Developing a network with complex techniques (internal)
Internal 4 credits IP addressing OSI model Protocols Network security Informed & refinedThe internal builds and documents a network using complex techniques — addressing, protocols, testing and security. Achieved DEVELOPS the network; Merit develops an INFORMED one — explaining the OSI model and layer impact, using diagnostic results to improve it, explaining component behaviour; Excellence develops a REFINED one — independently and accurately configured to meet end-user requirements, with components justified.
1 Reading the notation
The achieved/informed/refined ladder, in the standard's own words.📖 Terms the schedule grades you on
3 terms- Develop a network (Achieved)
- Explain networking concepts; install/configure hardware and software with appropriate tools/protocols; test, diagnose and troubleshoot; investigate components; address implications.
- Develop an informed network (Merit)
- Explain the OSI model and the impact of layers in the design; use diagnostic information to improve quality; explain component purpose/function/behaviour.
- Develop a refined network (Excellence)
- Independently and accurately configure to meet end-user requirements; justify the selection of parts and components.
2 Networking concepts: the OSI model
Named explicitly as a Merit-level requirement — connect it to YOUR network, not just the textbook list.The seven layers, in order
- 7 Application — the software the user interacts with.
- 6 Presentation — data formatting, encryption.
- 5 Session — managing the connection's duration.
- 4 Transport — TCP/UDP, reliable vs fast delivery.
- 3 Network — IP addressing and routing.
- 2 Data Link — MAC addresses, switches.
- 1 Physical — cables, radio signals, connectors.
3 IP addressing and name resolution
Subnetting, DHCP and DNS — the everyday building blocks. ✕A device that other devices connect to by address, left on DHCP
A printer, server or piece of network equipment that other devices connect to BY ADDRESS needs a static or reserved address. Left on a normal DHCP lease, its address can change and break every saved connection to it.4 Protocols and security
Name specific protocols; layer specific security measures.Standard-named protocol examples
- SMB — file and printer sharing.
- NTP — time synchronisation.
- DNS — name resolution.
- IPv4/IPv6 — addressing.
- ICMP — diagnostics (ping, traceroute).
5 Testing and documenting the network
Prove permitted traffic works AND blocked traffic fails.What the evidence has to show
- A topology diagram with devices, links and subnets labelled.
- An addressing plan: subnets, masks, gateway, static reservations.
- Test results showing permitted traffic works AND blocked traffic fails.
- Documentation another person could use to rebuild or troubleshoot it.
Practice
Recall it first, then use it — testing yourself builds the memory, where rereading the notes above only feels easier.
Recall and application shuffled together — you have to work out what each item wants before you can answer it, which is the part the exam actually tests. Both kinds feed the same spacing schedule, so anything you miss comes back sooner.
Say the answer out loud before flipping — that attempt is where the learning happens, even when you get it wrong.
Exam-style only. Instant feedback, shuffled each attempt, best score saved on this device.