Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• C 32 (1)
• The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is 32.
• A is not correct because 4 is the number of groups of numbers in an IPv4 address
• B is not correct because 8 is the number of bits in each group of an IPv4 address
• D is not correct because 128 is the number of bits in an IPv6 address

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

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

• Interference from other devices corrupts the wireless signal (1) so the data has to be resent, which increases the delay (1)
• Devices on a wireless network take turns to use the same channel/frequency (1) so a device may have to wait for the channel to be free before it can transmit, which adds to the delay (1)
• Data on a wireless connection must pass through the access point to reach the wired network (1) so the extra processing/conversion at the access point adds a delay (1)

Do not accept responses that only state that a wireless connection is slower/less reliable than a wired connection, without explaining how this adds latency.

Do not accept 'data is sent through the air' on its own, as this does not explain why latency is higher.

Do not accept responses about bandwidth or speed on their own.

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

• Wireless signals can be blocked or absorbed by walls (1) so the data must be re-sent, which adds delay (1)
• A device further from the access point has a weaker signal (1) so data must be re-sent/transmitted at a lower rate, adding delay (1)
• Devices on a wireless network share a channel (1) so a device must wait its turn to transmit, which adds delay (1)
• Interference from other devices affects the radio signal (1) so data must be re-sent, adding delay (1)

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

Allow 'waiting to send' or 'collisions' as the delay caused by devices sharing a channel.

Do not accept 'wireless is slower than wired' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept a reason that only affects download speed/bandwidth (e.g. 'files take longer to download') without a link to delay.