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Networks: OCR A‑Level Computer Science questions

Every OCR A-Level Computer Science exam question on 1.3.3 Networks, 2021–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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593 questions

  1. Q9(a)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 9(a): When computers transmit data over a network they use protocols. Explain the importance of using protocols when transmitting data. [2]

  2. Q9(b)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 9(b): The TCP/IP stack allows communication over large distances such as the internet. Describe the purpose of the transport layer in the TCP/IP stack. [2]

  3. Q6(c)

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 6(c): When customers contact the company, their computers will use a number of protocols such as TCP/IP and HTTP to make connections with other devices over the inter

  4. Q6(d)

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    6 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 6(d): Describe three different pieces of networking hardware in a client–server network apart from the clients and servers themselves. 1 2 3 [6]

  5. Q1(d)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    3 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 1(d)(i): Give three advantages to the business of connecting computers together in a LAN. 1 2 3 [3]

  6. Q1(d)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 1(d)(ii): Explain what is meant by a network protocol. [2]

  7. Q1(d)(iii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 1(d)(iii): Give the names of two protocols that may be used in a LAN. 1 2 [2]

  8. Q1(d)(iv)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    3 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 1(d)(iv): Explain why protocol layering is used. [3]

  9. Q6(a)(i)

    June 2023 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 6(a)(i): A LAN uses packet switching. Describe one difference between packet switching and circuit switching. [2]

  10. Q6(a)(ii)

    June 2023 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 6(a)(ii): Explain why packet switching is more suitable for a computer network than circuit switching. [2]

  11. Q6(b)

    June 2023 · AS Paper 1

    9 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 6(b): Zac has an accountancy business. He is moving into an office that has enough space for up to five members of staff. Zac would like to install a Local Area Netwo

  12. Q6(b)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    5 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 6(b)(i): Explain what happens at the application layer of the TCP/IP stack when using this program. [5]

  13. Q6(b)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 6(b)(ii): Explain what happens at the link layer (sometimes referred to as the “network interface layer”, “network access layer” or simply the “network layer”) of the TCP

  14. Q3(a)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 1, question 3(a): State what is meant by the term ‘protocol’. [1]

  15. Q3(b)(i)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 1, question 3(b)(i): Complete the table below to show the 4 layers in the TCP/IP stack. Application Link [2]

  16. Q3(b)(ii)

    June 2022 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks1.3.3 Networks
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 1, question 3(b)(ii): Explain one advantage of using layers in the protocol TCP/IP. [2]
All 16 questions on Networks, as a list
  1. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q9(a) (2 marks): When computers transmit data over a network they use protocols. Explain the importance of using protocols when transmitting data. [2]
  2. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q9(b) (2 marks): The TCP/IP stack allows communication over large distances such as the internet. Describe the purpose of the transport layer in the TCP/IP stack. [2]
  3. June 2024, Paper 1, Q6(c) (2 marks): When customers contact the company, their computers will use a number of protocols such as TCP/IP and HTTP to make connections with other devices over the inter
  4. June 2024, Paper 1, Q6(d) (6 marks): Describe three different pieces of networking hardware in a client–server network apart from the clients and servers themselves. 1 2 3 [6]
  5. June 2023, Paper 1, Q1(d)(i) (3 marks): Give three advantages to the business of connecting computers together in a LAN. 1 2 3 [3]
  6. June 2023, Paper 1, Q1(d)(ii) (2 marks): Explain what is meant by a network protocol. [2]
  7. June 2023, Paper 1, Q1(d)(iii) (2 marks): Give the names of two protocols that may be used in a LAN. 1 2 [2]
  8. June 2023, Paper 1, Q1(d)(iv) (3 marks): Explain why protocol layering is used. [3]
  9. June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q6(a)(i) (2 marks): A LAN uses packet switching. Describe one difference between packet switching and circuit switching. [2]
  10. June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why packet switching is more suitable for a computer network than circuit switching. [2]
  11. June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q6(b) (9 marks): Zac has an accountancy business. He is moving into an office that has enough space for up to five members of staff. Zac would like to install a Local Area Netwo
  12. June 2022, Paper 1, Q6(b)(i) (5 marks): Explain what happens at the application layer of the TCP/IP stack when using this program. [5]
  13. June 2022, Paper 1, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain what happens at the link layer (sometimes referred to as the “network interface layer”, “network access layer” or simply the “network layer”) of the TCP
  14. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q3(a) (1 mark): State what is meant by the term ‘protocol’. [1]
  15. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table below to show the 4 layers in the TCP/IP stack. Application Link [2]
  16. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain one advantage of using layers in the protocol TCP/IP. [2]

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