A library has one wireless access point fixed at one end of the building.
Explain one effect of the range of the wireless access point on the performance of the wireless network.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:
- Devices near the edge/limit of the range receive a weaker signal/lower signal strength (1) so data is transferred more slowly/the connection speed/bandwidth is lower (1)
- Devices near the edge/limit of the range receive a weaker signal/lower signal strength (1) so latency increases (1)
- Devices outside the range cannot connect to the access point (1) so users in that area cannot use the network/access its resources (1)
- A device that moves out of range loses its connection (1) so the user's work is interrupted until it is back in range (1)
For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.
For the second mark, the reason must state the effect on the user/network (e.g. cannot use the network/access resources, slower speed, higher latency), not just repeat that the device is out of range.
Do not accept a definition of range on its own (e.g. 'range is how far the signal reaches') without an effect on performance.
Do not accept 'a larger range means more devices can connect' (range is not about the number of devices/capacity).
Do not accept range confused with bandwidth/speed, e.g. 'range is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred'.
Example answers and how they were marked
A device at the edge of the range has a weak signal, so its connection speed is slower.
Why: Linked point (1): weak signal at the edge of the range; reason (1): connection speed is slower.
Devices outside the range cannot connect to the network.
Why: Point only (1): outside the range a device cannot connect. No linked reason about the effect on use/performance.
Range is the distance that a wireless signal can travel.
Why: A definition of range, not an effect on performance; the mark scheme says not to accept this on its own.