This key facts covers Layer 1: Link Layer (Network Access) within TCP/IP Layers for GCSE Computer Science. Revise TCP/IP Layers in 3.5 Fundamentals of Computer Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 16 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 11 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Layer 1: Link Layer (Network Access)
What happens here: Physical transmission of data over network hardware.
- Purpose: Physical transmission over network medium (cables, WiFi)
- Protocols: Ethernet, WiFi (802.11)
- MAC addresses: Physical hardware addresses (AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF)
- Hardware: NICs, switches, cables, wireless access points
- Data format: Frames (with source and destination MAC addresses)
Practice questions for TCP/IP Layers
How many layers does the TCP/IP model have?
Describe what the Internet layer does in the TCP/IP model.