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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 6 marks

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1Short recall2 marksNetwork Speed Swap Remove

Networks transmit files between devices.

State two pieces of information needed to calculate the time taken to transmit a file across a network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The size of the file / amount of data to be transmitted (1)
  • The file size in bits/bytes/MB/GB (1)
  • The transmission rate / speed of the network (1)
  • The bit rate / number of bits per second (1)
  • The network speed / connection speed (1)

Award a maximum of one mark for the file size/amount of data and a maximum of one mark for the transmission rate/speed/bit rate.

Do not accept bandwidth on its own.

Do not accept the time taken, as this is what is being calculated.

Do not accept latency (it is a delay, not a transmission rate).

Do not accept a conversion factor such as 8 bits per byte as one of the two pieces.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The size of the file and the transmission rate of the network

Why: File size/amount of data (1) and transmission rate/speed of the network (1).

Some marks1/2

The size of the file and the time taken

Why: File size (1); time taken is what is being calculated and is not accepted (0).

No marks0/2

The bandwidth and the latency

Why: Bandwidth is not accepted on its own (0); latency is a delay, not a transmission rate (0).

2Explain2 marksProtocols & Layers Swap Remove

The TCP/IP model has four layers.

Explain one function of the transport layer when a file is sent over a network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Splits the data/file into packets (1) so each packet can be sent separately across the network (1)
  • Adds a packet/sequence number to each packet (1) so the packets can be put back into the correct order at the destination (1)
  • Detects lost/missing packets (1) so they can be requested/resent (1)
  • Creates a connection between the two computers/hosts (1) before the file is sent (1)

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

Allow 'segments' for 'packets' (TCP divides the data into segments, which become packets at the internet layer).

Do not accept 'sends the data/file' on its own without saying what the transport layer does to the data.

Do not accept naming TCP or a port number on its own without expansion.

Do not accept routing/addressing packets using IP addresses, which is the internet layer.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The transport layer splits the data into packets so each packet can be sent separately across the network.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): splitting into packets lets each one be sent separately.

Some marks1/2

It splits the data into packets.

Why: Point (1) identified, but no linked reason given, so only the first mark is awarded.

No marks0/2

It routes the packets using IP addresses so they reach the right destination.

Why: Routing using IP addresses is the internet layer, not the transport layer, so no credit is given.

3Explain2 marksWireless Connections Swap Remove

A library has one wireless access point fixed at one end of the building.

Explain one effect of the range of the wireless access point on the performance of the wireless network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Devices near the edge/limit of the range receive a weaker signal/lower signal strength (1) so data is transferred more slowly/the connection speed/bandwidth is lower (1)
  • Devices near the edge/limit of the range receive a weaker signal/lower signal strength (1) so latency increases (1)
  • Devices outside the range cannot connect to the access point (1) so users in that area cannot use the network/access its resources (1)
  • A device that moves out of range loses its connection (1) so the user's work is interrupted until it is back in range (1)

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

For the second mark, the reason must state the effect on the user/network (e.g. cannot use the network/access resources, slower speed, higher latency), not just repeat that the device is out of range.

Do not accept a definition of range on its own (e.g. 'range is how far the signal reaches') without an effect on performance.

Do not accept 'a larger range means more devices can connect' (range is not about the number of devices/capacity).

Do not accept range confused with bandwidth/speed, e.g. 'range is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred'.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

A device at the edge of the range has a weak signal, so its connection speed is slower.

Why: Linked point (1): weak signal at the edge of the range; reason (1): connection speed is slower.

Some marks1/2

Devices outside the range cannot connect to the network.

Why: Point only (1): outside the range a device cannot connect. No linked reason about the effect on use/performance.

No marks0/2

Range is the distance that a wireless signal can travel.

Why: A definition of range, not an effect on performance; the mark scheme says not to accept this on its own.

Questions by topic

2.1 Binary

Build a paper on this topic 58
Adding Binary Numbers 6 questions Binary and Hexadecimal Basics 10 questions Binary Shifts 6 questions Binary to Denary Conversion 6 questions Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Binary Conversion 6 questions Denary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Negative Binary Conversion 6 questions Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion 6 questions

2.2 Data representation

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Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

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Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

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Embedded Systems 17 questions Fetch Decode Execute Cycle 15 questions Primary Memory 15 questions Secondary Memory 15 questions Stored Program Computers 15 questions

3.2 Software

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File Management 18 questions Memory Management 16 questions Peripheral Management 11 questions Process Management 12 questions Purpose & Function of Operating Systems 17 questions Software Basics 13 questions User Management 18 questions Utility Software 19 questions

3.3 Programming languages

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Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

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Addressing 16 questions LANs & WANs 16 questions Network Speed 5 questions Packet Switching 16 questions Protocols & Layers 17 questions The Internet 16 questions Topologies 17 questions Wired Connections 17 questions Wireless Connections 18 questions

4.2 Network security

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Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

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E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

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Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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