A public library provides free internet access on twelve computers. At busy times, users report that web pages load slowly when another user uploads a large...
Question 1 Report
A public library provides free internet access on twelve computers. At busy times, users report that web pages load slowly when another user uploads a large video file. The librarian is considering a network policy that limits the maximum data rate for each computer.
(a) State what is meant by bandwidth in a computer network. [1]
(b) Give one reason why a large upload can make other users' web access slower. [1]
(c) State two benefits of applying a per-computer bandwidth cap. [2]
The diagram shows a school network with separate staff and student sections. The network manager uses a firewall between the student network and the administration server. The firewall rules are stored as an ordered list.
(a) State the purpose of a firewall. [1]
(b) Give one example of a rule that could stop student computers accessing the administration server. [1]
(c) State two reasons why rules are checked in a fixed order in the firewall list. [2]
Answer Details
Library bandwidth question
(a) Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred per unit time. [1]
(b) A large upload uses a large proportion of the available network capacity, leaving less capacity for other users' web traffic. [1]
(c) A per-computer cap:
- gives users a fairer share of the available bandwidth;
- prevents one computer monopolising the connection.
It also keeps web browsing more responsive for others. Any two [2].
Firewall question
(a) A firewall monitors and filters network traffic according to a set of rules. [1]
(b) A suitable rule is to block traffic from the student network to the administration server, for example by denying the server IP address or relevant port. [1]
(c) Rules are checked in a fixed order because the first matching rule determines the action. The order can give priority to important blocking or allowing rules and gives packets consistent decisions. Any two [2].
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