Fig. 1 shows a temporary network at a science fair. Students use tablets to submit experiment results to a local server. Visitors can view the results using...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a temporary network at a science fair. Students use tablets to submit experiment results to a local server. Visitors can view the results using their own smartphones through a guest wireless network. The server has a wired connection to a switch, and the switch connects to a router. The router provides internet access for a live results webpage. The organiser has noticed that the webpage sometimes stops updating when many visitors arrive.
(a) State the device that directs data between the science-fair network and the internet. [1]
(b) Which device in Fig. 1 gives extra wired connections for the server and router? [1]
(c) Describe one reason for using a wired connection from the server to the switch. [2]
(d) Explain why a separate guest wireless network is suitable for visitors' smartphones. [2]
(e) Give two possible network causes of the webpage failing to update when many visitors arrive. [2]
(f) Describe one way the organiser could collect evidence to identify the cause. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The router directs data between the science-fair network and the internet. [1]
(b) The switch provides extra wired connections for the server and router. [1]
(c) A wired server connection is stable and reliable, so results are less likely to be interrupted by wireless interference or range problems. [2]
(d) A separate guest wireless network keeps visitor smartphones separate from the student and server network, reducing unauthorised access to internal devices and data. [2]
(e) Possible causes include overloaded wireless bandwidth from many smartphones and insufficient internet bandwidth. Too many devices connected to the router/access point or wireless interference are also valid. [2]
(f) Record the number of connected devices and webpage response time, then compare quiet and busy periods. This provides evidence of whether demand is linked to poor performance. Router logs or speed tests are also valid evidence. [2]
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