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OCR H446 1.3.3 Network purpose, protocols, standards, LANs and WANs

Part 1 of 10 · H446 1.3.3 · Networks

OCR H446 1.3.3 puts network purpose, protocols, standards and network scope within a few lines of each other, and students routinely blur them. This worksheet keeps the four ideas apart, then asks for benefits argued from an organisation's actual situation rather than from a memorised list.

Students will:

  • separate a protocol from a standard, and both from the purpose of a network
  • describe LAN and WAN as questions of geographical scope and ownership of infrastructure
  • explain benefits of networking for a named single-site organisation without falling back on a LAN and WAN comparison
  • recommend a network scope for contrasting organisations and name a cost, management or security limitation for each

Inside: 5 explanation cells, 1 multiple-choice question, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 2 written answers. 21 marks, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Series: H446 1.3.3 · Networks, part 1 of 10.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 10 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 31 Aug 2026
  • Updated 3 Sept 2026

Preview

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

Network purpose, protocols, standards, LANs and WANs

A network is two or more connected computing devices that can communicate and share data or resources. Examinations often place nearby terms together, so this worksheet keeps four categories separate: network purpose, standard, protocol and network scope.

Why connect devices?

Networks can share files, printers, internet access and services; support communication; and allow central administration, authentication, backup and monitoring. These are not automatic benefits in every design. A network also introduces cost, management, dependence on shared services and security exposure.

A standard is an agreed specification that enables compatible representations, products or interfaces. A protocol is a set of rules governing communication, for example message format, order or error handling. Shared rules let different devices interpret an exchange predictably.

LAN and WAN are scope/ownership models

A LAN covers a limited geographical area, commonly one site, with infrastructure normally owned or controlled by the organisation using it. A WAN spans a larger area and links geographically separated devices or LANs, commonly using infrastructure provided by telecommunications organisations.

A question asking for the benefits of networking a school is not asking for LAN-over-WAN differences. Read the demand before selecting knowledge. Bus, star and mesh topology recall is not required by current H446 1.3.3.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement correctly distinguishes a protocol from a standard?

  • AA protocol supplies communication rules; a standard is an agreed specification supporting compatibility
  • BA protocol is a geographical area; a standard is a network cable
  • CA protocol is one TCP/IP layer; a standard is every other layer
  • DA protocol is one rule used only by identical devices
Fill in the blanks4 marks
A school-owned network across one campus is normally a gap 1. Linking its campuses in different cities forms a gap 2. An agreed message format is part of a gap 3; a compatibility specification is a gap 4.
  • LAN
  • WAN
  • protocol
  • standard
  • layer
Written answer4 marks

A design studio connects 28 computers on one site. Explain four benefits to this organisation of using a network. Do not answer by comparing LAN with WAN.

Connect each network facility to an organisational consequence: shared resources, central management/security/backup, communication or access.

Students type their answer here.

Apply the model independently

The remaining tasks change the context or reduce the support. Complete them without copying the worked model, then check that each explanation connects a mechanism to its consequence.

Written answer8 marks

Recommend a network scope and two useful shared services for each case: (1) a single-site animal clinic; (2) a charity with offices in Bristol, Cardiff and York. Explain one cost, management or security limitation for each.

Use definition/feature → stated constraint → consequence. The second case can contain LANs linked through a WAN.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
A network allows connected devices to checkpoint gap 1. A protocol is a set of communication checkpoint gap 2. Standards support checkpoint gap 3. A LAN normally covers a checkpoint gap 4 geographical area.

Review your understanding

Before submitting, check that you can explain the main distinction in your own words, apply it in an unfamiliar context and justify each consequence rather than only naming a feature.