Award [2 max]

• A physical address/hardware identification number/12-digit hexadecimal number assigned by the manufacturer to a network interface in a device;
• That helps to uniquely identify each device on a network;

Award [2 max]

• A router is a hardware device that connects multiple networks together;
• It directs data packets between networks based on their destination addresses;
• The router examines each packet and determines the best path for it to reach its destination;
• It uses protocols to decide how and where to forward packets;
• Routers help manage network traffic and ensure data is sent efficiently;

Award [2 max]

• A network interface card (NIC) enables a computer or device to connect to a network;
• It allows the device to communicate with other devices on the network by sending and receiving data packets;
• The NIC provides the hardware interface between the computer and the network transmission media (such as Ethernet cables or wireless signals);
• It determines how the device accesses the network and participates in network communication;

Award [1 max]

• (Wireless) router;
• Access points;
• (Wireless) bridge or repeater;
• (Wireless) controller;
• Wireless adaptors / Network interface cards (NICs);

Award [2 max]

• Smallest type of network;
• Consists of connected devices in close proximity to the individual using them;
• Connected via Bluetooth/wireless;
• Suitable example: smartphone to car connection;

Award [2 max]

• WAN covers a much larger area (national/international), LANs usually cover a smaller area (such as a single site);
• Nodes connected to WANs often make use of connections through public networks (such as the telephone system), nodes connected to LANs are usually connected through private infrastructure;
• LANs are more secure than WANs (due to how WANs transmit the data /how far the data would need to travel);
• A higher bandwidth is available for transmission in a LAN than a WAN/ LANs can have a higher data transfer rate than a WAN;
• LAN is typically cheaper than WAN to implement/ maintain (as the equipment required for LAN is less expensive);
• WAN includes a large number of devices connected together, LAN includes less;
• WANs are typically slower than LANs due to the distance data must travel;
• WAN requires hardware to connect different networks, such as a router, LAN can be simple and does not need to connect to other networks;

Award [4 max]. Mark as [2] and [2].

• File/resource sharing:
  • Files can be shared directly between computers on the network, eliminating the need for physical media like USB drives;
  • All computers can share resources such as printers and scanners, improving efficiency;
• Communication:
  • Students and teachers can communicate easily with each other and with people around the world via the network;
• Interactive teamwork:
  • Collaborative software enables multiple users to work on documents or projects at the same time;
• Flexible access:
  • Students can access their files from any computer on the network, allowing them to start work on one device and finish on another;
• Software cost savings:
  • Network licenses for software are often cheaper than purchasing individual licenses for each computer;
• Simplified software management:
  • Installing or updating software on a central server saves time compared to managing each computer individually;
• Improved network security:
  • The school can monitor network activity and enforce security policies, helping to keep data secure;

Award [3 max]

• The network technologies available in the area (3G, 4G, 5G);
• Limited bandwidth;
• Features of the device;
• Amount of data being transmitted;
• Number of other users in the area using the same network;
• Location of user with respect to cell towers (signal varies depending on coverage area);

Award [4 max]. Mark as [2] and [2].

• The speed of data transmission on a wireless network can decrease as the distance between the receiver and the transmitter increases;
• Physical obstructions such as solid walls can interfere with the wireless signal, slowing down transmission;
• The available bandwidth on a wireless network is limited;
• As more users connect to the network, the bandwidth is shared, which can reduce transmission speeds for each user;

Note to examiners: Answers must relate to wireless networks and not be a comparison between cabled and wireless networks.

Award [2 max]

• Physical distance / the number of network devices which have to be crossed;
• The performance of each of the devices (e.g., weak processor);
• Quality / characteristics of network equipment (such as the router or transmission media / cable / fibre / wireless);
• Number of network users (and their demand at any particular time);
• Type of encryption used or the encryption strength / server bandwidth / size of the user data / type of protocol used;

Award [2 max]

• Protocols define the rules that govern network communication (for example, packet format, type and size, what happens when an error occurs, and which part of the network is supposed to handle the error and how);
• Computer networks consist of various types of equipment (such as routers, switches, hubs, and network interface cards) from different vendors, but they must all work together or the network does not operate correctly;
• Protocols work in layers (the highest being what the user sees, and the lowest being the wire that the information is transferred along) and these layers communicate with each other according to the rules (allowing communication to occur accurately and efficiently);

Award [2 max]

• To provide a set of rules/procedures;
• To enable two or more different electronic devices/computers/entities to understand each other during data transfer / enable successful communication;

Award [6 max]
Award [1] for a reason, award [1] for an extension, x3.

