UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

YR 2022 Q1

Some questions must be answered with a cross in a box  . If you change your mind about an
answer, put a line through the box  and then mark your new answer with a cross  .

1 (c) Which one of these is a reason why Wi-Fi is a better choice than Bluetooth for
transferring files? (1)

Any one from:

• They will be sent/arrive more quickly
• Higher bandwidth

Accept: More secure

2 Letta arrives at a hotel.

(b) Letta connects to the hotel’s local area network.
(i) One way of identifying a device on a network is the device name. State two other ways of
identifying a device on a network. (2)

• IP address
• MAC

(ii) State two reasons for identifying devices on a network. (2)

Any two from:

• Security
• Communication / Transmitting data to the correct device
• Logging

(iii) State two ways a local area network (LAN) is different from a wide area network (WAN).
(2)

Any two from:

• A LAN covers a small (geographic) area/a WAN covers a large (geographic) area
• A LAN uses infrastructure owned by one company/a WAN uses third-party infrastructure
• A LAN connects individual devices/a WAN connects LANs
• A LAN uses switches (to connect devices)/a WAN uses gateways (to connect LANs)

(iv) Explain one advantage of connecting a printer to a network. (2)

An explanation such as:

• It saves money (1) because each computer does not have to have a printer attached (1)
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

• People can print from any computer (1) because print data can be sent using the network
connections (1)
• The printer’s memory will not be overloaded (1) because a print server can be used to store
the jobs (1)

Which one of these connects to a local area network using a gateway? (1)
A Personal area network
B Server
C Smartphone
D Wide area network

The only correct answer is D – Wide area network

A is not correct because a PAN does not require a gateway to connect to a LAN
B is not correct because a server does not require a gateway to connect to a LAN
C is not correct because smartphone does not require a gateway to connect to a LAN

(c) Letta watches a film online. Describe one way to reduce the amount of time a film appears
pixelated when it first loads from an online streaming service. (2)

Description to include one from:

• Reduce the resolution / quality / bit rate (of the video)
• Increase the bandwidth of the connection / stop using other applications/devices (using
bandwidth)
And one mark for
• Appropriate reference to buffering / the buffer

(d) Describe high latency. (2)

A description to include:
• The time it takes for data to travel (between devices) (1)
• Reference to increased time/delay (1)

(e) The hotel network manager has administrator privileges.

(i) Explain one reason an administrator would use a network operating system to manage
users. (2)

A linked explanation such as:

• Multiple people can use the same computer (1) because users can be added/deleted (1)
• Only specific users can securely access their storage space (1) because user permissions can
be edited (1)
• Only certain users can install programs / access certain files (1) because user permissions
can be enforced (1)
• The limited storage on the machine can be shared (1) because the amount of
resources/storage each user can access can be controlled (1)
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4 (g) Discuss the factors that influence the choice of landline broadband or mobile
broadband connectivity for rural communities. (8)

Indicative content

• Cost of infrastructure
• Limitations of mobile broadband for data speeds / bandwidth (or reverse for broadband)
• Latency of mobile broadband
• Cost for downloads / availability of ‘unlimited’ data contracts
• Improvements brought by 3/4/5G
• Decision based on usage
• Flexibility of contracts (can be shorter with mobile)

YR 2022 R

Nihal travels for work and holidays.

He uses ICT to plan his travel and for entertainment.

1 Nihal uses a camera and camcorder when travelling.

(b) Which one of these is a wired connectivity type?
(1)
A GPS
B USB
C WEP
D Wi-Fi
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

The only correct answer is B – USB

A is not correct because GPS is wireless
C is not correct because WEP is an encryption protocol, not a connectivity type
D is not correct because Wi-Fi is wireless

(c) Which one of these is a reason why Wi-Fi is a better choice than Bluetooth for
transferring files? (1)

A Data cannot be intercepted

B Higher bandwidth
C Higher latency
D Only works with secure files

The only correct answer is B – Higher bandwidth

A is not correct because data can be intercepted hen using either
C is not correct because Wi-Fi has lower latency (and if it was higher, it would make it a worse
choice)
D is not correct because either work with secure files

2 (b) Nihal connects his laptop to the hotel’s local area network.
(i) Explain one advantage of using Media Access Control (MAC) addresses rather than Internet
Protocol (IP) addresses to identify devices on a local area network. (2)

An explanation to include two from:

• They are unique that cannot be changed
• They are hardwired/hard-coded into the device/network interface card (NIC)
• It is easier to ban/accurately identify devices on the network

