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🌐 Paper 1 · Topic 4: Networks
4.1e Network Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS & FTP
Edexcel 1CP2 · GCSE Computer Science · ~13 min read · 🔒 Pro
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What is a Protocol?

A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received across a network. Protocols ensure that different devices can communicate with each other, even if they are made by different manufacturers.

TCP/IP

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is the foundational protocol suite of the internet. It consists of two key protocols working together:

ProtocolFunction
IP (Internet Protocol)Assigns IP addresses to devices and handles the routing of data packets across networks. Each packet may take a different route.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)Breaks data into packets, sends them, ensures they all arrive (requests retransmission if lost), and reassembles them in the correct order.

TCP/IP is used for virtually all internet communication.

HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the protocol used for transmitting web pages over the internet.

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the encrypted version of HTTP using SSL/TLS encryption.

FeatureHTTPHTTPS
Stands forHyperText Transfer ProtocolHyperText Transfer Protocol Secure
EncryptionNo — data sent in plain textYes — SSL/TLS encrypted
SecurityInsecure — data can be interceptedSecure — data is encrypted in transit
Use caseNon-sensitive web pagesLogin pages, online banking, shopping
URL prefixhttp://https://
Browser indicatorNo padlockPadlock icon shown

FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer files between a client and a server over a network.

  • Used by web developers to upload files to web servers
  • Also used to download files from servers
  • Can be used to access, download and upload files from a remote server
  • FTP requires authentication (username and password)
  • Standard FTP transmits data in plain text (not encrypted) — SFTP (Secure FTP) adds encryption

Protocol Summary Table

ProtocolFull namePurpose
TCP/IPTransmission Control Protocol / Internet ProtocolFoundation of internet communication — routing data packets
HTTPHyperText Transfer ProtocolTransferring web pages (unencrypted)
HTTPSHyperText Transfer Protocol SecureTransferring web pages (encrypted)
FTPFile Transfer ProtocolTransferring files between client and server
Exam tip: Know what each abbreviation stands for and what each protocol does. HTTPS vs HTTP is very common — key point: HTTPS uses SSL/TLS encryption; HTTP does not. FTP is specifically for file transfer, not web browsing.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
  • Saying HTTP is "secure" — it is NOT. Only HTTPS is secure (encrypted)
  • Confusing FTP (file transfer) with HTTP (web pages)
  • Not knowing what SSL/TLS is — it's the encryption protocol used by HTTPS
  • Thinking TCP and IP are the same thing — TCP handles packet delivery; IP handles addressing and routing
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Worksheet — 4.1e Network Protocols

8 Edexcel-style questions · AI-marked

Q1What is a network protocol?[1]
✅ Mark scheme
A protocol is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received across a network, allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate [1].
Q2Explain the roles of TCP and IP in internet communication.[4]
✅ Mark scheme
IP (Internet Protocol) assigns unique IP addresses to devices and handles the routing of data packets across networks [1]; each packet may travel a different route [1]; TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) breaks data into packets [1]; ensures all packets arrive and are reassembled in the correct order, requesting retransmission of lost packets [1].
Q3State the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
HTTP transfers web pages without encryption — data is sent in plain text [1]; HTTPS uses SSL/TLS encryption to secure the data in transit, preventing it from being intercepted and read [1].
Q4Give two situations where HTTPS should always be used instead of HTTP.[2]
✅ Mark scheme
Any two from: online banking/financial transactions [1]; login pages (entering passwords) [1]; online shopping/entering credit card details [1]; any situation where personal/sensitive data is transmitted [1].
Q5What does FTP stand for and what is it used for?[2]
✅ Mark scheme
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol [1]; it is used to transfer files between a client and a server over a network, e.g. web developers uploading files to a web server [1].
Q6A website uses HTTP instead of HTTPS. State one security risk this creates.[1]
✅ Mark scheme
Data is transmitted in plain text and can be intercepted and read by a third party/hacker [1].
Q7What encryption technology does HTTPS use to secure data?[1]
✅ Mark scheme
HTTPS uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) / TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption [1].
Q8Why are protocols needed in networks?[2]
✅ Mark scheme
Protocols ensure that devices made by different manufacturers can communicate with each other [1]; without agreed rules, devices would not know how to format, send, or interpret data correctly [1].
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Mini Test — Network Protocols

Timed exam-style test.

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