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1CP2-P-6.2 How the internet connects networks

Part 2 of 8 · 1CP2-P-6 · Networks

The internet worksheet, following one request from a typed address to the server that answers it.

Students will:

  • distinguish the web from the internet
  • explain why a packet needs a destination IP address
  • describe the role of a router between networks
  • explain why protocols are needed for devices to communicate
  • describe the journey of a request including DNS and routing

Inside: 6 explanation cells, 5 multiple-choice questions, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 4 written answers. 20 marks, about 45 minutes.

Series: 1CP2-P-6 · Networks, part 2 of 8.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 17 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026

Preview

The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

How the internet connects networks

The internet is a global network of interconnected networks. It is not the same as the World Wide Web: the web is one service that uses the internet. This worksheet follows a web request and introduces the addressing, routing and protocol agreements it needs.

1. Follow a request

How a web request crosses the internetThe internet is a network of connected networksbrowserschool LANDNS servicename → IP addressrouterinternet backbonehigh-capacity linksrouterweb serverremote network1 lookup2 routers forward packets towards the destination IP address

A browser begins with a domain name that people can read. The Domain Name System (DNS) returns the corresponding IP address. Routers inspect the destination IP address in each packet and forward the packet towards the destination across interconnected networks and high-capacity backbone links.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
The internet is a network of gap 1. gap 2 translates a domain name into an IP address. A gap 3 forwards packets between networks.
  • DNS
  • networks
  • router
  • servers
  • switch
Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement correctly distinguishes the web from the internet?

  • AThe web is the physical cable and the internet is a browser.
  • BThe two terms mean exactly the same thing.
  • CThe web works only on one LAN.
  • DThe web is a service using linked pages and resources; the internet is the network infrastructure connecting networks.

2. Identify source and destination

An IP address identifies a device or interface for communication across networks. A packet header includes source and destination IP addresses so replies can return and routers know where packets need to go.

IPv4 uses a smaller address space than IPv6. IPv6 was introduced principally because many more unique addresses are needed as the number of connected devices grows. You are not required to memorise every formatting rule here.

Written answer2 marks

Explain why a packet needs a destination IP address.

Link identification to router action and delivery.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Why was IPv6 introduced?

  • ATo provide a much larger supply of unique IP addresses
  • BTo make every website use the same name
  • CTo replace all network cables
  • DTo remove the need for routers

3. Route across interconnected networks

A router connects networks. It uses routing information and a packet's destination IP address to select a suitable next route and forward the packet towards its destination.

The internet backbone is formed from high-capacity connections that carry large volumes of traffic between major parts of the internet. Points of presence and network access points support connection and exchange between networks; the key examination idea is how they contribute to interconnected infrastructure.

Written answer3 marks

Explain the role of a router when a student opens a website hosted on another network.

State what the router reads, what decision it makes and the consequence.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

What is the internet backbone?

  • AA password list for websites
  • BA single computer storing the whole web
  • CHigh-capacity links carrying traffic between major networks
  • DThe cable between a keyboard and computer

4. Agree how communication works

A protocol is an agreed set of rules for communication. Rules can define formatting, addressing, timing, error handling and the meaning of messages. Without common rules, sender and receiver may represent or interpret data differently.

Named examples in Pearson's scope include Ethernet and Wi-Fi for network links, TCP/IP for internet communication, HTTP/HTTPS for web resources, FTP for file transfer, SMTP for sending email, and POP3 or IMAP for receiving/accessing email. Detailed layering returns later in the course.

Fill in the blanks2 marks
gap 1 is used for web requests and gap 2 is designed for file transfer.
  • FTP
  • HTTP
  • SMTP
  • Wi-Fi
Multiple choice1 mark

Which protocol is specifically suited to transferring a file from a server?

  • A`.mp3`
  • BFTP
  • CIPv6
  • DDNS
Written answer2 marks

Explain why protocols are needed when devices communicate over a network.

Give an agreed rule and the consequence of both devices following it.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer3 marks

Describe the journey from entering a web address to a request reaching the correct server. Include DNS, an IP address and routers.

Write the stages in a logical order.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which item is a protocol rather than a file format or network component?

  • Arouter
  • BJPEG
  • Cbackbone
  • DHTTPS

Route forward

You can explain how names, addresses, routers, backbone links and protocols support communication between networks. Next you will distinguish the performance measurements used to compare connections.