A wireless access point has a limited bandwidth.
Explain why connecting more devices to the access point can reduce the speed each device gets.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:
- (All) devices share the bandwidth of the access point (1) so each device gets a smaller share, which reduces its speed/slows down transfers (1)
- Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred at one time (1) so when devices send more data than this, the data must wait/queue, which slows down transfers (1)
- (Many) devices send data at the same time (1) so the devices take turns, which reduces the amount of data each one can send/the speed each device gets (1)
For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.
Allow 'connection speed'/'download speed' for speed.
Do not accept 'the signal is shared' without saying that this reduces the bandwidth/data each device can send.
Do not accept the idea that adding devices increases the bandwidth.
Example answers and how they were marked
All the devices share the access point's bandwidth, so each device gets less bandwidth and its downloads take longer.
Why: Linked point (1): bandwidth is shared; reason (1): each device gets a smaller share, which reduces its speed/slows transfers.
The bandwidth is shared between all the devices.
Why: Point only (1): the bandwidth is shared. No linked reason about each device getting less bandwidth or a reduced speed.
Adding more devices increases the bandwidth, so the network can send more data.
Why: Misconception that adding devices increases bandwidth; the mark scheme says not to accept this.