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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 · 4 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markPacket Switching Swap Remove

Data is broken into packets and sent across the internet.

Identify the device that forwards a packet towards its destination.

[1 mark]
  • AHub
  • BRouter
  • CServer
  • DSwitch
Mark scheme
  • B Router (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is Router.
  • A is not correct because a hub sends the data it receives to every device on the network
  • C is not correct because a server provides services, such as web pages, to client computers
  • D is not correct because a switch forwards data between the devices on one network
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Router

Why: Selected the correct device: a router reads the destination IP address in each packet and forwards it towards its destination (1).

No marks0/1

D Switch

Why: A near miss: a switch forwards data between devices on one network, but it is a router that forwards packets between networks towards their destination, so no mark.

No marks0/1

A Hub

Why: Misconception from the examiners' reports: confusing LAN hardware with internet routing. A hub sends data to every device on the network and does not read IP addresses to forward packets, so no mark.

2Short recall1 markWired Connections Swap Remove

Wired connections have characteristics that affect network performance.

State what is meant by the range of a wired network connection.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • The maximum distance data/a signal can be transmitted before it becomes too weak to be received (1)

Allow 'how far a signal can travel'.

Do not accept the number of devices that can be connected to the network.

Do not accept the speed at which data is transmitted.

Do not accept bandwidth/the maximum capacity of a channel.

Do not accept latency/the delay between a signal being sent and received.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

The maximum distance a signal can be transmitted before it becomes too weak to be received.

Why: Gives the maximum distance a signal can be transmitted before it becomes too weak, which is the creditworthy point (1).

No marks0/1

The maximum capacity of the connection.

Why: This describes bandwidth, which the mark scheme says not to accept for range, so no mark.

No marks0/1

The delay between a signal being sent and received.

Why: This describes latency/delay, which the mark scheme says not to accept for range, so no mark.

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.

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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