11

4 Melinda and her friends set up a peer-to-peer network between their computers to share data.

(a) Describe the key features of a peer-to-peer network.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Describe two drawbacks to Melinda and her friends of using a peer-to-peer network.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

(c) Melinda connects her laptop to the internet through her router.

(i) Tick (3) one box in each row to identify whether the task is performed by the router or
not.

Performed by Not performed

Task
router by router
Receives packets from devices
Finds the IP address of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
Directs each packet to all devices attached to it
Stores the IP and/or MAC address of all devices attached to it
[2]

© UCLES 2021 9618/11/M/J/21 [Turn over

 12

(ii) Melinda mainly uses the internet to watch films and play computer games.

Tick (3) one box to identify whether Melinda should connect to the router using a wired
or wireless network and justify your choice.

Wired
Wireless

Justification .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(d) Melinda sends emails from her webmail account (email account accessed through a website).

Explain whether Melinda is using the internet, or the World Wide Web (WWW), or both.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

© UCLES 2021 9618/11/M/J/21

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

3(c)(i) 1
1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0

3(c)(ii) 1 mark for correct answer 1

The number is divided by 8 (and only whole number retained)

Question Answer Marks

4(a) 1 mark per bullet point to max 2 2

• All computers are of equal status

• Each computer provides access to resources and data // data is
distributed
• Computers can communicate and share resources
• Each computer is responsible for its own security

4(b) 1 mark per bullet point to max 2 per drawback 4

• Reduced security // no central management of security

• … only as secure as the weakest computer on the network
• … each computer is at risk from viruses from other computers

• No central management of backup

• ... if the data from one computer is not backed up it is lost to all of them

• No central management of files/software

• … consistency may be difficult to maintain
• … each computer may have different software from the others

• Individual computers may respond slower

• … because they are being accessed by other computers

• In order to share files etc. all the computers involved need to be switched
on
• ... so the files etc. may not be always available

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9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

4(c)(i) 1 mark for first 2 ticks, 1 mark for last 2 (shaded) 2

Performed Not performed

Task
by router by router

Receives packets from devices 

Finds the IP address of a Uniform 

Resource Locator (URL)

Directs each packet to all devices 

attached to it

Stores the IP and/or MAC address of all 

devices attached to it

4(c)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point for justification up to max 3 3

No mark for identification of wired/wireless

Wired
• Faster connection // higher bandwidth
• …. needed as she is downloading/streaming large files
• … less time waiting / less latency / fewer delays
• More reliable / stable connection
• … is less susceptible to issues with distance/walls/interference
• More secure

Wireless
• Freedom of movement
• … can move between different rooms with a mobile device and still
receive/transmit data
• … no need of a physical connection
• Easily expanded if friends want to access the same network
• Less cabling / expertise is needed
• ... making the initial setup less expensive

4(d) 1 mark for identifying that she is using both. 3

1 mark per bullet point for justification

• using internet because sending data on the infrastructure

• using WWW because accessing a website (that is stored on a web
server operated by the webmail) that is part of the WWW

© UCLES 2021 Page 7 of 10

 11

4 Melinda and her friends set up a peer-to-peer network between their computers to share data.

(a) Describe the key features of a peer-to-peer network.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Describe two drawbacks to Melinda and her friends of using a peer-to-peer network.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

(c) Melinda connects her laptop to the internet through her router.

(i) Tick (3) one box in each row to identify whether the task is performed by the router or
not.

Performed by Not performed

Task
router by router
Receives packets from devices
Finds the IP address of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
Directs each packet to all devices attached to it
Stores the IP and/or MAC address of all devices attached to it
[2]

© UCLES 2021 9618/13/M/J/21 [Turn over

 12

(ii) Melinda mainly uses the internet to watch films and play computer games.

Tick (3) one box to identify whether Melinda should connect to the router using a wired
or wireless network and justify your choice.

Wired
Wireless

Justification .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(d) Melinda sends emails from her webmail account (email account accessed through a website).

