Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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 explanation such as:

• The router reads the destination IP address (1) so it knows which network/device the packet is for (1)
• The router looks up the destination IP address in its routing table (1) to find the next router/route for the packet (1)
• The router forwards the packet to the next router (1) that leads towards that IP address / is on the best route (1)

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

Do not accept MAC address - routers use the IP address to route packets between networks.

Do not accept 'it finds the exact device' without saying how the router uses the address, e.g. routing table/next router.

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

• The router reads/checks the destination (IP) address in the packet (1) so it can forward/send the packet towards that address/destination (1)
• The router looks up/compares the destination (IP) address (1) to choose the route/next network/next router for the packet (1)
• The router uses the destination (IP) address to choose/select the outgoing connection/network (1) so the packet is sent one step closer to its destination (1)

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

Do not accept a restatement of the question, such as 'the router uses the IP address to forward the packet', without saying how the address is used, e.g. checking the destination address or choosing the route/next network.

Do not accept answers that say the router gives/adds an IP address to the packet, or that the router uses a MAC address instead of the destination IP address.