(ii) State two issues caused by not identifying devices correctly on a network. (2)

Any two from:

• Lack of security / misuse of the network
• Not communicating / transmitting data to the correct device
• Not possible to log data transfer

(iii) Complete this sentence by adding the correct network devices. (2)
A local area network uses a .............................................................. to connect devices,
whereas a wide area network uses a .............................................................. to connect local
area networks.
A local area network uses a switch/router to connect devices, whereas a wide area network
uses a gateway to connect local area networks
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

(iv) Explain one disadvantage of connecting a printer to a network. (2)

An explanation such as:
• It costs more money (1) because a server / more cabling / expertise is needed (1)
• Monitoring/management software is required (1) because unknown/unauthorised jobs may
be sent (1)
• Network/Printer overloaded with requests (1) because any device connected to the
network can send jobs (1)
• Paper/resources could be wasted (1) because unknown/unauthorised jobs may be sent /
print jobs could be sent to the wrong printer (1)

(vi) Which one of these is an example of a device that connects using a personal area
network? (1)

A Hard drive
B Router
C Server
D Smartphone
The only correct answer is D – Smartphone
A is not correct because a hard drive would not connect via a PAN
B is not correct because a router would not connect via a PAN
C is not correct because a server would not connect via a PAN
(c) Nihal streams a film using a low bandwidth connection. Explain why reducing the bit rate
of the file improves the user experience. (2)

An explanation such as:

It reduces the amount of time taken to load the film / stops it from pausing/buffering/lagging
/ means it won’t be pixelated (1) because less data is needed to fill the buffer / less
bandwidth is needed (1)
(d) Describe low latency. (2)

A description to include:
• The time it takes for data to travel (between devices) (1)
• Reference to decreased time/delay (1)

Accept an answer in context, such as: Low latency reduces delay (1) keeping sound and video
synchronised (1)
(e) The hotel’s computers are shared between users. The network manager has administrator
privileges.
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

(i) Describe how the network manager can make sure users cannot see each other’s data. (2)

A description such as:

Set user permissions/accounts (1) with access rights / usernames / passwords (for each
account) (1)
(ii) Describe one way that the network manager can make sure the hotel still has access to its
data if a storage server was flooded by water. (2)

A description such as:

• Data can be restored (1) from the backup (1)
• Create a backup (1) that is then stored/kept in the cloud/offsite (1)

4 (c) Describe the role of a web browser when accessing a website. (2)

A description to include two from:

Requests an IP address (1) from a DNS server (1)
Requests the data/resource (1) from a webserver (1)
Interprets/reads the HTML (1) and displays/formats the text/images/content (1)

YR 2021

A family uses digital devices in their everyday lives.

1 Howard buys a tablet computer.
(a) Give two types of wireless connectivity that the
tablet computer could use. (2)

Any two from:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• GPS
• 3G
• 4G
• 5G
• Infra-red (IR)
• Near-field communication (NFC)

Accept any other appropriate wireless connectivity type

(c) Which one of these is required for the tablet computer to connect to the Internet? (1)
A GPS
B ISP
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

C LAN
D NFC
The only correct answer is B – ISP
A is not correct because GPS is used to locate devices, rather than connect to the Internet
C is not correct because LAN is a type of network, not a method of connectivity
D is not correct because NFC is short-range peer-to-peer connectivity, rather than Internet
connectivity
(b) Judy uses a mobile phone to make a voice call. Draw a diagram to show the mobile hone’s
input and output devices required to make the call. Label each device you use in your
diagram. (3)

A drawing that shows three from:

• Microphone
• Speaker / headphone / earphone
• Touch screen / keyboard / buttons
• Display screen

(f) Describe how mobile broadband can be used to provide access to cloud‑based services. (2)

A description to include two linked points from:

• Mobile phone network / 3G / 4G / 5G
• Internet
• Data sent/received
• Use of wireless connectivity / radio waves

e.g.
The mobile phone network (1) provides access to the Internet (1)
Additional guidance:
A single mark can be awarded for an appropriate independent point.
Award understanding, rather than use of ‘mark scheme terminology’. e.g.:
• Put your SIM in (1) to receive data over the phone network (1)
• Use 4G (1) to access the Internet (1)

DO NOT ACCEPT: REFERENCE TO WEB BROWSER

(g) Give one reason why Judy should use mobile broadband. (1)
Any one from:
• Access the Internet when on the move
• Lack of wired infrastructure
• Poor performance of wired connectivity
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

• Cheaper than having both a landline and mobile contract.