Explain whether Melinda is using the internet, or the World Wide Web (WWW), or both.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

© UCLES 2021 9618/13/M/J/21

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

3(c)(i) 1
1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0

3(c)(ii) 1 mark for correct answer 1

The number is divided by 8 (and only whole number retained)

Question Answer Marks

4(a) 1 mark per bullet point to max 2 2

• All computers are of equal status

• Each computer provides access to resources and data // data is
distributed
• Computers can communicate and share resources
• Each computer is responsible for its own security

4(b) 1 mark per bullet point to max 2 per drawback 4

• Reduced security // no central management of security

• … only as secure as the weakest computer on the network
• … each computer is at risk from viruses from other computers

• No central management of backup

• ... if the data from one computer is not backed up it is lost to all of them

• No central management of files/software

• … consistency may be difficult to maintain
• … each computer may have different software from the others

• Individual computers may respond slower

• … because they are being accessed by other computers

• In order to share files etc. all the computers involved need to be switched
on
• ... so the files etc. may not be always available

© UCLES 2021 Page 6 of 10

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

4(c)(i) 1 mark for first 2 ticks, 1 mark for last 2 (shaded) 2

Performed Not performed

Task
by router by router

Receives packets from devices 

Finds the IP address of a Uniform 

Resource Locator (URL)

Directs each packet to all devices 

attached to it

Stores the IP and/or MAC address of all 

devices attached to it

4(c)(ii) 1 mark per bullet point for justification up to max 3 3

No mark for identification of wired/wireless

Wired
• Faster connection // higher bandwidth
• …. needed as she is downloading/streaming large files
• … less time waiting / less latency / fewer delays
• More reliable / stable connection
• … is less susceptible to issues with distance/walls/interference
• More secure

Wireless
• Freedom of movement
• … can move between different rooms with a mobile device and still
receive/transmit data
• … no need of a physical connection
• Easily expanded if friends want to access the same network
• Less cabling / expertise is needed
• ... making the initial setup less expensive

4(d) 1 mark for identifying that she is using both. 3

1 mark per bullet point for justification

• using internet because sending data on the infrastructure

• using WWW because accessing a website (that is stored on a web
server operated by the webmail) that is part of the WWW

© UCLES 2021 Page 7 of 10

 13

9 (a) The following incomplete table contains four network devices and their descriptions.

Complete the table by writing the missing devices and missing descriptions.

Device Description

Receives and sends data between two networks operating on the

..........................
same protocol

.................................................................................................................
Wireless
Network
.................................................................................................................
Interface Card
(WNIC)
.................................................................................................................

Restores the digital signal so it can be transmitted over greater

..........................
distances

.................................................................................................................
Wireless Access
.................................................................................................................
Point (WAP)
.................................................................................................................

[4]

(b) Describe three differences between fibre-optic cables and copper cables.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

3 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

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 14

(c) Ethernet uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD).

Describe CSMA/CD.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

© UCLES 2022 9618/12/M/J/22

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

9(a) 1 mark for each completed name or description 4

Device Description

Receives and sends data between two networks

Router
operating on the same protocol

Wireless
Hardware component that allows a device to connect to
Network
a wireless network // Provides a MAC address to the
Interface Card
device to identify it on the wireless network
(WNIC)

Restores the digital signal so it can be transmitted over

Repeater
greater distances

Wireless Hardware component that provides radio

Access Point communication from the central device to nodes on the
(WAP) network (and vice versa)

9(b) 1 mark for each difference 3

e.g.
 Fibre optic data is transmitted using light, copper cable through
electrical signals
 Fibre optic has higher bandwidth than copper cable // Fibre optic has
higher transmission rates than copper cable
 Fibre optic has smaller risk of (noise) interference than copper cable
 Fibre optic can be used over longer distances than copper cable before
repeaters are needed
 Fibre optic is much more difficult to hack into than copper cable
 Fibre optic is more prone to damage than copper cable

9(c) 1 mark per point to max 4 4

 A workstation / node (wishing to transmit) listens to the communication

channel
 …data is only sent when the channel is free // ... if channel is free data
is sent
 Because there is more than one computer connected to the same
transmission medium
 ... two workstations can start to transmit at the same time, causing a
collision
 If a collision happens, the workstations send a (jamming) signal / abort
transmission
 …and each waits a random amount of time before attempting to resend

© UCLES 2022 Page 9 of 9

 15

8 A company uses cloud computing.

(a) Define cloud computing.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) State what is meant by a public cloud and a private cloud.

