Communication and internet technologies: past paper questions
Real questions on communication and internet technologies
The newest 20 of 33 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9618/31 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[2]
Explain why protocols are essential for communication between computer systems.
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[4]
POP3 is an email communication protocol. Identify and describe two other communication protocols that are used when sending or receiving emails. Protocol Description Description Protocol
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[4]
Describe two ways in which packet switching ensures a complete message is received when passing messages across a network.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q3[4]
Describe how packet switching is used to pass messages across a network. Do not include checking for completeness and resending packets in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · October/November 2025 · Q4[6]
Identify and describe three protocols that are used in the Application Layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite. Protocol Description Protocol Description Protocol Description
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · May/June 2025 · Q4[4]
Circuit switching may be used as a method of data transmission. State two benefits and two drawbacks of circuit switching. Benefit Benefit Drawback Drawback
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2024 · Q5a[4]
Name and describe two protocols used by the Application Layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite. Protocol Description Protocol Description
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2024 · Q5b[3]
Explain the purpose and function of the Application Layer in the TCP/IP protocol suite.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · May/June 2024 · Q5a(i)[1]
Define the term private cloud.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · May/June 2024 · Q5a(ii)[3]
Describe the benefits to the company of using private cloud storage instead of public cloud storage.
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[2]
Complete the diagram to show the correct order for these layers.
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[2]
Describe the function of the Transport layer.
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[2]
Outline one protocol that is associated with the Application layer.
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[2]
Outline why protocols are essential for communication between computers.
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[2]
State the names of two different protocols associated with the sending and receiving of emails between computers. Sending Receiving
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[3]
Explain the meaning of the phrase: BitTorrent protocol provides peer-to-peer file sharing.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[2]
Complete the diagram to show the correct order for these layers.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[2]
Describe the function of the Transport layer.
See it on the paper → - 9618/33 · May/June 2024 · Q2c[2]
Outline one protocol that is associated with the Application layer.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · October/November 2023 · Q7a[3]
Describe the principal operations of a 3D printer.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
There were some excellent complete answers to this question describing various 3D printing techniques.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/11 Q7(a) (Cambridge)
This question was generally answered well. Many candidates were able to say something about overheating of either the printer or the material being used. Some candidates found it more challenging to describe the purpose of the sensor in greater detail required.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/11 Q7(b) (Cambridge)
Candidates generally found this question challenging. The paragraph to be completed described how protocol implementation can be viewed as a stack, where each layer has its own functionality. The completed paragraph is: The protocols in a stack determine the interconnectivity rules for a layered network model such as the TCP/IP model.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/32 Q4 (Cambridge)
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