International Baccalaureate IB Computer Science

Describe the purpose and characteristics of networks.
- Networks: local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), virtual private network (VPN).

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.

Gateways, hardware firewalls, modems, network interface cards, routers, switches, wireless access points.
- How devices map to the layers of the TCP/IP model.

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).

Describe the function of the TCP/IP model. (HL only)
- Application, transport, internet, network interface
- The role of each layer and the interaction between these layers to ensure reliable data transmission over a network