LAN/WAN, network hardware, client-server/P2P and the Internet – GCSE Computer Science exam questions with mark scheme

1Grade 1–34 marks

(a) State what is meant by a Local Area Network (LAN). [1]

(b) State what is meant by a Wide Area Network (WAN). [1]

(a) A network covering a small geographical area / a single site (e.g. one building); allow: hardware is owned by the organisation(1)
(b) A network covering a large geographical area / connecting LANs in different places; allow: uses infrastructure (e.g. cables) owned / leased from third parties / telecoms companies(1)
(c) Clients (computers) send requests (for files / services / logins) to the server(1)
(c) The server responds / provides the resource; the server manages security / backups / stores files centrally(1)
Answer: (a) Small area, one site (b) Large area / connects LANs, third-party infrastructure (c) Clients request services; the server provides them and manages files/security
Examiner tip: 'LAN = local, WAN = wide' just repeats the question – describe the geographical area and who owns the infrastructure.

2Grade 4–54 marks

The table lists four pieces of network hardware. Roles A to D are given below the table.

Write the letter of the correct role next to each piece of hardware. Use each letter once. [4]

Hardware	Letter
Switch
Router
Wireless access point (WAP)
Network interface controller/card (NIC)

A – Lets wireless devices connect to a wired network

B – Hardware inside a computer that lets it connect to a network; it has a unique MAC address

C – Receives data and sends it on only to the device on the LAN it is addressed to

D – Sends data between different networks, e.g. between a LAN and the internet

Switch – C(1)
Router – D(1)
WAP – A(1)
NIC – B(1)
Answer: Switch C; Router D; WAP A; NIC B
Examiner tip: A switch works inside one LAN; a router moves data between networks – mixing these up is the most common error.