Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• 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

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

• Bandwidth is the maximum amount/capacity of data that can be carried each second (1) so a higher bandwidth lets editors open the large video files from the server in less time (1)
• The bandwidth of the cable is set by the type/standard of cable used (1) so it limits how much of a large file can be sent in a given time (1)
• A higher bandwidth means the cable can be shared between more transfers at the same time (1) so several editors can open files from the server at once without their transfers slowing down (1)
• If the bandwidth is too low for the size of the files (1) the transfers take a long time and the editors have to wait for their files to open (1)

Allow 'capacity' for 'maximum amount of data'.

A description that only defines bandwidth earns a maximum of one mark.

Do not accept responses about the time a signal takes to travel (latency) or the distance a signal can reach (range).

Do not accept answers that say bandwidth is how fast the signal/data travels along the cable, that a higher bandwidth gives a faster internet connection, or that bandwidth is the number of cables in the network.

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

• (Twisted pair/copper) cable only carries data over a limited distance (about 100 metres) (1) so sensors further away need another switch/device to pass the data on to the farmhouse (1)
• Fibre optic cable can carry data over much longer distances (1) so wired connections can reach sensors across the whole farm (1)
• Data sent further than the cable's range is not received (1) so the computer in the farmhouse does not get readings from those sensors (1)
• A wireless connection can reach sensors that are out of range of the cables (1) so a mix of the two can give readings across the whole site (1)

Allow responses about signal weakening/being lost over a long cable.

Do not accept responses about bandwidth or speed, as range is about distance, not the amount or rate of data.

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

• Wireless signals can be blocked or absorbed by walls (1) so the data must be re-sent, which adds delay (1)
• A device further from the access point has a weaker signal (1) so data must be re-sent/transmitted at a lower rate, adding delay (1)
• Devices on a wireless network share a channel (1) so a device must wait its turn to transmit, which adds delay (1)
• Interference from other devices affects the radio signal (1) so data must be re-sent, adding delay (1)

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

Allow 'waiting to send' or 'collisions' as the delay caused by devices sharing a channel.

Do not accept 'wireless is slower than wired' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept a reason that only affects download speed/bandwidth (e.g. 'files take longer to download') without a link to delay.