• More secure than using a third-party provider (e.g. public Wi-Fi)

Accept any other appropriate reason.

Additional guidance:
Award understanding, rather than use of ‘mark scheme terminology’. e.g.:
• Send messages when you are going to see your friends

(h) Explain one benefit of using wired connectivity. (2)

Award one mark for a benefit and one mark for any one reason for that benefit. e.g.
Faster data transfer (1) because of lower latency / higher bandwidth / no blockages (1)
More secure (1) because you would need physical access to the media (1)
More reliable (1) because not as susceptible to interference (1)
Additional guidance: Award understanding, rather than use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.
e.g.:
• Able to transfer a file more quickly (1) as wired has more bandwidth (1)
• Less lag (1) because other signal waves can’t affect it (1)
• The connection won't drop out (1) as not affected by distance or walls (1)

DO NOT ACCEPT: ‘FASTER’ ON ITS OWN

3 (d) Eunice is travelling by train. She connects to the Internet using the train’s Wi‑Fi
connection. Explain why the Wi‑Fi provider blocks video streaming. (2)

Award one mark for a reason and one mark for an expansion.
e.g.
• There is limited bandwidth available (1) because it must be shared between many users (1)
• Users’ experience could be negatively impacted (1) because not enough bandwidth is
available to stream a high-quality video (1)
• It would reduce the bandwidth available to other users (1) because video requires lots of
data / bandwidth (1)
• There would be a greater cost (1) because increasing the bandwidth is expensive (1)

Additional guidance: ‘Experience could be negatively impacted’ may be articulated as ‘low

Internet speed’, etc.

DO NOT ACCEPT: RESPONSES RELATED TO BLOCKING INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT.

(f ) Eunice changes her laptop’s GPS settings. Which one of these statements is true? (1)
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

A GPS is used by all digital devices

B GPS does not use an Internet connection
C GPS uses cloud computing
D GPS is better if open-source software is used
The only correct answer is B - GPS does not use an Internet connection
A is not correct because GPS is not used by all digital devices
C is not correct because GPS does not use cloud computing
D is not correct because GPS is not better if open source software is used.

5 (b) Describe the function of two network components that are used to transfer data on the
Internet. (4)

Award one mark for each component and one mark for a function of that component.
e.g.
Modem (1) converts digital data to/from a digital form (1)
Gateway (1) connects a LAN to a WAN (1)
Switch/Hub (1) connects multiple devices (1)
Router (1) finds the best path for data across a network (1)
Wireless Access Point / WAP (1) allows devices to connect to the network using Wi-Fi (1)
Bridge (1) connects two LANs (1)
Fibre optic / copper cable / radio waves (1) that transmit the data (1)
DO NOT ACCEPT: DEVICES THAT DO NOT TRANSFER DATA: E.G. FILTER FIREWALL SERVER
(c) Explain why streaming allows users with limited storage on their devices to listen to the
band’s music. (2)

An explanation such as:

The data is not stored permanently (1) because it is buffered / cached (1)
Additional guidance:
Award understanding, rather than use of ‘mark scheme terminology’.
e.g.
The music is downloaded to the device as the user is listening (1) it is not stored on the device
(1)
The data is stored in the buffer (1) until it has finished playing (1)
Only a small amount of data (1) is downloaded into a buffer (1)
Users can listen to the music while it is being downloaded (1) [no second mark]
(d) Describe one method that should be used to secure payment data transferred between
Hugh’s server and other computers. (3)
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

A description to include three linked points:

Encryption (1) encodes/scrambles data / makes data unreadable (1) using a key (1)
(e) Describe how WPA is a more secure protocol than WEP. (2)
A description to include:
WPA generates a new key for each device on the network (1) rather than using a shared key
(1)

YR 2020

Sachini and Ashan have two children, Kasuni and Deshan.

They use digital devices in their daily lives.
(c) Sachini cannot access Wi‑Fi. Which one of these is a type
of mobile phone connectivity that Sachini could use
to access the Internet? (1)

A WLAN
B GPS
C PAN
D GSM
2 Sachini plays online games on her laptop.
(b) Draw a diagram to show how Sachini can connect her laptop to the Internet. Label each
device and the connectivity you use in your diagram. (2)

A drawing that shows:

• Gateway / Router
• Appropriate connectivity identified (e.g. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, USB)

DO NOT ACCEPT: 'Wireless' for mark point 2.

