Edexcel IGCSEComputer ScienceGeneral Applications5 Marks
A school is planning to upgrade its network infrastructure.
- (a)Describe two differences between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN).[2]
- (b)Explain why the school might choose to use a wired network rather than a wireless network for its computer labs.[3]
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- **(a)**
- B1 for LAN covers a small geographical area (e.g., single building/site) whereas WAN covers a large geographical area (e.g., across cities/countries).
- B1 for LAN typically owned by a single organisation / private whereas WAN often uses external / public infrastructure (e.g., telephone lines, fibre optic cables).
- B1 for LAN generally faster / higher bandwidth than WAN.
- B1 for LAN generally more secure / less susceptible to interception.
- Any two valid differences. Max 2 marks.
- **(b)**
- B1 for wired connections offer higher security / less prone to interception compared to wireless.
- B1 for wired connections provide more reliable / stable connectivity / less interference.
- B1 for wired connections typically offer faster data transfer speeds / higher bandwidth suitable for demanding applications (e.g., software deployment, large file transfers).
- B1 for wired connections are less susceptible to signal degradation over distance or through walls.
- B1 for wired connections do not suffer from issues of signal strength or 'dead zones'.
- Accept any three valid points. Max 3 marks.
Write your answer and get it marked
On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.
Sign up free →