The Internet

    AQA
    GCSE

    The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is distinct from the World Wide Web, functioning as the underlying infrastructure that carries various information resources and services. Key mechanisms include packet switching for data transmission, the Domain Name System (DNS) for address resolution, and the use of routers to direct traffic across disparate networks. Mastery requires understanding the four-layer TCP/IP model and the specific roles of protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SMTP.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award 1 mark for stating that DNS servers map domain names (URLs) to IP addresses
    • Credit responses that explain packet switching: data is split into packets, each given a sequence number and destination address
    • Award marks for identifying the correct order of the AQA-specified TCP/IP stack: Application, Transport, Internet, Link
    • Candidates must link 'Cloud storage' to remote servers accessed via the Internet, rather than vague references to 'online space'
    • Award 1 mark for distinguishing that TCP handles error checking and reassembly, while IP handles addressing and routing

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award 1 mark for stating that DNS servers map domain names (URLs) to IP addresses
    • Credit responses that explain packet switching: data is split into packets, each given a sequence number and destination address
    • Award marks for identifying the correct order of the AQA-specified TCP/IP stack: Application, Transport, Internet, Link
    • Candidates must link 'Cloud storage' to remote servers accessed via the Internet, rather than vague references to 'online space'
    • Award 1 mark for distinguishing that TCP handles error checking and reassembly, while IP handles addressing and routing

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Memorise the specific AQA 4-layer TCP/IP names: Application, Transport, Internet, Link. Do not use 7-layer OSI terms.
    • 💡When describing DNS, ensure you include the final step: the browser sends a request to the IP address *after* the DNS server returns it.
    • 💡For protocol questions, explicitly state what the acronym stands for (e.g., 'File Transfer Protocol') before describing its function to ensure AO1 credit.
    • 💡In 'Compare' questions (e.g., POP vs IMAP), ensure you make direct comparisons rather than two separate descriptions.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Using OSI model layer names (e.g., 'Network' or 'Physical') instead of the AQA-required 'Internet' and 'Link' layers
    • Stating that DNS converts the URL to an IP address without mentioning that the IP is returned to the browser to initiate the connection
    • Confusing the World Wide Web (web pages/content) with the Internet (global network of interconnected networks)
    • Mixing up the functions of POP (downloads and deletes) and IMAP (syncs and keeps on server)

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    State
    Explain
    Describe
    Compare
    Calculate

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