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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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1Short 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.

2Short recall2 marksWired Connections Swap Remove

A company can choose between two wired connections. Connection B has a higher bandwidth than connection A.

Give two benefits to the company of choosing connection B.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Files/data download/upload more quickly (1)
  • More employees can use the connection at the same time without it slowing down (1)
  • Web pages/streamed video load more quickly with less buffering (1)
  • Video calls/conferencing run at a higher quality (1)
  • Updates/backups can be completed in less time (1)

Allow 'multiple users' or 'more devices' for the shared-use point

Allow 'video streams more quickly' or 'less buffering' on their own

Do not accept lower latency, as a higher bandwidth does not reduce latency

Do not accept 'more data can be transferred per second' or 'a bigger bandwidth', as these repeat what bandwidth is

Do not accept 'more reliable' on its own, as a higher bandwidth does not make a wired connection more reliable

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Files will download more quickly, and more employees can use the internet at the same time without the connection slowing down.

Why: Files download more quickly (1) and more users without slowdown (1).

Some marks1/2

Web pages will load faster and the connection will have a longer range.

Why: Web pages load faster (1); the range of a connection is not increased by bandwidth, so that point is not credited.

No marks0/2

The connection will be more reliable because it has a bigger bandwidth.

Why: 'More reliable' is not credited on its own and 'bigger bandwidth' repeats the question, so no marks.

3Describe2 marksLANs & WANs Swap Remove

A dental practice has five computers in one building. The computers are connected in a local area network (LAN).

Describe one feature of a LAN that makes it suitable for the dental practice.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Covers a small geographical area/one building/site (1) so all the computers can be connected on the same network (1)
  • The devices are close together (1) so short cables can be used to connect them (1)
  • Uses the practice's own cabling/equipment (1) so no leased lines/third-party provider are needed (1)

A feature on its own (e.g. 'A LAN covers a small area') earns the first mark only.

Award the second mark only where the feature is linked to why it suits the dental practice.

Do not accept 'A LAN is cheap' or 'A LAN is quick to set up' unless linked to the single site/close devices.

Do not accept a response that says a LAN is fast/secure without a linked statement about the site or the distance between devices.

Do not accept responses that only describe sharing printers/files without linking this to the single site.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The computers are all in one building, so the practice can connect them all on the same network.

Why: One building/site (1) linked to connecting all the computers on the same network (1).

Some marks1/2

A LAN covers a small area.

Why: Correct feature (1) but no linked development to suitability.

No marks0/2

A LAN is a fast network that does not get viruses.

Why: Speed and security are not accepted without a link to the single site or distance between devices; no creditworthy point.

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