Public cloud ..............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Private cloud .............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) Give two benefits and one drawback of using cloud computing.

Benefit 1 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Benefit 2 ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Drawback ..................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

© UCLES 2022 9618/13/M/J/22

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2022
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

7(a) 1 mark for each section 3

 A AND B
 NOT C AND B // B AND NOT C
 XOR (with remainder correct and bracketed and nothing extra)

X = (A AND B) XOR (NOT C AND B)

7(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows, 1 mark for second 4 rows (shaded) 2

A B C Working space X

0 0 0 1

0 0 1 1

0 1 0 1

0 1 1 1

1 0 0 1

1 0 1 1

1 1 0 1

1 1 1 0

Question Answer Marks

8(a) Accessing a service/files/software on a remote server 1

8(b) 1 mark each from: 2

Public e.g.
 Computing services offered by 3rd party provider over the public
Internet
 Public is open/available to anyone with the appropriate
equipment/software/credentials

Private e.g.
 Computing services offered either over the Internet or a private internal
network
 Only available to select users not the general public
 Private is a dedicated/bespoke system only accessible for/from the
organisation

© UCLES 2022 Page 9 of 10

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Question Answer Marks

8(c) 1 mark for each benefit to max 2 3

e.g.
 Can be accessed anywhere with Internet access
 Do not need to install security // security might be better
 Do not need to perform backups
 Do not need to buy specific software/hardware
 Can easily share documents
 Can have multiple people working on the same document

1 mark for drawback

e.g.
 You cannot access it if no internet access
 Reliant on someone else to backup
 Reliant on someone else for security // can have poorer security
 Cannot access if server goes down

© UCLES 2022 Page 10 of 10

 11

(c) The CCTV system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify the presence of a person in the
house and to track their movements.

Describe how AI is used in this system.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(d) The CCTV cameras are connected to a network and transfer their data wirelessly to the
central computer.

(i) Each device on the network has an IP address.

Complete the description of IP addresses.

An IPv4 address contains ..................................... groups of digits. Each group is

represented in ..................................... bits and the groups are separated by full stops.

An IPv6 address contains ..................................... groups of digits. Each group is

represented in ..................................... bits. Multiple groups that only contain zeros

can be replaced with a ..................................... .

[5]

(ii) The network makes use of subnetting.

Describe two benefits of subnetting a network.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[4]

© UCLES 2023 9618/11/M/J/23 [Turn over

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2023
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

4(a)(i) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 Stores the bootstrap program // start-up instructions for the central

computer // BIOS
 Stores the start-up instructions for the CCTV system/cameras //
firmware for CCTV
 Stores the kernel of the Operating System // stores parts of the
Operating System

4(a)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 Costs less per unit

 Higher storage density
 Simple design – uses fewer transistors

4(b) 1 mark for reason, 1mark for application/justification 4

 The computer will have a large number of read/write operations

because it is working all the time
 .. magnetic storage has more longevity
 Magnetic storage costs less per storage unit
 … videos are large files and therefore very large storage capacity is
required

4(c) 1 mark each to max 3 3

Examples:
 Uses image recognition
 Monitors every image taken to identify matching
images/shapes/features to a 'person' …
 … starts recording to secondary storage/permanently when a person is
identified
 System identifies direction of movement of person and uses this to
decide where/how to move the camera/record
 System identifies other cameras to start recording based on direction of
movement

4(d)(i) 1 mark for each term 5

An IPv4 address contains 4 groups of digits. Each group is represented in 8

bits and the groups are separated by full stops.

An IPv6 address contains 8 groups of digits. Each group is represented in

16 bits. Multiple groups that only contain zeros can be replaced with a :: //
double colon.

