1.

Tick (√ ) which of the following statements apply to LANs, which apply to WANs and which apply
to WLANs.
LAN WAN WLAN
The internet is an example of this type of network √
This type of network is found in a building but is
√
connected without cables
This type of network is used to transmit data between
√
Europe and North America
This type of network is found in a building but is
√
connected with cables

2. Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate network term.
A communication method that wirelessly connects a mobile phone to a car, to allow hands-free use
of the mobile phone is Bluetooth.
A network device that allows a stand-alone computer, using a dial-up analogue connection, to
connect to an ISP is a Modem.
A network device that allows a LAN to connect to the internet is a Router.
A wireless communication method used in WLAN is Wi-Fi.

3. A computer system is connected to a LAN and a WAN.

(a) Explain what a LAN is.
 Local Area Network
 A network within a building/small geographical area
 Network connected by hubs and switches
(b) Explain what a WAN is.
 Wide area network
 This network spans a large geographical area

4. A variety of network devices can be used to connect computers together.

(a) Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate network device from the list. Your
answers must be different in each case.
An access point a bridge a hub
A modem a network interface card a switch
A device used to connect a Local Area Network (LAN) to another LAN that uses the same
protocol is called a bridge.
 A device used to convert a computer’s digital signal to an analogue signal for communication is
called a modem.
A device that connects a number of other devices and sends data to one specific device only is a
switch.
An item of hardware in a computer that allows a device to connect to a network is a network
interface card.

A router is used to connect a LAN to the internet. A message is sent from the router to another router.
(b) Give the name of the part of the router where the IP addresses are stored.
Routing table

(c) Explain how the data from a router is routed.

 Data is sent in data packets
 Each data packet contains an IP address of the next router
 The router reads the IP address
 It checks the IP address against its routing table
 Data packet is sent to the router with the IP address
 The router uses the IP address to work out the destination computer
 The router stores the IP addresses

5. Compare and contrast the features of a switch and a hub.

Comparison
 Both are network devices
 Both are hardware devices
 Both have computers and devices connected to them
 Both send data to devices
Contrast
 In a hub data packets are broadcast to every device connected to it
 A hub is less secure than a switch in distributing data
 Switch checks the data packet
 Switch sends to an appropriate device

6. A family has purchased a wireless router for use in their home to allow their devices to be connected
via WiFi to form a wireless local area network (WLAN)
(a) When the family purchased the wireless router they were advised to change the default password.
 Explain why they should change the default password.
 So that other people cannot access the router using the known default password
 As it is wireless the password could be cracked from outside easily and then used for free
by other
(b) Describe the process of using WiFi to connect to a WLAN.
 The computer/device sends data to its wireless adapter
 The data is converted into radio waves
 The radio waves are transmitted
 A wireless adapter receives the radio waves
 Radio waves are converted into data
 The computer initiates a handshake with the wireless router
 The wireless router responds
 Establishes a pairing
 Wireless router checks the password is correct
 Data is transmitted

7. Bluetooth is a method of communication to connect devices together.

Describe how a smartphone can use Bluetooth to connect to another device.
 Smartphone sends data to its Bluetooth connector
 Data is converted to radio waves
 The smartphone automatically detects nearby devices
 The smartphone pairs to the other device if in range
 The smartphone randomly chooses one of 79 possible channels
 If the channel is in use, it randomly chooses another
 The connection changes channels, every few seconds sends the radio wave to the other
device

8. Write down the most appropriate network device to match the following statements. Your answers
should be different in each part.
(a) This network device checks the data packet arriving from one computer and sends the data to a
specific computer.
Switch
(b) This network device sends the data packet from a computer to all devices connected to it.
Hub
 (c) This network device connects a LAN to the internet.
Router
(d) This network device connects one LAN to another with the same protocol
Bridge

9. Network devices are used in computer systems.

Complete each sentence by identifying the most appropriate network device.
(a) The network device that is used to transmit the data along an analogue telephone line is a
modem.
(b) The network device that connects a LAN to a WAN is a router.
(c) The network device that allows data to be directed to a specific computer on a LAN is a switch.
(d) The internal network device that allows a computer to connect to a LAN is a Network Interface
Card (NIC).

10. The Internet of Thing (IOT) allows devices as well as computers to connect to the internet using a
router. Each device uses an IP address.
(a) Explain what is meant by an IP address.
 Internet protocol address
 Assigned to your device when it connects to a network
 Locates individual devices on a network
 Can indicate the physical location of the device
 Uniquely identifies NIC on an IP network
(b) Explain how a router sends data packets to another network.
 The router creates data packets
 The router receives the data packet
 The data packet contains the destination IP address
 The router looks at the destination IP address in the packet
 The router uses its routing table
 The router then determines the best route to the next destination.

