A-LevelComputer ScienceCommunication and internet technologies9618/12 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q38 Marks

Andy likes to play computer games.

(a)Andy uses several input devices to play the games. These include a keyboard and a microphone. Describe the principal operation of a microphone.[3]
(b)(i)Andy plays some of the computer games over the internet. He has several devices that connect wirelessly to the router in his house. Identify the topology of Andy's home network. Justify your choice. Topology Justification[2]
(b)(ii)The router has a wireless access point (WAP) to allow the devices to connect wirelessly. Identify three functions of the router in Andy's network. 1 2 3[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] The microphone has a diaphragm / ribbon
[1] The incoming sound waves cause vibrations of the diaphragm
[1] causing a coil to move past a magnet // causing a magnet to move past a coil (dynamic microphone) // changing the capacitance (condenser microphone) // deforms the crystal (crystal microphone)
[1] An electrical signal is produced
[1] 1 mark for identification of star topology
[1] 1 mark for justification: Devices are connected directly to the router independently // all devices are only connected to the router
[1] To receive packets from devices or the Internet
[1] To forward / route packets to the destination
[1] To find the destination of the packet
[1] To assign / allocate private IP addresses to devices on LAN
[1] To store / update / maintain a routing table
[1] To find the most efficient path to the destination
[1] To maintain a table of MAC and IP addresses

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