(c) Sachini connects her laptop to a local area network (LAN). Describe two benefits of doing
this. (4)

Two descriptions such as:

• shared peripherals (1) mean reduced cost/time to access a central one (1)
• shared data (1) allows easier collaboration (1)
• flexible access (1) allows hot desking (1)
• shared access to the Internet (1) reduces need for individual connectivity (1)

Allow 1 mark for ‘communication

Additional Guidance: Award two marks max for a list of benefits without uses described.
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

DO NOT ACCEPT: ‘Access to the Internet’ (without mention of ‘shared access…’)

3 Ashan works in an office with a network. (a) He uses his smartphone to make an online
video call. (i) Which one of these protects his data? (1)

A WAN
B WMA
C WPA (Full form: Wi-Fi Protected Access)
D WAP

(ii) Describe how low latency affects his experience of the video call. (2)

A description such as:

It decreases the time it takes for data to be transferred between devices (1) meaning his
voice/video is in sync with other people on the call (1)

Accept: The reverse (if high latency referred to)

(iii) State three ways that latency can be increased. (3)

Any three from:

• (Increased)distance
• Not using a wired connection
• (Increased) interference
• Physical blockages
• More devices on the network
• More open applications

Additional Guidance: Accept examples of blockages / interference (e.g. ‘walls’ / ‘other

signals’)

DO NOT ACCEPT: DECREASING INTERFERENCE

(b) Describe the function of a file server. (2)

A description such as:

To store/retrieve (files)(1) that can be sent/requested/accessed by other computers (1)

(c) Describe two drawbacks of using a peer‑peer network. (4)

Any two descriptions from:

• No control of user access rights (1) reduces security (1)
• No centralized administration (1) means no remote updates (1)
• No centralized backup (1) so each client has to be backed up separately (1)
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

• …so individual backup devices need to be used on each device (1) costing more (1)
• No shared software (1) meaning more installs (1)
• No shared storage / file access (1) increasing need for storage on each device / access from
anywhere (1)
• No roaming profiles (1) meaning users cannot ‘hot-desk’ (1)

Do Not Accept: ‘save time’ for any second mark point

(d) A computer’s media access control (MAC) address can be used to identify it on a network.
State one other way of identifying a computer on a network. (1)

One from:
• IP address
• Computer name

(e) Which one of these is a feature of a media access control address? (1)

A It is fixed
B It must be changed regularly
C It is secure
D It is part of an IP address

(f ) Ashan tells Sachini that her smartphone will be able to use her location even if she is not
connected to the Internet. State why Ashan is correct. (1)

Any one from:

• The phone uses GPS for this
• The phone uses signals from satellites

(e) Describe how a VPN works. (3)

A description to include three from:

A VPN uses tunnelling (1) to provide an encrypted connection (1) to a private LAN (1) using
the infrastructure of a public network like the Internet (1)

YR 2019

1 (b) Smartphones can be connected using wired or wireless methods.

(i) Give two advantages to Kiki of using a wired method to connect to the smartphone. (2)

Any two from:

Faster / higher bandwidth / lower latency
More stable connection
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

Less interference (e.g. dropped packets, loss of data) / Not affected by physical obstructions
(e.g. walls)
More secure Password not needed.

(ii) Give two advantages to Kiki of using a wireless method to connect to the smartphone. (2)

Any two from:

1. Can move around (while transferring data)
2. Does not have to waste time finding / connecting cables
3. Cost of cables / cheaper
4. Health and safety / no trailing wires.

(c) The smartphone uses a SIM card. Which one of these is a type of connectivity that the SIM
card provides? (1)

A WLAN
B Bluetooth
C Infrared
D 4G

The only correct answer is D

A is not correct because WLAN is not a type of connectivity that the SIM card provides
B is not correct because Bluetooth is not a type of connectivity that the SIM card provides
C is not correct because Infrared is not a type of connectivity that the SIM card provides

(d) Kiki meets her friend, Zara.

(i) Draw a diagram to show how Kiki’s smartphone can be used to provide Zara’s tablet
computer with an Internet connection. Label each component and the connectivity you use in
your diagram. (4)

drawing that shows:

● A smartphone connected to the Internet / mobile phone mast
● Correct connectivity identified for this (3G, 4G etc.)
● Tablet directly connected to smartphone
● Correct connectivity identified for this (Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / USB etc.)

(ii) Explain why sharing an Internet connection would affect the bandwidth available to Kiki’s
smartphone. (2)

An explanation to include two from:

Kiki will have less bandwidth (1)
because it is fixed (1)
and it must be divided between each device/person (1).
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

2 Zara uses her tablet computer to watch TV online.

(a) Describe the function of a router. (2)

A description to include two from:

● Stores IP addresses (in a routing table)
● Reads the packet header
● Takes the recipient's address
● Compares the (recipient’s) address to the addresses of all devices that are connected to it
● Forwards the packet / network traffic to its destination
● Using the quickest/most efficient route.

