A-LevelComputer ScienceCommunication and internet technologies9618/32 · May/June 2024 · Q27 Marks

Outline why protocols are essential for communication between computers.

(a)Outline why protocols are essential for communication between computers.[2]
(b)State the names of two different protocols associated with the sending and receiving of emails between computers. Sending Receiving[2]
(c)Explain the meaning of the phrase: BitTorrent protocol provides peer-to-peer file sharing.[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[2] MP1 Protocols provide a standard set of rules that enables successful data transfer between devices.
[2] MP2 Allows communication between devices on different platforms.
[2] MP3 Makes communications independent of software and hardware.
[2] MP1 Sending - SMTP
[2] MP2 Receiving - POP3 // IMAP // Post Office Protocol 3
[3] MP1 BitTorrent allows the sharing of files between thousands of users who are connected together over the internet.
[3] MP2 It allows more users to share files with each other than would be the case with a peer-to-peer network.
[3] MP3 Users share files directly with each other // the users' computers are acting as peers
[3] MP4 no web server / central device is used // all users are of equal status.

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