• Protocols define the rules for communication, ensuring devices can exchange data reliably and efficiently;
  • For example, TCP/IP specifies how data is packaged, addressed, transmitted, and received;
• Protocols provide security services such as encryption and authentication to protect data during transmission;
  • For example, HTTPS and SSL secure web traffic;
• Protocols include mechanisms for error checking, flow control, and congestion control to maintain data integrity and network performance;
  • For example, error detection helps identify and correct transmission errors, while flow control prevents data loss;

Award [2 max]

• Standards ensure compatibility between nodes on the network;
• Through the use of common techniques/protocols/language;

Award [2 max]

• Physical Layer;
• Data Link Layer;
• Network Layer;
• Transport Layer;
• Session Layer;
• Presentation Layer;
• Application Layer;

Award [1 max]

• Assign a password or use biometric authentication on the device;
• Avoid storing sensitive data on the laptop;
• Safeguard all passwords and avoid saving login credentials or “remember me” cookies on the device;
• Encrypt the SSD or hard drive;
  Note: Reward other correct responses. Backing up data does not keep it secure, so no marks for “Regularly back up the SSD / hard drive to another location”.

Award [2 max]

• Encryption;
  • Scrambles the contents of network transmissions so that intercepted data cannot be understood without the decryption key;
• User ID (and password);
  • Only allows authorized users to access the network;
• Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering;
  • Only devices with approved MAC addresses can connect to the network;
• Firewall;
  • Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking suspicious data;

Award [4 max]

• Each network adapter has a unique MAC address assigned by the manufacturer;
• Routers can use MAC addresses to identify and authenticate devices, allowing administrators to whitelist or blacklist specific devices for network access;
• A disadvantage is that the whitelist must be updated whenever a new device needs access or when guests require temporary access, which can be inconvenient to manage;
• This method is not effective against attackers who can intercept network traffic, discover valid MAC addresses, and spoof them to gain unauthorized access;

Award [2 max]

• A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic;
• Decides whether to allow or block specific traffic (based on a defined set of security rules) / restricts access to parts of a network / prevents unauthorised access of confidential data;
• Accept software and hardware firewalls;
  • Software firewall: program installed on each computer that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic / controls the behaviour of applications;
  • Hardware firewall: equipment installed between the network and gateway that regulates traffic through ports and prohibits suspicious data packets;

Award [2 max]

• Passwords should be given to access certain aspects of the data;
• There should be levels of hierarchy (e.g., receptionist only allowed to access names, addresses but not medical history/doctor’s notes);
• Multi-factor authentication/one-factor authentication;
  • Mandates users (doctor and receptionist) to verify their identities through various methods (e.g., PIN, thumb scanning, retina scanning);
• Security awareness training for the doctor and receptionist / precautionary measures when handling patient data;
• Encryption;
  • Makes it harder for hackers to decipher confidential patient data;
• Regularly installing updates/patches;
  • To ensure the data is protected against new threats;

Award [4 max]

• Security when working remotely;
  • VPN’s data encryption features allow the doctor to keep confidential information safe / VPN authenticates the user before giving access to data;
• VPN allows access to any content in any place;
  • Enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if directly connected to the private network;
• VPNs hide the location / hidden IP address;
  • Makes it seem as if accessing data from another place / location of the patient unknown for hackers;
• Protects the privacy of data;
  • Prevents apps and websites from attributing the doctor’s behaviour to her computer’s IP address / limits collection of location and browser history from ISP;
• VPNs usually have intuitive and user-friendly interface;
  • Makes installation and use easy for the doctor (non-technical user);
• VPN is adaptable to many smart devices;
  • Doctor can use various devices / any available device;
    Mark as [2] and [2].

Award [2 max]

• (VPN) tunnelling (server);
• (VPN aware) router (and firewall);
• Encryption (protocol) (Accept examples IPSec / SSL / TSL);
• VPN client software (installed on the employee’s computer);

Award [4 max]

• Authentication;
  • Strong user VPN authentication uses various methods, including certificates, one-time passwords and software tokens;
• Encryption;
  • If data intercepted, it will not be readable;
  • Encrypting each encapsulated data packet’s content with an encryption key (shared only between the VPN’s server and clients);
• Tunnelling software;
  • VPN hides a user’s data by encrypting it with a tunnel created between the user’s device and the VPN’s web server;
• Multiple exit nodes;
  • Makes it hard to distinguish where the data sent is originated (protecting privacy);
    Mark as [2] and [2]. Award [1] for a feature and [1] for a reasonable expansion, x2.

Award [3 max]

• • Enhanced security of data;

• for example, using encryption;

• This prevents unauthorised access;

• Remote access to data and resources (from any location);

• Normal access of materials on the network;

• as though the user was using the network on site;

Award [2 max]

• The structure of a data packet typically includes a header, payload (actual data), and sometimes a trailer;
• The header contains control information such as origin and destination IP addresses, packet number, and other metadata;
• The payload is the actual data being transmitted;
• The trailer (if present) may include error checking or control information to signal the end of the packet;

Award [3 max]

• Data;
• Protocol;
• Packet number;
• Total number of packets;
• Sender’s IP address;
• Receiver’s IP address;
• Control bits / Parity bit / Check digit / Time to live (hop limit);

Award [3 max]

