Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• 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

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

• Walls/obstacles between the device and the access point (1)
• Interference from other electrical devices/other devices/other wireless networks (1)
• Distance from the access point (1)
• Using a higher frequency band (e.g. 5GHz) (1)
• Low transmit power of the access point/device (1)

Allow thick walls/furniture for walls/obstacles

Do not accept using more bandwidth

Do not accept a weaker signal without a stated cause

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

• Data can avoid a busy/congested link (1) because the router can choose another path (1)
• Data can still arrive if a link fails (1) because the router sends it another way (1)
• Data can take the shortest/fastest path (1) because the router compares the routes and chooses the one with the fewest hops/least traffic (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Allow other valid benefits with a linked reason, e.g. traffic can be shared across routes/load balanced (1) because the router can send some packets by another path (1)

Do not accept 'the route is always the same' as this is not a benefit of choosing a route.

Do not accept 'routers are fast' or 'packets are sent faster' on its own: the reason must say how the route is chosen, e.g. avoiding congestion or using a routing table.