This set covers the whole networks and communication module: network arrangements, routers, wired and wireless links, intranet and internet, and safe communication. All organisations, files and messages are invented.
Questions run from easy to harder. Write your answer first, then open the working. Record slips in the mistake log and retest queue, and use the ICT practical task and evidence checker to turn longer answers into a checklist.
Questions
1. A fictional classroom has 20 computers in one building. Is the network a LAN or a WAN?
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A LAN. All devices are in one building, so the network covers a small area.
2. A fictional accountancy firm has offices in two towns and needs to share one database. Which network type joins the offices?
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A WAN, because the sites are far apart and use a link supplied by an outside provider. Each office keeps its own LAN.
3. Three people at home want to share one printer and a few files. Recommend peer-to-peer or client-server and give two reasons.
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Peer-to-peer. There are only a few devices and no need for central records, and nobody needs to manage a server.
4. A fictional hospital records office has 60 users who all need the same protected records. Recommend an arrangement and give two reasons.
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Client-server. A server stores the records in one place with backups, and individual logins control who can see what. Managing 60 users is easier centrally.
5. Give the main job of a router in one sentence.
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A router forwards packets between different networks, such as a home network and the internet, by reading the destination address.
6. A local network uses addresses 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254. State whether each is local or outside: (a) 192.168.1.77, (b) 192.168.3.77, (c) 10.0.0.5.
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(a) Local, it begins 192.168.1. (b) Outside, it begins 192.168.3. (c) Outside, it begins 10. Outside packets go to the router.
7. How long does a 480 MB file take to send on a steady 80 Mbit/s link?
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480 × 8 = 3840 Mbit. 3840 ÷ 80 = 48 seconds.
8. A link is rated at 100 Mbit/s but the effective speed is 50 Mbit/s. How long does a 150 MB file take at the effective speed?
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150 × 8 = 1200 Mbit. 1200 ÷ 50 = 24 seconds. At the rated 100 Mbit/s it would be 12 seconds, so the effective speed doubles the time.
9. A fictional studio has 6 fixed editing computers that move large files, and a lounge where visitors use phones. Recommend wired or wireless for each area.
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Wired for the 6 editing computers, for steady speed and stronger security. Wireless in the lounge, because visitors move and carry their own devices.
10. Classify as intranet or internet: (a) a staff-only rota page, (b) a public weather site, (c) a company’s internal policy library.
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(a) Intranet. (b) Internet. (c) Intranet. Intranet content is private to one organisation and needs authorised access.
11. A student writes: “The router is where the internet comes from.” Correct it.
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The internet is a worldwide set of networks. A router is one device that connects a local network to it by forwarding packets.
12. An invented email says “Your account will close in one hour. Send your password to keep it.” Name three warning signs and the most sensible action.
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Warning signs: it asks for a password, it uses urgency and it was unexpected. Action: do not reply or click, report it to the relevant IT contact and delete it. Confirm any real account problem by visiting the known site yourself.
If you got these wrong
| Error | Go to |
|---|---|
| Mixed LAN, WAN, peer-to-peer or client-server, or gave no reason | Choose a network arrangement |
| Confused router, switch or modem; local versus outside addresses | Explain a router’s role |
| Wrong transfer time, or megabits versus megabytes | Compare wired and wireless constraints |
| Mixed intranet and internet | Distinguish intranet and internet access |
| Vague safety answers | Describe a safe communication practice |
Go back to the module page for the study route. If the same slips repeat, the online one-to-one ICT tuition page explains how a teacher can work through your answers with you.