© UCLES 2023 Page 7 of 9

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2023
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

4(d)(ii) 1 mark for identification, 1mark for expansion 4

e.g.
 Reduce amount of traffic in a network // improve network speed
 Data stays in its subnet so it does not travel as far
 Improves network security
 .. so that not all devices can access all areas of the network
 Allows for easier maintenance
 … because only one subnetwork may need taking down/changing while
the rest of the network can continue

Question Answer Marks

5(a) 1 mark for 2 gates 2

2 marks for all 4 gates

5(b) 1 mark each 2

NAND
0 is only output when both inputs are 1 // 1 is only output when none, or
(either) one of the inputs is 1

NOR
1 is only output when both inputs are 0 // 0 is only output when (either) one
or both inputs are 1

© UCLES 2023 Page 8 of 9

 2

1 A company has a LAN (local area network).

(a) Give two benefits of connecting computers to a LAN.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Give two characteristics of a LAN.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) One of the company’s offices has one server and four computers connected in a star topology.

Draw a diagram to show the layout of the office’s star topology.

[2]

© UCLES 2023 9618/12/M/J/23

 3

(d) Computers can be connected using Ethernet.

Describe what is meant by Ethernet.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(e) The network runs as a thick‑client model.

Describe what is meant by a thick‑client model.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

© UCLES 2023 9618/12/M/J/23 [Turn over

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2023
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

1(a) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 Allows the sharing of files/data // Allows communication between the

devices
 Allows the sharing of resources e.g. hardware / software (applications)
 Allows central management // by example, backup, security, etc.

1(b) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 Covers a small geographical area

 The infrastructure is privately owned // not controlled by external
organisations

1(c) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 Each computer directly connected only to the server ...

 ... all components correctly labelled

Computer Computer 4
1 Server
Computer
Computer

1(d) 1 mark each to max 3 3

 A protocol (suite)
 For data transmission over standard / universal wired / cabled network
connections
 Uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
 Data is transmitted in frames
 … each frame has a source and destination (IP/MAC) address
 ... and error checking data (so damaged frames can be resent)

1(e) 1 mark each 2

 The server performs minimal / some processing for the client

 The clients also do most of their own processing/work independently //
most of the resources are installed locally

© UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 10

 3

2 A university has two sites. Each site has several computer rooms. The computers are all connected
as a WAN (wide area network).

(a) Identify two differences between a WAN and a LAN (local area network).

1 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) The network uses different topologies in different areas of the sites. In one building there are
five computers connected in a mesh topology.

(i) Describe what is meant by a mesh topology.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Give two advantages of using a mesh topology instead of a bus topology.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The computers in one room are set up as thin-clients in a client-server model.

Describe the role of the different computers in this model.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

© UCLES 2023 9618/13/M/J/23 [Turn over

 4

(d) Students can connect their devices to the university network using cables or a wireless
connection.

Explain the benefits to the students of allowing them to use both wired and wireless
connections.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

(e) One site has split the network into several subnetworks.

An IP address in a subnetwork is divided into two parts.

Identify and describe the two parts of an IP address in a subnetwork.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

© UCLES 2023 9618/13/M/J/23

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2023
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

1(a) NOT B 1

1(b) 1 mark for first 4 rows correct; 1 mark for second 4 rows correct 2

A B C X

0 0 0 1

0 0 1 0

0 1 0 1

0 1 1 0

1 0 0 1

1 0 1 0

1 1 0 0

1 1 1 1

Question Answer Marks

2(a) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 WAN covers a large geographical area and LAN covers a small

geographical area
 LAN connections between devices are usually physical, whereas the
WAN connections are often virtual
 A LAN has a high data transfer rate, whereas a WAN has a low data
transfer rate
 The ownership of a LAN is private; the ownership of a WAN can be
private or public
 LAN is usually more secure than a WAN because protection is easier
to implement

2(b)(i) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 All computers are connected to at least one other device

 There are multiple routes between devices
 The computers can act as relays, passing packets on towards the final
destination

© UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 11

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2023
PUBLISHED

Question Answer Marks

2(b)(ii) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 If one line goes down there are more routes available

