Protocols
I can explain how devices on a computer network use protocols to communicate.
Protocols
I can explain how devices on a computer network use protocols to communicate.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Protocols are sets of rules that are followed to allow communication to take place.
- 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...
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.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the The internet and web technologies unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main function of a web browser?
Q2.What system matches domain names to the correct web page locations?
Q3.What is the term for a small part of a file sent across a network?
Q4.Put these steps in order for accessing a web page:
Q5.Match each keyword to its definition:
servers that match domain names to web page locations
a small part of a file sent over a network
sending data in small packets along different routes
a computer that stores and serves web pages
Q6.Why does the internet use packet switching?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term for a set of rules that devices follow to exchange information on a network?
Q2.Order the steps for a device joining a network:
Q3.Match each term to its definition:
a set of rules for device communication
a set of rules that protects data during transfer
a set of rules for addressing and sending data online