11. A bridge and a router are examples of networking devices.

(a) Explain the differences between a bridge and a router.
 A bridge connects two LANs that use the same protocol
 A bridge creates a single LAN from separate parts
 A router allows data packets to be sent to LAN/WAN
  A router connects a LAN to a WAN
(b) IP addresses are used in computer networks.
Explain what is meant by an IP address.
 Internet Protocol address
 Unique identifier
 IP addresses must be different for each device on a network
 All devices connected to the internet use IP addresses
 Determines the electronic location of the device
(c) Explain the purpose of a routing table.
 Used to determine where data packets will be directed
 Stores route information
 Stores IP addresses

12. Identify different network communication devices and describe what each one does.
Router
 Allows a LAN to be connected to a WAN/Internet
 A router allows data packets to be sent to LAN/WAN
Hub
 Connects computers/devices so data can be broadcast to all devices Expands a LAN
 Network interface card
 Connect computers/devices to a network
Bridge
 Connects two LANs of the same protocol together
 A bridge creates a single LAN from separate parts
Switch
 Connects computers together to form a LAN
 Allows data to be sent to individual devices

13. The group/organization uses both a WAN and a WLAN.

Describe the differences between a WAN and a WLAN.
WAN : Wide Area Network
Over a large geographical area
Tends to use satellite technology
WLAN : Wireless Local Area Network
Covers the building site
Uses wireless technology
14. A teacher provides revision lessons during the holidays. The teacher plans to use web-conferencing
for the lessons.
(a) Explain what is meant by web-conferencing.
 Form of real-time/live/online communication
 Multiple users/devices connect using the internet
 All users see the same screen
 Communication using video cameras/microphones
(b) Evaluate the use of web-conferencing in this scenario.
Positives
 The student save time as they do not need to travel to the school
 Students and teachers can work from anywhere in the world
 Can be recorded for students who miss the lesson
Negatives
 Hardware/software could be expensive
 Requires a good/reliable internet connection
 More difficult to concentrate
 If the hardware breaks/loss of connection/lack of hardware then the student cannot
participate

15. The manager of an organization is planning a meeting of its directors. The manager plans to use
audio-conferencing for the meeting.
(a) Explain what is meant by audio-conferencing.
 Audio-conferencing is where two or more people in different locations use technology
to hold an audio call
 All the participants dial into a central system that connects them
 Removes the need to directly call each other
(b) The organization could use video-conferencing for the meeting.
Describe three advantages of using audio-conferencing rather than video-conferencing in this
scenario.
 Easier to set up
 Does not need specialist equipment therefore saves money
 More privacy as they do not use cameras
 No issue with lip syncing
 (c) Identify the hardware and software required to join the audio-conference.
Hardware
 Microphone
 Speaker
 Telephone handset
Software
 Audio-conferencing software
 Internet connection

16. A headteacher is planning to hold a video-conference with headteachers from other schools.
The headteachers already have basic internet connected desktop computer systems including a
monitor, keyboard and mouse.
(a) Identify three pieces of additional hardware they need in order to participate in a video-
conference.
 Microphone
 Video camera/webcam
 Speakers/headphones
(b) A technician is setting up the hardware for the video-conference.
State three tasks the technician would need to do to set up hardware for the video-conference.
You can assume that the hardware required has already been purchased.
 Ensure the video camera/webcam, microphone, speakers/headphones are switched on
 Ensure the hardware devices are connected
 Carry out tests on microphone, video camera and speaker
 Adjust the video camera so the headteacher can be seen
 Check the volume levels
 Check internet connectivity

17. Compare the similarities and differences between Bluetooth and wi-fi.
Similarities
 Both use wireless communications
 Both use radio frequencies for communication
 Both allow several devices to be connected
 Both use security when sending data
 Differences
 Wi-fi has a faster data transfer rate
 Wi-fi has a greater range of transmission
 Wi-fi connects more devices
 Bluetooth uses WEP (wired equivalent privacy) and WPA (wi-fi protected access)
security together
 Bluetooth has a lower frequency than wi-fi

18. Many organizations use audio-conferencing or video-conferencing as some employees work from
home.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using rather than video-conferencing.
Advantages
 Simpler interface for employees
 Less equipment is required therefore it is cheaper
 More flexibility/can dress casually for the employee as they do no need to be in front of
a camera
 No issues with lip sync
 Can do other tasks as there is no camera/cannot be seen
 More privacy as the viewers cannot see inside your home/office
Disadvantages
 Doesn’t let you have visual aids during calls
 Cannot see the body language of the people in the conference
 Cannot tell if the employees are paying attention
 Fewer features than video-conferencing
 Less personal as you cannot see the person
 Harder to control the meeting as you do not know who is speaking next

19. (a) Explain what is meant by electronic conferencing.