 Improved security as not using one main line
 No/fewer collisions
 New nodes can be added without interruption or interfering with other
nodes
 More secure because data is sent over a dedicated connection

2(c) 1 mark each to max 2 2

 Server performs all processes required by the task and/or data storage
 Clients only sends requests to the server and displays the returned
results

2(d) 1 mark each to max 4 4

Examples:
 Some students might only have one sort of connection on their device
 Wired provides better performance for the student's device
 ... for example, enabling faster access to university databases
 There will be less interference if students connect via a cable
 Students can transmit private/confidential data/work securely
 ... for example, their final dissertation
 Wireless connection means that the students can use their devices in
different rooms/sites/outside/anywhere more freely // student devices
can be portable
 Wireless connection enables the students to bring multiple devices //
bring their own devices // change devices

2(e) 1 mark for identification 3

 IP address is made up of a network ID and a host ID

1 mark each to max 2 for description

 Each device in a subnetwork has the same network ID // Each

subnetwork has a different network ID
 Every device in each subnetwork has a different host ID but the same
network ID // the host ID uniquely identifies the device within the
subnetwork

© UCLES 2023 Page 4 of 11

 15

8 A school is setting up a network within one of its buildings.

(a) State whether the network will be a LAN (local area network) or a WAN (wide area network).
Justify your choice.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) One classroom in the building has 30 computers. The computers need to be connected to the
network. Each computer has a network interface card (NIC).

Identify two possible devices that can be used to physically connect the 30 computers to the
rest of the network.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The school has several laptops. Each laptop has a Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC).

Describe the functions of a Wireless Network Interface Card.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

© UCLES 2021 9618/11/O/N/21

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2021

Question Answer Marks

8(a) 1 mark per bullet point 3

• LAN
• Small geographical area
• No leasing external infrastructure / transmission media // does not use
internet to transmit within the building

8(b) 1 mark per item 2

• router
• switch
• hub

8(c) 1 mark per bullet point to max 4 4

• Provide interface to wireless network

• … as an antenna
• Receives analogue radio waves
• … convert them to digital / binary
• Checks incoming transmissions for correct MAC / IP address
• … ignore transmissions not intended for it
• Encrypts / encodes the data
• Decrypts / decodes the data
• Takes digital/binary input and converts to analogue waves
• … sends the radio waves via the antenna

© UCLES 2021 Page 9 of 9

 4

3 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) Andy plays some of the computer games over the internet. He has several devices that
connect wirelessly to the router in his house.

(i) Identify the topology of Andy’s home network. Justify your choice.

Topology ............................................................................................................................

Justification .......................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(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]

© UCLES 2021 9618/12/O/N/21

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2021

Question Answer Marks

2(b) 1 mark for each correct bullet point 2

• NOT (A AND B) // A NAND B

• NOT the result AND C // the result NAND C

OR

Question Answer Marks

3(a) 1 mark for each bullet point to max 3 3

• The microphone has a diaphragm / ribbon

• The incoming sound waves cause vibrations of the diaphragm
• … 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)
• An electrical signal is produced

3(b)(i) 1 mark for identification of star topology 2

1 mark for justification

Devices are connected directly to the router independently
// all devices are only connected to the router

3(b)(ii) 1 mark for each correct function to max 3 3

• To receive packets from devices or the Internet

• To forward / route packets to the destination
• To find the destination of the packet
• To assign / allocate private IP addresses to devices on LAN
• To store / update / maintain a routing table
• To find the most efficient path to the destination
• To maintain a table of MAC and IP addresses

© UCLES 2021 Page 4 of 10

 15

8 A school is setting up a network within one of its buildings.

(a) State whether the network will be a LAN (local area network) or a WAN (wide area network).
Justify your choice.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

(b) One classroom in the building has 30 computers. The computers need to be connected to the
network. Each computer has a network interface card (NIC).

Identify two possible devices that can be used to physically connect the 30 computers to the
rest of the network.

1 ................................................................................................................................................

2 ................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(c) The school has several laptops. Each laptop has a Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC).

