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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

Every device that connects to the internet is given an IP address.

Identify the number of bits in an IPv4 address.

[1 mark]
  • A4
  • B8
  • C32
  • D128
Mark scheme
  • 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
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C 32

Why: Correct option (1): an IPv4 address is 32 bits long.

No marks0/1

B 8

Why: 8 is the number of bits in one group of an IPv4 address, not the whole address (mark scheme line B), so no mark.

No marks0/1

D 128

Why: 128 is the length of an IPv6 address, not an IPv4 address (mark scheme line D), so no mark.

2Describe2 marksWireless Connections Swap Remove

A family uses a wireless network at home.

Describe how interference can affect the performance of a wireless network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Other electrical/radio devices nearby (1) interfere with the wireless signal so data is corrupted (1)
  • Interference corrupts data (1) so the data has to be resent, which increases latency/slows the transfer (1)
  • Interference reduces the strength of the signal received (1) which lowers the data transfer rate the connection can support (1)
  • Interference makes the connection drop (1) so data transfer stops/devices have to reconnect (1)

Do not accept responses that only name a device (microwave, phone) without saying how it affects the network.

Do not accept responses that only state the network becomes slower without saying what causes the interference or how it affects the data.

Do not accept responses about wired connections or cables.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Other electrical devices nearby can interfere with the wireless signal and corrupt data, so the data has to be resent and transfers are slower.

Why: Linked point: other electrical devices interfere and corrupt data (1), developed by the data being resent, which slows the transfer (1).

Some marks1/2

Other electrical devices nearby can interfere with the wireless signal.

Why: Cause given: other electrical devices interfere with the signal (1), but no development of how this affects the data or performance.

No marks0/2

Interference happens when the wireless cable is damaged by other cables.

Why: Misconception about cables; the mark scheme does not accept responses about wired connections or cables.

3Explain2 marksAddressing Swap Remove

The internet is moving from IPv4 addresses to IPv6 addresses.

Explain why IPv6 addresses are needed.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • IPv4 addresses are 32-bit (1) so there are only about 4 billion of them/not enough for every device (1)
  • More devices are connecting to the internet than IPv4 can address (1) so a larger range of addresses is needed (1)
  • IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (1) so far more devices can be given an address (1)

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

Do not accept 'IPv6 is newer/better/faster/more secure' without a link to the number of addresses available.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

IPv4 addresses are only 32 bits long, so there are not enough of them for all the devices that now connect to the internet.

Why: Point that IPv4 addresses are 32-bit (1) and linked reason that this limits the number of addresses below the number of devices (1).

Some marks1/2

Because we have run out of IPv4 addresses.

Why: A valid point (1) but no linked reason about why IPv4 addresses are limited, such as the 32-bit size or the number of devices.

No marks0/2

Because IPv6 is newer and more secure than IPv4.

Why: No link to the number of addresses available; the mark scheme says not to accept newer/better/more secure on its own.

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