Networks
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) · Unit 5: The internet and its uses · 10 flashcards
Networks is topic 5.1 in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus , positioned in Unit 5 — The internet and its uses , alongside The Internet and Security. In one line: A LAN is a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building. A common example is a home network connecting computers, smartphones, and printers via a router.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (computer systems theory) and Paper 2 (algorithms, programming and logic).
The deck below contains 10 flashcards — 8 definitions and 2 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 8 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
A Local Area Network (LAN) and give a common example
A LAN is a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building. A common example is a home network connecting computers, smartphones, and printers via a router.
What the Cambridge 0478 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Understand Understand the difference between the internet and the world wide web
- Understand Understand what is meant by a uniform resource locator (URL)
- Describe Describe the purpose and operation of hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) and hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS)
- Explain Explain the purpose and functions of a web browser including storing bookmarks, recording history, allowing multiple tabs, storing cookies, providing navigation tools, providing an address bar
- Describe Describe how web pages are located, retrieved and displayed on a device when a user enters a URL, including the role of the web browser, IP addresses, DNS, web server, and HTML
- Explain Explain what is meant by cookies and how they are used, including session cookies and persistent cookies
Define a Local Area Network (LAN) and give a common example.
A LAN is a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building. A common example is a home network connecting computers, smartphones, and printers via a router.
Explain the difference between a client-server network and a peer-to-peer network.
In a client-server network, one or more central servers provide resources to client devices. In a peer-to-peer network, all devices have equal capabilities and can share resources directly with each other.
What is the primary function of a router in a network?
A router forwards data packets between different networks, allowing devices on a LAN to communicate with the internet or other networks. It determines the best path for data to travel.
Describe the role of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer.
A NIC is a hardware component that enables a computer to connect to a network. It provides the physical interface for network cables or wireless connections.
What are the advantages of using WiFi over Ethernet?
WiFi offers the advantage of mobility and convenience, as devices can connect to the network without physical cables. Ethernet provides a more stable and often faster connection, with reduced interference.
Explain what a protocol is in the context of computer networks.
A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network. Protocols ensure that devices can communicate with each other effectively.
What is the purpose of the TCP/IP protocol suite?
TCP/IP is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. It manages how data is packaged, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received.
Differentiate between a MAC address and an IP address.
A MAC address is a unique hardware address assigned to a network interface card, while an IP address is a logical address assigned to a device on a network for identification and routing purposes.
What is the function of a switch in a network?
A switch connects multiple devices within a network, forwarding data packets only to the intended recipient based on their MAC address. This makes data transmission more efficient than using a hub.
Explain the role of HTTP and FTP protocols in networking.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring web pages and other data on the internet. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between computers on a network.
Key Questions: Networks
Define a Local Area Network (LAN) and give a common example.
A LAN is a network that connects devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building. A common example is a home network connecting computers, smartphones, and printers via a router.
What is the primary function of a router in a network?
A router forwards data packets between different networks, allowing devices on a LAN to communicate with the internet or other networks. It determines the best path for data to travel.
Describe the role of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer.
A NIC is a hardware component that enables a computer to connect to a network. It provides the physical interface for network cables or wireless connections.
Explain what a protocol is in the context of computer networks.
A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received over a network. Protocols ensure that devices can communicate with each other effectively.
What is the purpose of the TCP/IP protocol suite?
TCP/IP is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. It manages how data is packaged, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received.
More topics in Unit 5 — The internet and its uses
Networks sits alongside these Computer Science decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0478 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this Networks deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
How to study this Networks deck
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