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OCR H446 1.3.3 Networks consolidation
Part 9 of 10 · H446 1.3.3 · Networks
Consolidation across H446 1.3.3, introducing no new content but requiring transfer, switching, threats, controls, hardware and service models to be used together. Students trace one inter-site request end to end, then redesign the same network after an incident report.
Students will:
- explain an inter-site request from domain name to usable data across all four layers
- recommend a switching approach for two contrasting workloads on the same site
- identify what is missing from an incomplete explanation of why layering helps
- diagnose several threats from one incident report and design a layered response with limitations
- select hardware roles and a service model for the redesigned network and justify both
Inside: 5 explanation cells, 1 multiple-choice question, 1 fill-in-the-blanks cell and 4 written answers. 45 marks, about 45 to 60 minutes.
Series: H446 1.3.3 · Networks, part 9 of 10.
Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher
- 11 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.
Networks consolidation
Complete the sections in order, beginning with closed-book retrieval and then applying the ideas in the integrated contexts. No new required knowledge is introduced.
Episode A: an unfamiliar inter-site request
A field centre enters data.example/latest; the service address is 203.0.113.18. Its local wireless network reaches a monitoring server through several shared network links.
Explain the request and response from domain name to usable data. Include protocol/standard purpose, DNS, all four TCP/IP layers, IP addressing, packets, possible route variation and receiving direction.
Use an ordered process and distinguish why shared rules matter from what each layer does.
Students type their answer here.
A technician says, ‘Layering is useful because the internet layer uses IP addresses.’ What is missing?
- AA consequence explaining why separation into layers is beneficial
- BThe name of the OSI presentation layer
- CA list of nine protocol acronyms
- DThe physical structure of fibre cable
The centre can buy reserved capacity for a continuous emergency-control session, but routine sensor uploads are short and can tolerate variable delay. Recommend a switching approach for each and compare the consequences.
Use at least two constraints for each decision.
Students type their answer here.
Apply the ideas together
The next section combines earlier ideas in a changed context. Complete it independently, returning to a worked model only when you have identified a specific misconception to repair.
Episode B: redesign after an incident
The centre adds 40 staff devices, shared records and a public submission form. A traffic flood caused an outage; a deceptive email captured one password; unvalidated form input was treated as a database command.
Diagnose the three threats and design a layered response. For each control, explain its mechanism and one limitation.
Use DoS, phishing and SQL injection, then combine controls rather than giving one cure-all.
Students type their answer here.
The centre has wired desktops, wireless tablets, one-site shared records and controlled accounts. Select the relevant hardware roles and recommend client-server or peer-to-peer. Justify from traffic scope, administration, backup and resilience.
Distinguish NIC/WAP/switch/router and explain logical roles even if one physical device combines them.
Students type their answer here.
Review your responses
Use the evidence in your completed responses to identify the first model, state transition or reasoning link that needs improvement. Correct that point, then reapply it to the changed context.