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An office has a LAN (Local Area Network) - OCR - GCSE Computer Science - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
An office has a LAN (Local Area Network). The office has four employees who each have a laptop. The office also has one server and one networked printer. (a) The of... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An office has a LAN (Local Area Network) - OCR - GCSE Computer Science - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Draw the devices and connections in the office star network.
Answer
In a star network topology, all devices are connected to a central switch. The diagram would include:
- One central switch.
- Four laptops for the employees, each connected to the switch.
- One server connected to the switch.
- One networked printer connected to the switch.
All devices should be clearly labelled as 'Laptop 1', 'Laptop 2', 'Laptop 3', 'Laptop 4', 'Server', and 'Networked Printer'.
Step 2
Describe the role of the switch in the office network.
Answer
The switch serves as the central point for data communication within a star network. It receives data packets from one device and forwards them to the correct destination device on the network. This helps in managing data traffic efficiently and reduces the chance of data collisions. Additionally, it can provide dedicated bandwidth to each connected device, ensuring smoother network operations.
Step 3
Describe how introducing wireless access could have slowed down the network.
Answer
Introducing wireless access can slow down the network due to increased interference and signal attenuation. Wireless signals can be affected by physical barriers such as walls and furniture, which may hinder connectivity. Additionally, if too many devices connect to the same WAP, it can lead to saturation, resulting in slower speeds for each device. The shared bandwidth of wireless connections also means that individual devices may experience latency.
Step 4
Identify two other factors that can affect the performance of a network.
Answer
- Network congestion caused by high traffic volume, which can lead to slower data transmission.
- Hardware limitations, such as outdated routers or switches, which may not effectively handle the required data load.
Step 5
Explain what is meant by a Virtual Network.
Answer
A Virtual Network (VN) is a logically segmented network that operates on physical infrastructure but provides isolated environments for different users or applications. VNs enable the creation of network paths without the need for physical connections, allowing for greater flexibility and efficient resource allocation. They are often used to enhance security, as users in one virtual network cannot easily access resources in another without proper permissions.