GCSE Computer Science (AQA)

Topic Summaries

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Wired and wireless networks, protocols, and layers

Protocols

  • A protocol is a set of rules for sending and receiving data on a network.
Common protocols Uses/description
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) The fundamental protocols for sending data over the Internet; TCP ensures reliable transmission, and IP routes data packets
HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) Protocol used by web browsers to request and receive web pages
HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) Secure version of HTTP that uses encryption (SSL/TLS) to protect web data
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) Protocol used to transfer files between computers on a network
POP (Post Office Protocol) Protocol used by email clients to download emails from a mail server
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) Protocol that allows email clients to access and manage emails on a server without downloading them permanently
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) Protocol used to send emails from a client to a server or between servers

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