TOK

Computer Networks are used by billions of people all over the world, with both positive and negative consequences.

Should we hold people responsible for the technologies they create?

Objectives - Topic 3

Students will be able to:

• 3.1.1 identify different types of network
• 3.1.2 outline the importance of standards in the construction of networks.
• 3.1.3 describe how communication over networks is broken down into different layers.
• 3.1.4 identify the technologies required to provide a VPN.
• 3.1.5 evaluate the use of a VPN.

protocols

A (network) protocol is an established set of rules which devices must follow in order to communicate across a network.

Some examples of protocols are:

• http, https : for communicating on the Internet
• smtp: for sending and receiving email
• tcp: for creating data packets to be transmitted

Peer-to-Peer Networks

 

Client/Server networks are extremely popular.

However, there is another popular network type that allows devices to share resources: peer-to-peer (p2p)

In this kind of network, every device is a client and every device is a server! There is no central server. It is known as a decentralised network.