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OCR H446 1.3.3 Networks exam transition
Part 10 of 10 · H446 1.3.3 · Networks
This is the assessment closing the H446 1.3.3 sequence, written to be attempted independently and without checking answers along the way. It runs through protocols and standards, layering, DNS and packet transfer, switching, threats and controls, hardware and network models in examination-style questions.
Students will:
- explain protocols, standards and the reasons for layering under examination conditions
- work through name resolution and packet transfer to a usable response
- justify a switching choice for contrasting workloads and state the drawbacks accepted
- diagnose four separate incidents and propose a defence for each
- discuss a whole design for a multi-site organisation, covering scope, hardware, service model and security
Inside: 2 explanation cells, 1 multiple-choice question and 9 written answers. 60 marks, about 55 to 70 minutes.
Series: H446 1.3.3 · Networks, part 10 of 10.
Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher
- 12 cells
- About 60 minutes
- CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shared 31 Aug 2026
- Updated 3 Sept 2026
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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.
Networks examination transition
Complete this assessment independently and without checking answers as you go. Use the command words, supplied evidence and context carefully; correctness is held where the platform supports it.
Which item is a reason for protocol layering?
- AThe internet layer uses IP addresses
- BA layer can change behind an agreed interface without requiring every other layer to be redesigned
- CA switch connects devices in a LAN
- DDNS maps a name to an address
Explain what a network protocol is and why protocols and standards are important when devices with different hardware or operating systems exchange data.
Use plural rules/agreement, predictable interpretation and compatibility.
Students type their answer here.
A secure messaging service sends data over Wi-Fi to a device on another network. Explain what happens at each of the four TCP/IP layers when sending and how the data becomes usable when received.
Apply the service and medium; do not provide a list of layer names only.
Students type their answer here.
Explain two benefits of protocol layering.
Give feature → consequence for each; do not merely describe layer jobs.
Students type their answer here.
A client enters archive.example/report; the server address is 192.0.2.75. Explain DNS resolution and packet transfer until the response is usable. Include address, route/order and reconstruction.
Keep DNS and packet-transfer roles distinct.
Students type their answer here.
A company compares (A) a reserved continuous control channel and (B) bursty document downloads over shared links that sometimes fail. Recommend circuit or packet switching for each and justify the drawbacks accepted.
Use route/capacity, delay/utilisation and failure response.
Students type their answer here.
Diagnose and defend against these incidents: a fake login message captures a password; correct domain entry leads to a fraudulent site; excessive traffic makes the service unavailable; form input changes an intended database command. For each, identify the threat and one control with mechanism or limitation.
Keep the SQL-injection explanation safe and conceptual.
Students type their answer here.
Describe the distinct purpose of each: NIC, WAP, switch, router, modem and cable.
A generic ‘connects devices’ cannot earn six marks.
Students type their answer here.
Compare client-server and peer-to-peer for a twelve-person community group sharing files. Give two contextual benefits/drawbacks of each and a justified recommendation.
Address responsibility, management, backup, cost, availability or scale.
Students type their answer here.
A growing veterinary organisation has three sites, 85 staff, shared confidential records, wireless consultation tablets and an online booking service. Discuss a network design. Include LAN/WAN structure, hardware, client-server/peer-to-peer choice, security threats/controls and resilience. Reach a supported judgement.
Apply accurate knowledge to the stated constraints and weigh costs/limitations.
Students type their answer here.
Review your responses
Check every response against its command word and the supplied constraints. Strengthen unsupported assertions with an accurate mechanism and a contextual consequence before submitting.