked by a device as it moves up through the layers of the network model

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The internet is built directly on the OSI 7-layer model, and its layers are actual physical hardware components.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

Network models are essential frameworks used to standardise communication between diverse devices across a network. Common network protocols operate at specific layers and serve defined purposes in data transmission.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'OSI model'

a seven-layer model that describes how different computer systems can communicate over a network. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: The internet is built directly on the OSI 7-layer model, and its layers are actual physical hardware components. Correction: The OSI model is a conceptual framework, not the internet's direct architecture. It helps to understand network functions.

More Lessons In This Unit

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