Describe the functions of a Wireless Network Interface Card.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [4]

© UCLES 2021 9618/13/O/N/21

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2021

Question Answer Marks

8(a) 1 mark per bullet point 3

• LAN
• Small geographical area
• No leasing external infrastructure / transmission media // does not use
internet to transmit within the building

8(b) 1 mark per item 2

• router
• switch
• hub

8(c) 1 mark per bullet point to max 4 4

• Provide interface to wireless network

• … as an antenna
• Receives analogue radio waves
• … convert them to digital / binary
• Checks incoming transmissions for correct MAC / IP address
• … ignore transmissions not intended for it
• Encrypts / encodes the data
• Decrypts / decodes the data
• Takes digital/binary input and converts to analogue waves
• … sends the radio waves via the antenna

© UCLES 2021 Page 9 of 9

 19

8 A Local Area Network (LAN) uses a bus topology.

Describe how Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA / CD) is used in a bus
network.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................... [4]

9 Many modern televisions are examples of embedded systems.

(a) Explain why these televisions are embedded systems.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Embedded systems use Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM).

Describe one benefit of using EEPROMs in an embedded system.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

© UCLES 2022 9618/11/O/N/22

9618/11 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2022

Question Answer Marks

7(c) 1 mark for each bullet point (max 3): 3

• lossless compression
• Run Length Encoding
• repeated sequences of characters are replaced by
• ... a single copy of the character
• ... and a counter of the number of characters

7(d) 1 mark for each bullet point (max 2): 2

• cache is fast access memory (close to the CPU)

• cache stores frequently used instructions / data
• ... more cache means more instructions / data can be transferred faster
• ... less swapping between RAM and cache
• prevents the CPU idling while waiting for data

7(e) 1 mark for each device. 2

• 3D printer: USB port / COM port

• Monitor: HDMI / VGA / USB / DisplayPort

Question Answer Marks

8 1 mark for bullet point (max 4): 4

• CSMA/CD is a protocol used to detect and prevent collisions in a bus

topology
• before transmitting, a device checks if the channel is busy
• If the channel is busy the device waits // if the channel is free the data is
sent
• because there is more than one computer connected to the same
transmission medium
• ... two workstations can start to transmit at the same time, causing a
collision
• If a collision is detected by the device, transmission is aborted / a
jamming signal is transmitted
• both devices wait a (different) random time and then try again

Question Answer Marks

9(a) 1 mark for each bullet point (max 2): 2

• the embedded system is built into / integrated into the TV

• combination of hardware and software designed for a specific function
• The system is not easily changed/updated by the TV owner

© UCLES 2022 Page 10 of 11

 17

10 A Local Area Network (LAN) consists of four computers, one server and a switch.

The LAN uses a star topology.

(a) Complete the following diagram to show how the hardware is connected.

Switch

Computer Computer Server Computer Computer

[1]

(b) A router is attached to one of the devices on the LAN shown in part (a) to connect the LAN to
the internet.

(i) Identify the device. Give a reason for your choice.

Device ...............................................................................................................................

Reason ..............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) Describe the role and function of the router in the network.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

© UCLES 2022 9618/12/O/N/22

9618/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2022

Question Answer Marks

8(c)(ii) 1 mark for each bullet point: 2

• all the data is required // no data can be lost
• ... otherwise text file will be corrupted / not make sense

Question Answer Marks

9 1 mark for each bullet point (max 2). 2

For example:
• incorrect recognition of faces leads to mistakes such as
• ... access to facilities / systems may be denied
• privacy issues / people do not like data being stored
• individuals will feel safer
• ... there might be a reduction in crime
• faster boarding
• catching criminals

Question Answer Marks

10(a) all four computers directly connected to the switch and no other connections. 1

10(b)(i) 1 mark for the device. 1 mark for corresponding reason. 2

• Device: Server
• Reason: Server processes the requests and authorises traffic // firewall
software on the server authorises traffic // server acts as the proxy

• Device: Switch
• Reason: Switch is connected to all the computers // to share access to
the router on the network

10(b)(ii) 1 mark for each bullet point (max 3): 3

• receive packets from devices / internet

• find destination of packets using the IP address
• forward packets to the destination
• assign private IP addresses to devices on LAN
• store/update/maintain a routing table
• find most efficient path to destination
• maintain table of MAC and IP addresses
• provides the LAN with a public IP address
• acts as a gateway
• performs protocol conversion
• acts as a firewall

© UCLES 2022 Page 10 of 10

 14

7 (a) The diagram shows the hardware and software used to retrieve files stored on the cloud.

Internet
Laptop Firewall A Service X
Provider

Complete the following table by writing the answer for each row.
Answer

The name of device A that allows the

laptop to connect to the internet

A type of cloud, X

An example of an application, B, that

can run on the cloud
[3]

(b) Give one advantage and two disadvantages of transmitting data using satellites instead of
copper cables.

Advantage 1 .............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Disadvantage 1 .........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Disadvantage 2 .........................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[3]

© UCLES 2022 9618/13/O/N/22

 15

(c) Local Area Networks (LANs) can be made up of several subnetworks.

(i) Give two benefits of dividing a network into subnetworks by subnetting the LAN.

1 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

(ii) A subnet mask is used when subnetting a LAN.

Two devices on the LAN are located in different subnetworks.

The IP addresses and corresponding subnet masks are shown:

Device IP address Subnet mask

10.10.12.1 255.0.0.0

192.168.12.4 255.255.255.0

Identify the following network ID and host ID.

The network ID for the device with the IP address 10.10.12.1

...........................................................................................................................................

The host ID for the device with the IP address 192.168.12.4

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

© UCLES 2022 9618/13/O/N/22 [Turn over

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2022

Question Answer Marks

6(b)(i) 0000 0100 1

6(b)(ii) 1101 1111 1

6(b)(iii) 0010 0111 1

6(c) 1 mark for a correct name: 1

• input and output of data

• arithmetic operations
• unconditional and conditional instructions
• compare instructions

Question Answer Marks

7(a) 1 mark for each correct answer: 3

Answer

The name of device A that allows Router

the laptop to connect to the internet

A type of cloud, X Public (cloud)

An example of an application, B, Email / Graphics / Word processor /

that can run on the cloud, Spreadsheet / Game / Database, etc.

7(b) 1 mark for a correct advantage: 3

• not fixed to a single location

• allows access in remote / rural areas

1 mark for each correct disadvantage (max 2):

• high latency / lag / slow to connect

• more expensive than wired methods, as need extra equipment
• signal is affected by bad weather
• the transmission speed is slower than fixed line broadband
• direct line of sight needed

7(c)(i) 1 mark for each bullet point (max 2) 2

Examples:
• improves security
• reduces congestion
• allows extension of the network / devices attached
• aids day-to-day management
• improves performance

© UCLES 2022 Page 8 of 10

9618/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme October/November
PUBLISHED 2022

Question Answer Marks

7(c)(ii) 1 mark for each correct answer: 2

• network ID = 10
• host ID = 4

Question Answer Marks

8(a)(i) 1 mark for each bullet point (max 2): 2

• to allow users to customise the code

• to allow errors to be reported / identified / fixed by users
• to allow additional features to be added to the code
• to allow for collaboration

8(a)(ii) 1 mark for each correct point (max 2) 2

Example:
• enables the program to be copyrighted
• prevents illegal changes to the program / protects the source code
• prevents illegal copies of the program being made
• a fee can be charged for the program

8(b) 1 mark for a correct economic impact and 1 mark for corresponding 2
description

Example:
• reduce costs to the garage
• ... because less time taken for diagnosis

• increase profits for the garage

• ... as technicians spend more time repairing, so completing more jobs in a
day

• decrease costs passed to customer

• ... so garage may gain customers

• profit margins can be reduced

• ... because program may be expensive to buy / maintain / update

© UCLES 2022 Page 9 of 10

 4

2 Yvette runs a company that books walking holidays for groups of people. She has a website that
customers use to book the holidays.

(a) The website has a URL and an IPv6 address.

Describe, using an example, the format of an IPv6 address.

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................... [4]

(b) An IP address can be static or dynamic. Describe static and dynamic IP addresses.

Static ..........................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

Dynamic .....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................
 [4]

(c) Yvette’s company has a LAN (Local Area Network) that has hybrid topology.

(i) Describe the characteristics of a LAN.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [2]

© UCLES 2018 9618/01/SP/21

 5

(ii) The LAN has a range of different topologies. One subnetwork connects four computers
and one server set up as a star topology.

Describe how packets are transmitted between two of the computers in this subnetwork.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [3]

(d) The LAN has both wired and wireless connections.

(i) Ethernet cables connect the computers to the server.

Identify three other hardware components that might be used to set up the LAN.

1 .........................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

2 .........................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

3 .........................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) Describe how Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) manages
collisions during data transmission.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [3]

© UCLES 2018 9618/01/SP/21 [Turn over

 Question Answer Marks Guidance
1(d) 1 mark for answer, 1 mark for working (e.g. borrowing/conversion to two’s 2
9618/01

complement)

© UCLES 2018
01100111
–00110010
Two’s complement
01100111
+ 11001110
(1)0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1
1 1 1 1

Borrowing
0 10 10
01100111

Page 5 of 12
–00110010
SPECIMEN

00110101
Question Answer Marks Guidance
2(a) 1 mark per bullet 4 Allow valid examples such as
• A set of 8 numbers 12F3:2356:AB12:2015:: where :: designates
• Each number is 4 hexadecimal digits 0 for remaining spaces
•
Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

Separated by colons:
• Valid example e.g. 12F3:2356:AB12:2015:0000:0000:1234:5123
from 2021
For examination
 Question Answer Marks Guidance
2(b) 1 mark per bullet to max 2 for static, max 2 for dynamic 4 Accept valid alternatives with the same
9618/01

meaning

© UCLES 2018
Static:
• When a computer disconnects and rejoins a network
• ... the address does not change
• Address is assigned by the server/ISP

Dynamic:
• Each time the computer rejoins a network
• ... the address changes
• address is assigned by the network OS
2(c)(i) 1 mark per bullet 2
e.g.
• Devices connected over a small geographical area
• Uses dedicated infrastructure // company-owned infrastructure
2(c)(ii) 1 mark per bullet to max 3 3
• Packet has address of recipient
• Sender transmits packets directly to the server

Page 6 of 12
SPECIMEN

• Server reads address and identifies where recipient is

• Server transmits packets directly to the recipient
• Server transmits packets only to the recipient
2(d)(i) 1 mark per bullet to max 3 3 Do not award Cables, computers, servers
e.g. they are in the question. Accept fibre-
• NIC // Network Interface Card optic cables
• WNIC // Wireless Network Interface Card
• WAP // Wireless Access Point
Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

• Hub
• Switch
• Router
• Bridge
• Repeater
• Modem
from 2021
For examination
 Question Answer Marks Guidance
2(d)(ii) 1 mark per bullet to max 3 3
9618/01

• Workstations ‘listen’ to the communication channel

© UCLES 2018
• If no data is being transmitted, the computer can send its data
• Collision caused when 2 devices transmit at the same time
• If a collision occurs, each workstation waits a random time
• … before retransmitting
• Each time a collision occurs, random time is increased

Question Answer Marks Guidance

3(a)(i) 1 mark per bullet 3 0 marks for a many-to-many relationship
• 3 suitable names between Customer and Holiday.
• 1 Customer can have many Bookings Accept any recognised method of
• 1 Holiday can have many Bookings 1-to-many
e.g.

Customer

Page 7 of 12
SPECIMEN

Holiday Booking

3(a)(ii) 1 mark for 3 appropriate Primary Keys 3 Allow FT in names and structure
1 mark for None in Customer and Holiday
1 mark for two FKs in booking that match the PKs in Customer and Holiday

Table Name Primary Key Foreign Key

Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme

Customer CustomerID None

Booking BookingID CustomerID

HolidayID
Holiday HolidayID None
from 2021
For examination