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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 exam-style questions, each with its mark scheme and example answers. Print it, or answer it on paper and then open the mark schemes. Or browse the questions by topic.

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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markAddressing Swap Remove

Data is sent across the internet in packets.

Identify the device that uses IP addresses to forward packets from one network to another.

[1 mark]
  • AHub
  • BNetwork interface card
  • CRouter
  • DSwitch
Mark scheme
  • C Router (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is router.
  • A is not correct because a hub sends data to every device on the network
  • B is not correct because a network interface card connects a device to a network
  • D is not correct because a switch forwards data within a single network using MAC addresses
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C Router

Why: Correct option (1): a router uses IP addresses to forward packets between networks.

No marks0/1

D Switch

Why: A switch forwards data within one network using MAC addresses, not between networks (mark scheme line D), so no mark.

No marks0/1

A Hub

Why: A hub only sends data to every device on the network (mark scheme line A), so no mark.

2Short recall2 marksWired Connections Swap Remove

A school connects its desktop computers to the network using cables.

Give two reasons why the wired connections give better network performance than the wireless connections.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

  • Faster transmission speed (1)
  • Higher bandwidth (1)
  • Lower latency (1)
  • Not affected by interference (from other devices/walls) (1)
  • No blind spots/not affected by distance from the wireless access point (1)

Do not accept benefits of wireless connections, e.g. users can move around the building with their devices

Do not accept 'easier to set up' or 'does not need a password' as these are not about network performance

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The wired connection is not affected by interference from other devices, and it has a lower latency than Wi-Fi.

Why: Interference point (1) and lower latency point (1).

Some marks1/2

It has a faster transmission speed and the users can move around the building with their computers.

Why: Faster transmission speed (1); moving around is a benefit of wireless, so is not credited.

No marks0/2

It is easier to set up the network and the users do not need a password.

Why: Neither point is about network performance; the mark scheme does not accept 'easier to set up' or password points, so no marks.

3Describe2 marksAddressing Swap Remove

A laptop is used at home and then taken on holiday.

Describe how the laptop's IP address can change.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

  • The IP address belongs to the network/router the device is connected to (1) so a different network/router gives it a new address (1)
  • Home routers may use dynamic IP addresses (1) which can change when the router reconnects (1)
  • The ISP assigns the IP address (1) and may give a different one at a new location/connection (1)

Do not accept answers that only say the laptop has moved.

Do not accept the MAC address changes.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The IP address is assigned by the router on the network it connects to, so when the laptop joins a different network on holiday it is given a new address.

Why: Linked point (1): IP address belongs to the connected network/router; development (1): a different network gives it a new address.

Some marks1/2

The IP address can change because it is dynamic.

Why: Point only (1): home routers may use dynamic IP addresses; the linked development about reconnecting is missing.

No marks0/2

The laptop's MAC address changes when it connects to a different network, so its IP address changes too.

Why: No creditworthy point: says the MAC address changes, which the mark scheme says not to accept.

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