A small accountancy office is setting up a new network for 12 staff.
(a) Give two advantages of using a wired (Ethernet) connection rather than Wi-Fi. [2]
(b) Give one advantage of using Wi-Fi rather than a wired connection. [1]
(c) Explain why data sent over the office Wi-Fi should be encrypted. [2]
(d) Identify two factors that could affect the performance of the network. [2]
- (a) Any two from: faster / higher bandwidth / faster data transfer rates (allow: lower latency / less lag); more reliable / stable connection / less interference (from walls, other devices) / fewer transmission errors; more secure as a physical connection to the cable is needed to intercept data (allow: signal does not travel through the air). Reliability and less interference are the same point: credit once. Reject: cheaper(1)
- (a) Second, different advantage from the list(1)
- (b) Any one from: devices can be moved around / used anywhere in range (mobility); no cables needed so easier / quicker / cheaper to install; easy to add new devices; allows devices without an Ethernet port (e.g. phones, tablets) to connect(1)
- (c) Wi-Fi signals travel through the air / can be picked up by anyone in range, so data can be intercepted (allow: hackers could intercept / eavesdrop on the data)(1)
- (c) Encryption scrambles the data so that if it is intercepted it cannot be understood / read without the key (and the clients' confidential/financial data stays private). Reject: 'encryption stops the data being intercepted' / 'stops hackers getting the data'(1)
- (d) Any two from: bandwidth; number of users / devices / amount of traffic; transmission media / type of connection (wired vs wireless, cable type); interference / number of transmission errors (allow: walls / obstacles for Wi-Fi); distance from the wireless access point / cable length; latency. Ignore: 'speed' / 'internet speed' alone(1)
- (d) Second, different factor from the list(1)
- Answer: (a) e.g. faster / higher bandwidth; more reliable (less interference); more secure (b) e.g. mobility / no cables needed (c) Wi-Fi signals can be intercepted by anyone in range; encryption means intercepted data cannot be understood without the key (d) e.g. bandwidth; number of users/devices
- Examiner tip: Encryption does not stop interception – it stops the intercepted data being understood. Saying it 'stops hackers getting the data' does not score.