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Hardware Score 0 / 22
Infrastructure Rank Disconnected Component
1 [4 Marks Total]
Match each piece of network hardware to its correct definition.
Router
Switch
NIC
WAP
Connects devices on a LAN.
Connects different networks (LAN/WAN).
Creates a wireless LAN.
Allows device to connect to network.
✅ Mark Scheme
  • Router: Connects different networks (LAN to WAN).
  • Switch: Connects devices on a LAN.
  • NIC: Allows a device to connect to a network.
  • WAP: Creates a wireless LAN.
Score yourself (Max 4):
2 [2 Marks Total]
A student buys a laptop with an internal Network Interface Controller (NIC).
(a) State the purpose of the NIC. [1] (b) State the name of the address hardcoded into the NIC. [1]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Allows the device to connect to a network / communicate with the network.

(b) MAC Address / Media Access Control Address.

Score yourself (Max 2):
3 [5 Marks Total]
Assessment of network devices in a small office.
(a) Explain how a Switch directs data to the correct computer. [3] (b) Explain why replacing a Switch with a Hub would negatively affect performance. [2]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Switch Operation:

  • Learns MAC addresses of connected devices (1).
  • Inspects data packet for destination address (1).
  • Sends data ONLY to the specific port/device (1).

(b) Hub Performance:

  • Hub broadcasts data to ALL devices (1).
  • Causes unnecessary traffic / collisions / slower speeds (1).
Score yourself (Max 5):
4 [6 Marks Total]
A coffee shop uses a Wireless Access Point (WAP) and a Router.
(a) Describe the role of the WAP. [2] (b) Describe the role of the Router. [2] (c) Explain one difference between a Switch and a Router. [2]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) WAP: Converts wireless signals to wired (1), allows wireless devices to connect to LAN (1).

(b) Router: Connects LAN to Internet/WAN (1), routes packets to destination (1).

(c) Difference: Switch connects devices on ONE network (LAN) vs Router connects DIFFERENT networks (LAN to WAN) (1). Switch uses MAC addresses vs Router uses IP addresses (1).

Score yourself (Max 6):
5 [5 Marks Total]
Extended Answer: A startup needs a fast, secure LAN with Internet access.
Explain the specific jobs of a Switch and a Router and why both are required.
✅ Mark Scheme

Switch: Connects computers to form LAN (1), directs data only to correct user (efficient) (1).

Router: Connects LAN to Internet/ISP (1), assigns IP addresses / routes external traffic (1).

Why Both: Switch handles internal traffic; Router handles external traffic. They perform different roles. (1)

Score yourself (Max 5):