IBDP Computer Science : A2 Networks (SL/HL)

A2.1 Network fundamentals
A2.1.1 Describe the purpose and characteristics of networks.
• Networks: local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), virtual
private network (VPN)
A2.1.2 Describe the purpose, benefits and limitations of modern digital infrastructures.
• Modern digital infrastructure: the internet, cloud computing, distributed systems, edge computing,
mobile networks
• Examples where specific networks are used may include the worldwide web (WWW), cryptocurrency
blockchains, smart traffic lights, a school.
A2.1.3 Describe the function of network devices.
• Gateways, hardware firewalls, modems, network interface cards, routers, switches, wireless access
points
• How devices map to the layers of the TCP/IP model
A2.1.4 Describe the network protocols used for transport and application.
• Protocols: transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer
protocol (HTTP), hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS), dynamic host configuration protocol
(DHCP)