New
New
Year 11
AQA

Protocols

I can explain how devices on a computer network use protocols to communicate.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Protocols

I can explain how devices on a computer network use protocols to communicate.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Protocols are sets of rules that are followed to allow communication to take place.
  2. IP adresses are given to devices normally by the router on a local network.

Keywords

  • Protocol - a set of rules used to allow devices to communicate with each other

  • Secure protocol - a set of rules that protects data when devices communicate with each other

  • Internet protocol - a set of rules that controls how data is sent over the internet such as how it is addressed

Common misconception

Devices automatically know how to communicate to any other device, regardless of brand or type, without needing specific rules.

Devices rely on shared protocols to communicate and exchange data effectively, like a common language or set of rules. This ensures all devices follow the same process.


To help you plan your year 11 computer science lesson on: Protocols, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use analogies like traffic rules or universal plug types to explain protocols. Emphasise that without agreed rules, devices cannot correctly transmit, format, or process data.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main function of a web browser?

Correct answer: to display web pages to users
to store files on a server
to send emails
to design websites

Q2.
What system matches domain names to the correct web page locations?

Correct Answer: Domain Name System, DNS

Q3.
What is the term for a small part of a file sent across a network?

Correct Answer: data packet

Q4.
Put these steps in order for accessing a web page:

1 - enter the website address in the browser
2 - the DNS matches the address to the location
3 - the browser requests the web page from the web server
4 - the server sends data packets to the browser

Q5.
Match each keyword to its definition:

Correct Answer:Domain Name System (DNS),servers that match domain names to web page locations

servers that match domain names to web page locations

Correct Answer:data packet,a small part of a file sent over a network

a small part of a file sent over a network

Correct Answer:packet switching,sending data in small packets along different routes

sending data in small packets along different routes

Correct Answer:web server,a computer that stores and serves web pages

a computer that stores and serves web pages

Q6.
Why does the internet use packet switching?

to make web pages look better
to block viruses
Correct answer: to allow data to travel efficiently and avoid congestion
to block viruses

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the term for a set of rules that devices follow to exchange information on a network?

Correct Answer: protocol

Q2.
Order the steps for a device joining a network:

1 - the device requests an IP address
2 - the router assigns an IP address
3 - the device connects to the network
4 - the device communicates using the network protocol

Q3.
Match each term to its definition:

Correct Answer:protocol,a set of rules for device communication

a set of rules for device communication

Correct Answer:secure protocol,a set of rules that protects data during transfer

a set of rules that protects data during transfer

Correct Answer:Internet Protocol,a set of rules for addressing and sending data online

a set of rules for addressing and sending data online

Q4.
Which of the following is an example of a secure protocol?

HTTP
FTP
Correct answer: HTTPS
POP3

Q5.
What might happen if devices didn't use the same protocol?

Correct answer: communication would be unreliable
devices would be faster
the internet would be free
devices would use less power

Q6.
Which protocol is responsible for addressing data sent over the internet?

Correct Answer: Internet Protocol, IP