Menu

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.

Build a paper

Topics (none ticked: all of them)
Question types (none ticked: all of them)

Practice paper

3 questions · 5 marks

Pick again
Print
1Multiple choice1 markWireless Connections Swap Remove

A wireless network can use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band.

Identify the advantage of using the 5 GHz band instead of the 2.4 GHz band.

[1 mark]
  • AGreater range
  • BHigher data transfer speed
  • CMore able to pass through walls
  • DUses less bandwidth
Mark scheme
  • B Higher data transfer speed (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is higher data transfer speed.
  • A is not correct because the 2.4 GHz band has the greater range
  • C is not correct because the 2.4 GHz band passes through walls more easily
  • D is not correct because the 5 GHz band does not use less bandwidth
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Higher data transfer speed

Why: Correct advantage: 5 GHz gives higher data transfer rates (1).

No marks0/1

A Greater range

Why: Greater range is a feature of the 2.4 GHz band, not an advantage of 5 GHz; no mark.

No marks0/1

C More able to pass through walls

Why: 5 GHz signals are less able to pass through walls than 2.4 GHz signals; no mark.

2Describe2 marksAddressing Swap Remove

Devices on a network use IP addresses.

Describe the purpose of an IP address.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Identifies a device on a network (1) so data can be sent to the correct device (1)
  • Gives a device a unique address (1) so packets can be routed to it across the internet (1)
  • Identifies a device on the internet (1) so it can send/receive data to/from other devices (1)

Allow 'unique' only where it is linked to identifying the device or to routing data; 'unique' on its own is not creditworthy.

Do not accept answers that only say it connects a device to the internet.

Do not accept a MAC address as the purpose of an IP address.

Do not accept domain names/web addresses (e.g. google.co.uk) as an IP address.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network so that data packets can be delivered to the correct destination.

Why: Linked point (1): identifies a device on a network; development (1): so data can be sent to the correct device.

Some marks1/2

It identifies a device on a network.

Why: Point only (1): identifies a device on a network; no linked development.

No marks0/2

It is a website address, such as google.co.uk, that the browser uses to find a web page.

Why: No creditworthy point: gives a domain name/web address, which the mark scheme says not to accept as an IP address.

3Describe2 marksWireless Connections Swap Remove

A family uses a wireless network at home.

Describe how interference can affect the performance of a wireless network.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Other electrical/radio devices nearby (1) interfere with the wireless signal so data is corrupted (1)
  • Interference corrupts data (1) so the data has to be resent, which increases latency/slows the transfer (1)
  • Interference reduces the strength of the signal received (1) which lowers the data transfer rate the connection can support (1)
  • Interference makes the connection drop (1) so data transfer stops/devices have to reconnect (1)

Do not accept responses that only name a device (microwave, phone) without saying how it affects the network.

Do not accept responses that only state the network becomes slower without saying what causes the interference or how it affects the data.

Do not accept responses about wired connections or cables.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Other electrical devices nearby can interfere with the wireless signal and corrupt data, so the data has to be resent and transfers are slower.

Why: Linked point: other electrical devices interfere and corrupt data (1), developed by the data being resent, which slows the transfer (1).

Some marks1/2

Other electrical devices nearby can interfere with the wireless signal.

Why: Cause given: other electrical devices interfere with the signal (1), but no development of how this affects the data or performance.

No marks0/2

Interference happens when the wireless cable is damaged by other cables.

Why: Misconception about cables; the mark scheme does not accept responses about wired connections or cables.

Questions by topic

More ways to revise Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2)

Teachers: build a paper, print it with the mark schemes at the end, and sign your school up to set your classes activities on every topic.

Fetch Decode Explain isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel.