gcsecomputerscience.co.uk
Cloud Mastery 0 / 24
DNS Rank Offline Asset
1 [3 Marks Total]
(a) Which statement best describes the Internet? Tick one.
A private network used within one building.
A worldwide collection of inter-connected computer networks.
A collection of web pages found on the World Wide Web.
A wireless signal that connects laptops to printers.
(b) Explain why the Internet is considered a Wide Area Network (WAN). [2]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) A worldwide collection of inter-connected computer networks. (1)

⚠️ Examiner Trap Don't confuse the Internet (infrastructure) with the WWW (web pages). They are different things!

(b) Covers a large geographical area (global) (1) and uses third-party infrastructure (cables/satellites) (1).

Score yourself (Max 3):
2 [7 Marks Total]
User accesses www.ocr.org.uk.
(a) Explain why URLs are used instead of IP addresses. [2] (b) Describe the steps taken by the DNS to convert the URL into an IP address. [4]
Hint: There are 4 distinct steps involving the request and the lookup.
(c) If the DNS cannot find the IP address, what does it do next? [1]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) URLs are easier for humans to remember (1) than complex numeric IP addresses (1).

(b) DNS Steps (Max 4):

  • Browser sends URL to DNS.
  • DNS searches for URL in its database.
  • DNS finds matching IP address.
  • DNS returns IP to browser.
  • Browser sends request to that IP for the website.
⚠️ Common Mistake The DNS does NOT get the website content. It only finds the address!

(c) Forwards request to a higher-level DNS server.

Score yourself (Max 7):
3 [4 Marks Total]
TechGen hosts a website. Sarah views it on her tablet.
(a) Define what is meant by a Web Server. [2] (b) Identify the Client and explain its role. [2]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Web Server: Computer that stores/hosts web pages (1) and sends them to client when requested (1).

(b) Client: The Tablet (1). Role is to send request to server and display the result (1).

Score yourself (Max 4):
4 [10 Marks Total]
Law firm moving storage to The Cloud.
(a) Define The Cloud. [1] (b) Explain two benefits of using the cloud. [4] (c) Explain two drawbacks of using the cloud. [4] (d) State one way to secure data during transmission. [1]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Remote service/storage accessed via the Internet.

(b) Benefits (Max 4):

  • Access from anywhere (1) allows remote working (1).
  • Backups managed by provider (1) saves staff time (1).
  • Scalability/Easy to upgrade storage (1) without buying hardware (1).

(c) Drawbacks (Max 4):

  • Requires reliable Internet (1), cannot access files if offline (1).
  • Lack of control over security (1), if provider hacked data is lost (1).
  • Unclear data ownership (1), legal issues (1).

(d) Encryption (1).

Score yourself (Max 10):