OCR J277 Mark Scheme - Network Hardware

OCR	GCSE (9-1) Computer Science Mark Scheme J277/01: Unit 1.3 Network Hardware

Question	Answer	Marks	Guidance
1	Router: Connects different networks (LAN to WAN) (1). Switch: Connects devices on a LAN (1). NIC: Allows a device to connect to a network (1). WAP: Creates a wireless local area network (1).	4	AO1 (Recall) All lines must be clear. If a candidate draws multiple lines from one box, award 0 marks for that specific item.
2a	To connect a device/laptop to a network. (1)	1	Allow: It allows the computer to communicate with the network. Reject: "Connects to the internet" (too specific, NIC connects to the network first).
2b	MAC Address / Media Access Control Address (1)	1	Reject: IP Address (IPs are assigned by software/routers, not hardcoded by manufacturers).
3a	The switch learns/stores the MAC addresses of connected devices. (1) It inspects the data packet to see the destination address. (1) It sends the data only to the specific port/device with that address. (1)	3	Key Concepts: "MAC Address" and "Specific Port/Device". Reject: "Sends data to all computers" (That is a Hub).
3b	A hub broadcasts data to all devices on the network. (1) This causes unnecessary network traffic / data collisions / slower speeds. (1)	2	Candidates must contrast the intelligent filtering of a switch with the broadcasting nature of a hub to explain the performance drop.
4a	It converts wireless (radio) signals into wired signals (and vice versa). (1) It allows wireless devices (phones/laptops) to connect to the wired network/LAN. (1)	2	Reject: "Connects to the internet" (That is the router's job). Accept: "Transmits/receives radio waves" for mark 1.
4b	Connects the coffee shop's LAN to the Internet (WAN). (1) Directs/routes data packets to their destination across the Internet. (1)	2	Key Concept: Connecting two different networks (LAN and WAN).
4c	Scope: A Switch connects devices within a single network (LAN), whereas a Router connects different networks (LAN to WAN). (1) Addressing: A Switch uses MAC addresses, whereas a Router uses IP addresses. (1)	2	Must be a comparison. If they only describe one, max 1 mark. Accept: "Router is for the internet, Switch is for the internal network."
5	Role of Switch (Max 2): Connects the computers/printers together to form the LAN. Allows efficient internal file sharing by directing data only to the correct user (using MAC addresses). Role of Router (Max 2): Required to connect the LAN to the Internet (ISP). Assigns internal IP addresses (DHCP) / Routes packets outside the office. Why Both? (1 Mark): Without the Switch, the devices couldn't talk to each other; without the Router, they couldn't access the Internet. They perform different roles.	5	Examiner Note: This is a "high tariff" question for this topic. A perfect answer distinguishes clearly between internal traffic (Switch) and external traffic (Router). Award marks for correct technical terminology (Packets, LAN, WAN, MAC, IP).