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Year 7

Protocols and IP addresses

I can explain how devices on a computer network use protocols to communicate.

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Year 7

Protocols and IP addresses

I can explain how devices on a computer network use protocols to communicate.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Protocols are sets of rules that are followed to allow communication to take place.
  2. IP adresses are given to devices on a local network.
  3. IP addresses need to be unique on the same network.
  4. The IP addresses of both the receiver and sender need be added to every network message.

Keywords

  • Network - a group of devices connected together, wirelessly or using cables, to enable communication

  • Protocol - a set of rules used to allow devices to communicate with each other

  • IP address - a unique identifier, such as 192.168.4.8, that is assigned to a networked device

Common misconception

Computers only need protocols when sending emails or accessing websites.

Protocols are essential for all sorts of activities, not just email or browsing websites. Protocols are also needed for streaming movies, playing online games, making video calls, etc. Anything being sent across a network needs to follow a protocol.


To help you plan your year 7 computing lesson on: Protocols and IP addresses, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Discuss how protocols are used in everyday communication, such as traffic lights, phone calls or even raising your hand in class. This helps students connect the concept to familiar experiences and understand the importance of protocols in various contexts.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main purpose of a computer network?
Correct answer: to allow computers to communicate and share resources
to prevent computers from being used
to make computers run faster
to store files on a single computer
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of a device that can be shared on a computer network?
keyboard
mouse
Correct answer: printer
monitor
Q3.
Which of these describes a computer network?
a single computer not connected to any other devices
Correct answer: a group of devices that can communicate with each other
a type of software application
a device that connects to the internet
Q4.
Which type of cable uses light pulses to transmit data?
Ethernet cable
Correct answer: fibre-optic cable
USB cable
power cable
Q5.
Arrange the following steps in the order they would typically occur when sending an email, starting with the first step.
1 - The sender composes the message and enters the recipient's email address.
2 - The sender clicks the "Send" button.
3 - The email server checks if the recipient's address is correct.
4 - The email is delivered to the recipient's inbox.
Q6.
Match each network hardware component to its description.
Correct Answer:router,directs data between different networks
tick

directs data between different networks

Correct Answer:server,provides services to other devices on the network
tick

provides services to other devices on the network

Correct Answer:client,requests services from a server
tick

requests services from a server

Correct Answer:network cable,physically connects devices in a wired network
tick

physically connects devices in a wired network

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a network protocol?
a type of hardware used to connect devices
Correct answer: a set of rules that allows devices to communicate
a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network
a physical device that connects computers
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of a protocol used for email communication?
Correct answer: an email address must have a single "@" symbol
the use of a password to protect an email account
the ability to attach files to an email
the option to forward an email to someone else
Q3.
What could happen if a website address doesn't follow the correct protocol?
Correct answer: the web page will not load
the website will be slower to load
the user will be unable to access the internet
the user's computer might be infected with a virus
Q4.
What is the main reason why computers need protocols when communicating over a network?
to prevent data from being transmitted too quickly
Correct answer: to ensure that data is sent to the correct device in the correct format
to allow users to access websites without an internet connection
to enable communication between devices that use different operating systems
Q5.
What is an IP address?
a physical address where a device is located
Correct answer: a unique number assigned to a device on a network
a password used to protect a network
a type of cable used to connect devices
Q6.
Which of the following is a valid IP address format?
Correct answer: 192.168.25.1
192-168-25-1
192.168.25
192.168.25.256