OCR J277 - Network Models Revision Tool

1 [4 Marks Total]

Identify whether each statement refers to a Client-Server or Peer-to-Peer network.

All computers have equal status and can share files directly

Backups are managed centrally from one location

Security is distributed; users responsible for own updates

If the central computer fails, services become unavailable

✅ Mark Scheme

Equal status: Peer-to-Peer
Central backups: Client-Server
Distributed security: Peer-to-Peer
Central failure: Client-Server

Score yourself (Max 4):

2 [5 Marks Total]

Scenario: Alex works from home with three computers and a printer connected. No dedicated server.

(a) Identify the network model. [1] (b) Explain one benefit of this model for Alex. [2] (c) Explain one drawback of this model for Alex. [2]

✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Peer-to-Peer / P2P

(b) Benefit: Cheaper to set up / easier to maintain (1) because no expensive server/manager needed (1).

(c) Drawback: No central backups (1) so Alex must backup each device individually (1).

Score yourself (Max 5):

3 [6 Marks Total]

Supermarket chain scenario. Checkout computers connected to a main office computer.

(a) Identify the Server. [1] (b) Identify the Client. [1] (c) Describe Client role when barcode scanned. [2] (d) Describe Server role after receiving data. [2]

✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Main computer / Back office computer

(b) Checkout computer / Till

(c) Client Role: Sends request to server (1) with barcode data (1).

(d) Server Role: Processes request / searches database (1) and returns price to client (1).

Score yourself (Max 6):

4 [5 Marks Total]

School with 500 students considering switching from Client-Server to P2P. Explain two reasons to stay on Client-Server.

Reason 1: Reason 2:

✅ Mark Scheme

Reason 1: Centralised Backups
Backup all data from one location (1), prevents data loss if local PC fails (1).

Reason 2: Centralised Security/Updates
Deploy updates/anti-virus centrally (1), saves time vs updating 500 PCs individually (1).

Reason 3: User Access
Roaming profiles allow students to log in any computer (1) and access their files (1).

Score yourself (Max 5):