A school has computers in every classroom.
Define the term 'local area network (LAN)'.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:
- A network that covers a small geographical area / is on a single site / is within one building (1)
- (Two or more) computers/devices connected together (1)
- So that the connected devices can share data/files/resources such as printers or an internet connection (1)
- Uses cabling/infrastructure owned by the organisation (1)
Do not accept a network that covers a large geographical area / connects networks in different countries, as this describes a WAN.
Do not accept 'a network in a school' on its own, as this repeats the stem without a LAN feature such as a single site or connected devices.
Do not accept 'a network that connects to the internet' without a LAN feature such as a single site or connected devices.
Do not accept 'owned by one organisation' on its own, as a WAN can also be owned by one organisation.
Do not accept 'local' on its own without saying what it means.
The share mark needs the sharing to be linked to the connected devices/network, e.g. 'share files' or 'share printers'.
Example answers and how they were marked
A LAN is a group of computers connected together on one site, such as a school, so that they can share files and printers.
Why: Connected together (1) and single site (1); the sharing point is also made but the maximum is two marks.
A network that is in one building.
Why: Covers a single site/one building (1) but does not say that devices are connected together or what they share.
A network that covers a large area and connects different countries.
Why: Describes a WAN, not a LAN, so no creditworthy LAN point is made.