 This is a communication system
 A structured discussion between two or more people
 This is carried out virtually/online/over the internet
 Involves video, web and audio
 (b) State, giving a reason for your choice, the hardware required to set up an electronic conference.
Computer/smartphone
 To connect the peripherals used in the conference
Camera/webcam
 To capture moving images of the conference/participants
Monitors
 To view the participants/contents/web page of the conference
Microphone
 To capture the audio of the conference/participants
Speaker/headphones
 So participants can listen to others in the conference
Router
 To connect to the internet

20. A student is able to access a secure area of the school’s website using zero login.
(a) Explain what is meant by zero login.
 It is a security method to protect the data that the user can access
 It is an authentication method
 It requires no manual input from the user
(b) Biometrics could be used as another method of accessing the secure area.
State three examples of biometric methods.
 Fingerprint scanning
 Facial recognition
 Iris recognition
 Retina recognition
 Voice recognition

21. (a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using web-conferencing rather video-conferencing
for meetings.
Advantages
 Reduced cost as less extra hardware/dedicated software is needed
 Far simpler interface for employees
 Fewer issues with lip sync/video lag
 Can be used on more devices
 Increase privacy as there is no camera
 Disadvantages
 Requires internet connection and it must be stable
 Cannot see the body language of the people in the conference
 Cannot tell if the employees are paying attention or even there
 Fewer features than video-conferencing
 Less personal as you cannot see the person
(b) An organization has decided to use video-conferencing for its meetings.
State the hardware and software required to set up the video-conference.
 Hardware: camera, monitor, microphone, speakers, router
 Software: video-conferencing software, CODEC, Echo cancelling software

22. One function of a router is to route data packets.

(a) Identify two other functions of a router.
 Connecting networks and devices to the internet
 Forward packets based upon a routing table
 Acting as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, assigning IP addresses
dynamically to devices within the network
(b) Explain how a router routes data packets to a destination.
 The data packet contains an IP address of the computer
 The router reads the data packet
 The data packet contains the IP address of the destination
 The router searches the IP address with its routing
 The data packet is forwarded to the next router
 The data packet continues being sent to subsequent routers until it reaches the target
device
 The router will use the IP address to work out the best route

23. A student needs to ensure her data is kept safe.

When the student logs into the university computer system, a physical token is used as an
authentication method.
Explain what is meant by a physical token.
 A physical token is a small hardware device
 Authorizes access to a system
 It generates a single-use code to use when accessing a platform
 Provides an extra security layer
24. A router can be used to connect networks and devices to the internet.
(a) Identify the other two operations of a router.
 Storing computer addresses
 Routing data packets
(b) Explain how a router connects devices to the internet.
 A router connects to a modem using an Ethernet cable
 Receives data packets to the internet/other devices
 Transmits data packets to the internet/other devices
 The data packet contains an IP address
 The router reads the destination IP address
 Searches for the IP address in its routing table
 Find the best path for each packet to reach it destination uses routing table

25. An electronic token is used as an authentication method.

Explain what is meant by an electronic token.
 A piece of software/data
 Authorizes access to a network
 The token is sent to the user after they log in
 It sends a single-use code this token is active for a short period of time
 Provides an extra security layer

26. A number of different communication devices ca be connected to a network.

(a) Explain how the following devices operate.
Switch
 A switch connects a number of computers together to make a LAN
 Each device has a unique MAC address
 The switch receives a signal from one device
 The signal contains the MAC address of the sender and receiver
 Reads the recipient’s MAC address
 Sends data to the specific device
Router
 A router connects to a modem
 The router splits the data into packets
 Each packet contains the IP addresses and the data
 A router sends data packets to different networks
  A router receives data packets from different networks
 All devices within the network contain unique IP addresses
 The router stores IP addresses in its routing table
 The router reads the destination IP address
 Checks the IP address against its routing table
 Finds the best / fastest route to the device using the routing table
 If it cannot find the best route it uses the default one
 The router forwards the packet to the appropriate network segment
 Directs incoming and outgoing internet traffic to the device with the local IP address
 The router can store a route to the target device
(b) Bridges are communication devices.
Explain what bridges are used for.
 Used to connect LANs together
 Connects different types of network so they act as one single LAN