Define the difference between a LAN and a WAN in terms of geography and infrastructure.
Mark Keys
LAN: Small geographical area [1]. WAN: Large geographical area AND uses external/third-party infrastructure [1].
Question 22 Marks
Identify two factors that can affect network performance.
Performance Factors
Bandwidth, Number of users/devices, Transmission media, Distance/Interference.
Question 32 Marks
Explain the function of a Router in a network.
Hardware Key
Connects different networks together [1] and directs packets to their destination [1].
Question 41 Mark
Identify the hardware device required to allow a wireless device to connect to a wired network.
Solution
WAP (Wireless Access Point).
Question 52 Marks
Contrast a Switch with a Hub (in terms of data directing).
Logic Key
A switch only sends data to the intended device using its MAC address [1]. A hub broadcasts data to all devices [1].
Question 62 Marks
Distinguish between a MAC Address and an IP Address.
Addressing Key
MAC: Physical/Hardware address, hardcoded into the NIC [1]. IP: Logical/Network address, used for internet routing [1].
Question 72 Marks
State why IPv6 was introduced as a replacement for IPv4.
Network Logic
The world ran out of IPv4 addresses [1]. IPv6 provides a significantly larger number of available addresses [1].
Question 82 Marks
Identify one benefit and one drawback of a Mesh Topology.
Topology Key
Benefit: Robust / No single point of failure [1]. Drawback: Expensive due to cabling/complexity [1].
Question 93 Marks
Match the Email Protocol to its task.
Task
SMTP
POP
IMAP
Sending an email to a server
Downloading and deleting from server
Syncing email across multiple devices
Email Summary
SMTP (Send) | POP (Download/Delete) | IMAP (Sync).
Question 101 Mark
Identify the protocol used for secure web browsing (encrypting data).
Solution
HTTPS.
Question 113 Marks
DNS Logic: Place the steps of accessing a website in order (1-3).
1. User enters:
2. DNS returns the:
3. Browser requests from:
Logic Flow
URL -> DNS -> IP Address -> Web Server.
Question 121 Mark
Identify the protocol used for uploading files to a web server.
Solution
FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
Question 132 Marks
Identify the Standard used for physical connection in a wired LAN.
Hardware Key
Ethernet.
Question 142 Marks
Define the Interoperability role of Standards in networking.
Spec Logic
Allows hardware/software from different manufacturers [1] to interact/communicate and be compatible [1].
Question 152 Marks
Explain one advantage of using a Layered Model.
Layering Key
It is self-contained/modular [1]. You can update one layer without affecting/impacting the others [1].
Question 162 Marks
Contrast Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer (in terms of security management).
Model Key
Client-Server: Managed centrally by the server [1]. P2P: Managed by individual users on each device [1].
Question 172 Marks
Why is Encryption required when transmitting data over the Internet?
Security Logic
Ensures that if data is intercepted, it remains meaningless / unintelligible [1] without the correct decryption key [1].
Question 182 Marks
A school installs a wireless network. Identify one interference source and one security risk.
Wireless Key
Interference: Walls, distance, microwaves [1]. Security: Easier to intercept/hack signal from outside [1].
Question 192 Marks
Identify which number format is used for IPv6 addresses.
Solution
Hexadecimal.
Question 202 Marks
AO3 Evaluation: A small business with 3 employees is deciding between Client-Server and P2P. Recommend one and justify.
Evaluation
Recommend: P2P [1]. Justification: Cheaper as no server is needed, and with only 3 users, management overhead is low [1].
Question 212 Marks
[AO2 Scenario] Reliable Transmission: High-definition video is being transmitted over a network. Explain the specific role of the TCP protocol if packets arrive out of order.
Protocol Key
TCP adds sequence numbers to each packet [1]. This allows the receiving device to reassemble/reorder the data into its original form [1].
Question 222 Marks
[AO2 Scenario] NIC Replacement: A user's laptop has a broken NIC replaced. State the effect this has on the laptop's MAC Address and IP Address.
Addressing Key
The MAC Address will change [1] (hardcoded). The IP Address can remain the same [1] (logical address assigned by network).