(b) State two benefits to Zara of online TV. (2)

Any two from:

1. Wider variety of content
2. Always available / catch up
3. Access from anywhere (with a connection)
4. Access from any (connected) device
5. Open access (not as restricted by political factors etc.)
6. Can pause / fast forward / rewind
7. Suggestions for shows can be made
8. Can be interactive
9. Can save money by not buying a TV licence.

(d) Give two benefits to Zara of connecting her tablet computer to her television. (2)

Any two from:

1. Can take advantage of higher resolution
2. Can take advantage of bigger screen
3. Fewer health and safety risks (e.g. eye strain / RSI)
4. Can take advantage of louder/clearer/better speakers/audio

3 Ruwan uses a smartwatch when he exercises.

(a) The smartwatch can connect to a Bluetooth health monitor. Which one of these describes
Bluetooth? (1)

A A high speed wired connection

B A high resolution connection
C A type of wireless connection
D An energy saving connection

The only correct answer is C

 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

A is not correct because Bluetooth is not a wired connection

B is not correct because resolution is not relevant in terms of the question
D is not correct because Bluetooth is not an energy saving connection.

(b) The health monitor uses Bluetooth to transfer data to the smartwatch. (i) Explain why
Bluetooth rather than infrared is used for this transfer. (2)

An explanation such as:

Infrared requires line of sight / Bluetooth does not require line of sight (1)
which is not always possible when exercising (1)
DO NOT ACCEPT: RESPONSES ABOUT ‘RANGE’ FOR THE FIRST MARK. RESPONSES RELATED
TO TRANSFER SPEED / BANDWIDTH.

(ii) Give two factors that might affect the speed of the transfer. (2)

Any two from:

1. Range / distance
2. Bandwidth
3. Interference
4. Physical blockages.

Additional Guidance: Accept examples of blockages / interference (e.g. ‘walls’ / ‘other

signals’)

(c) Some data needs to be encrypted when it is transferred. Describe how encryption helps
keep data secure. (2)

A description such as:

Randomises/encodes/scrambles the data (1)
So that it cannot be read/understood / needs to be decrypted / requires a key (1).

DO NOT ACCEPT: ‘PASSWORD’ FOR ‘KEY’

(d) Ruwan’s smartwatch uses GPS to monitor his location. Give two pieces of information that
could be calculated using GPS data. (2)

Any two from:

1. Speed
2. Estimated time of arrival (ETA)
3. Time to destination
4. Quickest route
5. Shortest route
6. Distance travelled
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7. Distance to destination
8. Direction/heading/bearing
9. Steps taken.
Accept: ‘Alternative route’ if mp4 or mp5 not already awarded.
Accept: ‘Distance’ on its own if mp6 or mp7 not already awarded

Some social networking services use GPS data. Describe how the use of GPS data could place
social network users at risk. (2)

User’s location is published / accessible (1)

and this information might be shared / used inappropriately (1).

(d) Which one of these is a protocol used to transfer data on the Internet? (1)

A ISP
B HTTPS
C HTML
D VPN

The only correct answer is B

A is not correct because it is not a protocol
C is not correct because it is not a protocol
D is not correct because it is not a protocol

(e) Describe how MAC addresses can be used to prevent access to networks. (3)

A description such as:

Every device/NIC has a unique MAC address (1)
that can be blacklisted/whitelisted/checked/filtered (1)
by a firewall (1).

5 James teaches in a school that uses a local area network and a wide area network.
(a) Give one example of a wide area network. (1)

Any one from:

● The Internet
● A network that uses third-party infrastructure.

(c) Describe two benefits to teachers of using a local area network. (4)

Two descriptions such as:

● Can share printers (1) to reduce printer costs (1)
 UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

● Can share/store files/software (1) so they are accessible by colleagues and pupils (1)
● Can communicate (1)using email (1)

Additional Guidance: Linked descriptions required.

Other examples:
Roaming profiles
Centralise
admin/backup
Control of user
access rights.

QUESTIONS FROM THE BOOK, CHAPTER 4

UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

ANSWERS – CHAPTER 4
UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

QUESTIONS FROM B00K, CHAPTER 5

UNIT 2, Chapter 4 and 5

ANSWER CHAPTER 5