Assessment test
Unit 5 Fundamentals of computer networks
Answers
1. Networks can be classified as Wide Area Networks (WAN) or Local Area Networks
(LAN).
(a) State two differences between a WAN and a LAN. [2]
A WAN uses third party cabling / leased line (1) to transfer data between
geographically remote (1) sites. A LAN uses cabling owned by the company (1)
using the network. LANs are typically spread over a small area such as building or
home (1).
(b) Complete the table stating whether the statements below are true or false. [4]
True False
The World Wide Web uses the Internet to transfer data X
The Internet is an example of a WAN X
Wired networks generally provide faster data transfer speeds and more security
than wireless networks. X
In a bus topology, if the main cable fails, only the connected device closest to
the failure is affected. X
Regarding IP addresses: All devices in the world do not have unique IP addresses.
For instance, in a home network there are IP addresses reserved for LANs. For
instance, 10.0.0.1. This could be used on many LANs in the world.
Also, websites may share an IP address with other websites. The server will look at
the HTTP request to work out which website was requested and then serve it to the
correct requesting computer.
2. A user enters a website address into a browser.
(a) State the application layer protocol that is being used. [1]
HTTP, or HTTPS
(b) The sender’s and recipient’s IP addresses are given to data packets as they travel
through the layers in the protocol stack.
On which layer does the IP protocol operate? [1]
Internet / Network (or IP) layer.
(c) The website data is retrieved from the web server and displayed in the user’s
browser window.
Describe how packets are used to send data across the Internet. [5]
The website data is broken down into small packets/chunks of data (1) each packet
is numbered (1) given the sender’s and recipient’s IP address (1) and sent
separately (1). Packets can take different routes through the Internet (1) based on
the most efficient route (1). Packets are reassembled at the destination (1) and
checked for errors (1) lost or corrupted packets are resent (1).
1
Assessment test
Unit 5 Fundamentals of computer networks
(d) A temporary computer lab is set up for a small training session with 8 computers.
The lab needs a low-cost, simple network where all computers share the same
communication medium. The network will only be used for light data traffic, and the
setup must be quick and easy to install without the need for additional hardware.
Which network topology would be best suited for this setup, and why? [2]
Bus topology, because it is cost-effective(1) and easy to install(1), requiring only a single
cable for all devices to share the communication medium. Since the data traffic is
light(1) so efficiency is not an issue as only 8 devices (1)and the setup is temporary(1),
the limitations of bus topology, such as the risk of collisions(1), are less of an issue.
Security (1) less of an issue as only training, not sensitive data. Efiiciency- only 8
computers, so not a big network.
3. A LAN can be set up in different topologies.
(a) Draw a diagram representing a star network topology [3]
Central switch/hub (1)
star topology (1)
terminals / servers as nodes (1)
(b) State one advantage and one disadvantage of a star network over
a bus network. [2]
Star networks use more cable than bus networks(1), and so cost more to set up(1).
Traffic increases on a bus network with more computers connected(1), so is slower
for a larger number of machines(1).
(c) Local networks use the Ethernet protocol.
(i) Define the term ‘protocol’. [1]
A set of rules (for communication/transmission). (1)
(ii) Name two types of physical transmission media used for network cabling. [2]
Copper cable (1) twisted pair (1) Cat 5/Cat 6 cable (1) fibre optic (1) coaxial (1)
(d) A business needs to transfer large amounts of data quickly and securely between
two offices located far apart. Explain why fiber optic cables would be a better choice than
copper cables in this situation.
Faster data transfer over long distances – Fiber optic cables allow for higher speeds, which
is crucial for transferring large amounts of data quickly between distant offices.
Reduced signal degradation – Over long distances, copper cables would experience
more signal loss, while fiber optics maintain signal quality, ensuring secure and
efficient data transfer. [2]
2
Assessment test
Unit 5 Fundamentals of computer networks
4. (a) Describe the differences between a PAN and a wireless LAN (WLAN). [3]
A PAN is a personal area network / connects devices nearby a person (1),
connected via Bluetooth (1), while a wireless LAN is a wireless local area network
(1) connected by Wi-Fi protocols (1). The distance that devices can be apart in a
wireless LAN is typically greater than with a PAN (1).
(b) Give an example of one device that might be connected to a PAN
and one device that might be connected to a wireless LAN. [2]
A pedometer or headphones might be connected to a mobile phone via a PAN.
A printer might be connected via a wireless LAN. Accept other sensible answers.
5. Rahul has set up a wireless network in his home in order to enable the use of mobile
devices and a desktop computer with the same Internet connection.
(a) Rahul has read that each device must have a Network Interface Card (NIC).
Why is an NIC required? [1]
Bandwidth Overload – Multiple devices using the network simultaneously for high-
bandwidth activities (1) (e.g., streaming or gaming) could be slowing down the
connection. Solution: better internet plan to ensure essential tasks get sufficient
bandwidth. (1)
[4]
Physical objects e.g. walls / cabinets / doors (1) or the devices may be too far from
the router, causing weak signals.
Solution: Rahul could move the router to a more central location or install a Wi-Fi
extender to boost the signal.(1)
6. Sophia sends an email from her computer to her brother Fergus.
(a) What protocol would be used to send the email to Fergus? [1]
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).
(b) Sophia clicks the send button to send the email.
Describe what happens to the email after this. [2]
Sophia’s email is sent to a local mail server / SMTP server (1); the mail server
forwards this on to Fergus’ mail server (1) via the Internet. It is forwarded to more
servers along the way (1) until it reaches Fergus’ mail server (1).
(c) The IMAP protocols is used to read email on Fergus’ local computer.
Describe how the IMAP protocol works. [2]
IMAP will store the email on the server (1). The user can access the email from
multiple devices (1). If the user deletes and email on one device, it will be deleted
from the server/other devices (1).
3
Assessment test
Unit 5 Fundamentals of computer networks
7. Shade in one lozenge for each part below to select the appropriate definition for the
following terms:
(i) UDP (User Datagram Protocol) [1]
◊ Part of the Ethernet family of protocols
An alternative to TCP that gives no guarantee of
⧫ message delivery
◊ Used to connect Bluetooth devices in a PAN
◊ Wireless security protocol
(ii) Which of the following correctly matches a function to the appropriate layer of
the TCP/IP model? [1]
Application Layer – Routes data between different
◊ networks using IP addresses.
Transport Layer – Converts data into signals for physical
◊ transmission.
Internet Layer – Provides services like email, file transfer,
◊ and web browsing.
Link Layer – Handles physical transmission of data and
⧫ manages hardware addressing.
(iii) Transport layer [1]
Agrees the language and packet size for
⧫ communication between two hosts
◊ Includes operating system device drivers
◊ Routes packets across the Internet
◊ Used with mobile networks
[Total 40 marks]
