Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE (9-1) Computer Science
Computer Systems
J277/01
Topic: Unit 1.3 Wired vs Wireless Networks
Time allowed: 30 minutes
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INSTRUCTIONS INFORMATION
Turn over
1
(a) Place a tick (✓) in one box in each row to show whether the statement best describes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
[3]
Statement Ethernet Wi-Fi Bluetooth
A wireless protocol commonly used for connecting peripheral devices like headphones over a very short range.
A wired connection that uses a physical cable to connect a device to a switch or router.
A wireless technology that connects devices to a Local Area Network (LAN) using radio waves, typically covering a building.

(b) State one piece of hardware required to connect a laptop to a wired network which is not required for a wireless connection.
[1]
2
Scenario:
A professional video editor, Sam, works from home. She needs to upload large 4K video files to a cloud server every day. She has the choice of connecting her computer to the router using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet cable.

(a) Explain two reasons why Sam should choose a wired Ethernet connection for this task.
[4]
Reason 1:
Reason 2:

(b) Sam also uses a tablet to check emails while sitting in the garden.
Explain why Wi-Fi is more suitable than Ethernet for this specific task.
[2]
Turn over
3
Wireless networks are generally more convenient, but their performance can be unreliable.

(a) Identify three factors that can negatively affect the performance of a Wi-Fi network.
[3]

(b) A coffee shop offers free Wi-Fi. They use Encryption to protect the network.
Explain why encryption is important for data being transmitted over a wireless network.
[2]
4
A student is setting up a Smart Home. They are looking at different wireless protocols.

(a) Compare Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in terms of range and bandwidth.
[2]

(b) The student decides to connect their Smart Speaker using Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth.
Justify this choice.
[1]
Turn over
5
Extended Response:
A secondary school is upgrading its computer network.
Option A: Install Ethernet cables to every desk in every classroom.
Option B: Install Wireless Access Points (WAPs) in the corridors to provide Wi-Fi coverage across the school.

Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Option A (Ethernet) compared to Option B (Wi-Fi) for the school.
In your answer, you should consider:
  • Performance (Speed/Stability)
  • Cost and Installation
  • Security
  • User experience (Mobility)
[8]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
OCR 2026