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 up to two marks for a linked description such as:

• The further a device is from the wireless access point (1) the weaker the signal becomes (1)
• A device outside the range of an access point (1) cannot connect to the network / loses its connection (1)
• Walls and other obstacles reduce the range of the signal (1) so some areas of a building have a poor or no connection (1)
• A wireless network with a greater range (1) allows devices to connect from further away (1)

Do not accept responses that only state that range is measured in metres or give a definition of range, as these do not describe an effect on performance.

Do not accept responses about the number of devices or interference unless they are linked to range.

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

• A LAN covers a small geographical area (1) because all the charity's computers are in one building/on one site (1)
• The charity can use its own cabling/equipment (1) so it does not need to rent leased lines from a telecoms provider (1)
• The charity owns the infrastructure (1) so it avoids the cost of leased lines/external connections that a WAN needs (1)
• The devices are close together (1) so the LAN can use short, high-speed cabling (1)

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

Do not accept 'it is faster/better/cheaper' on its own without a linked reason (e.g. short distance, own cabling, no leased lines).

Allow 'the LAN is private/secure' only with a linked reason such as the charity controls its own equipment.

Do not accept 'a LAN is local' or 'a WAN is too far/expensive' without a linked reason about the small area or leased lines.

Do not accept 'the computers are in one building/on one site' on its own because it repeats the stem; it must be linked to a reason such as a LAN covering a small geographical area.

Do not accept 'stronger Wi-Fi/signal' as a reason.

Do not accept 'can share files/printers' on its own because this is a reason for any network, not for choosing a LAN over a WAN.