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:

• Data can avoid a busy/congested link (1) because the router can choose another path (1)
• Data can still arrive if a link fails (1) because the router sends it another way (1)
• Data can take the shortest/fastest path (1) because the router compares the routes and chooses the one with the fewest hops/least traffic (1)

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

Allow other valid benefits with a linked reason, e.g. traffic can be shared across routes/load balanced (1) because the router can send some packets by another path (1)

Do not accept 'the route is always the same' as this is not a benefit of choosing a route.

Do not accept 'routers are fast' or 'packets are sent faster' on its own: the reason must say how the route is chosen, e.g. avoiding congestion or using a routing table.

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.