• A message / the data is broken into a number of parts;
• Which are sent independently;
• Over the optimum route for each packet;
• The individual parts are reassembled at the destination;
• Each packet contains the (IP) address of both the sender and recipient;

Award [4 max]

• Data is organized in specially formatted units (data packets);
• Each data packet contains: data, address of the sender, address of the receiver, size of packet, sequence number, control codes, etc.;
• Routed from source to destination using network switches and routers;
• Switches and routers determine how best to transfer the packet between intermediate devices on the path to its destination;
• Data packets are reassembled at destination;

Award [5 max]

• The whole data is split into (fixed / equal) sized chunks / packets;
• Each packet has a header, payload and trailer;
• Packet contains information such as source, destination IP addresses, packet number, protocol, checksum, payload / data, CRC etc (at least two);
• Each packet is sent individually / independently along the best path (by a router);
• Packets may take different routes to the destination;
• If a route becomes unavailable, individual packets can be re-routed;
• Packets (may) arrive at the destination out of order;
• Packets are re-ordered / joined together at the destination;
• Missing packets can be re-sent;

Award [2 max]

• The reason for compression when transmitting data is to save on transfer times;
  • As it reduces the number of bits needed to represent data (when compared with the original data);
• Compressing data involves modifying/restructuring files, so that they take up less space;
  • And this results in cost savings in cloud storage;
• To take up less bandwidth;
  • Because data compression reduces the size of files to be transmitted over a network;

Note to examiners: Award [1] for a reason (for example, to save data usage for sending files over the internet, to save storage capacity, to speed up file transfer, to decrease costs for network bandwidth, etc.), and award [1] for an expansion.

Award [3 max]

• Compression reduces the size of a file / size of data / the number of packets to be transmitted;
• This reduces transmission time / consumes less bandwidth;
• Can result in significant cost savings;

Award [1 max]

• Data encryption refers to calculations/algorithms that transform plain text into a form that is non-readable to unauthorized parties (authorized recipient of an encrypted text uses a key and the algorithm to decrypt the data/ to transform it to the original plain text version);

Award [2 max]

• Encryption scrambles readable text;
  • So, it can only be read/understood by the person who has the decryption key;
• Data encryption translates plain text into ciphertext;
  • That can be viewed/read in its original form only if it is decrypted with the correct key;

Award [3 max]

• Plain text is changed to cypher text / Data is scrambled using an encryption algorithm / key / A Key is required by sender and receiver for authentication;
• Cypher text / data cannot be understood if intercepted;
• The cypher text/data is then decrypted using a (decryption) key when received by the receiver;

Award [2 max]

• Allows very fast transmission of data / Extremely high bandwidth possible; (Made of glass / plastic fibre) that can transfer information via pulses of light;
• Immune to electromagnetic interference / temperature changes / severe weather / highly resistant to noise and moisture;
• Very high security rating;
• Safe to use in high-voltage locations, areas where flammable gases / chemicals; -Very long distance of transmission before requiring repeaters / attenuation;
• They have a long lifespan (thinner and light weighted, so more flexible than other media);
• Expensive / harder to install;

Award [2 max]

• Uses radio waves / electromagnetic waves to transfer data;
• Transmission speed of data is limited;
• Range of transmission / transmission reliability can be affected by distance from access point / number of other users / obstacles etc;
• Inexpensive to install / no need to spend on cabling;
• Relatively easy to expand / add new devices / scale down to accommodate changes in demand;
• Security can be poor (unless encryption is applied) / subject to eavesdropping / interception;
• Allows users to move around without losing access to the network;

Award [2 max]

• Fibre optics allow faster transmission speeds;
• Fibre optic cables are more secure/harder to break into;
• Fibre optic cable transmission is more reliable/less likely to suffer interference;
• Fibre optics allow transmission over longer distance;
• Fibre optics allow greater bandwidth;

Award [4 max]

• The reliability of wireless depends on the strength of the wireless signal;
  • Depends on distance from router;
  • Depends on the topology/shape of the surroundings;
  • A wireless LAN has slower data transfer;
• Ethernet is more reliable as the strength of the signal does not depend on the distance from the router / wired LAN supports longer distances;
• Wired is immune to interference;
• There is no issue with the topology/shape of the surrounding;
• But the Ethernet cable may be cut/broken affecting reliability;

Award [2 max]

• Wired network is only accessible with a physical cable connection;
• In wireless networks, signals are broadcasted outside of the building, leaving it open to the public and potential hackers / easy to intercept transmissions;
• A wireless network is more open to misuse;
• Network administrator cannot directly monitor a specific machine;

Award [2 max]

• Uses radio waves / electromagnetic waves to transfer data;
• Transmission speed of data is limited;
• Range of transmission / transmission reliability can be affected by distance from access point / number of other users / obstacles etc;
• Inexpensive to install / no need to spend on cabling;
• Relatively easy to expand / add new devices / scale down to accommodate changes in demand;
• Security can be poor (unless encryption is applied) / subject to eavesdropping / interception;
• Allows users to move around without losing access to the network;