4 Write down the most appropriate network device to match the following statements. Your answers should be different in each part. (a) This network device checks the data packet arriving from one computer and sends the data to a specific computer. … [1] (b) This network device sends the data packet from a computer to all devices connected to it. … [1] (c) This network device connects a LAN to the internet. … [1] (d) This network device connects one LAN to another with the same protocol. … [1]

4(a) Switch 1 4(b) Hub 1 4(c) Router 1 4(d) Bridge 1 To earn marks, you must provide the correct and distinct network device name for each of the four descriptions provided.

5 The Internet of Things (IoT) is a computer network which allows users to control household devices remotely. It has many benefits, for example a user can turn on the house central heating via a smartphone. The IoT can use WiFi and Bluetooth which can cause problems regarding data security. Describe the methods that could be taken to protect the user’s data. … … … … … … … … … … … … [6]

5 Six from: Change default name/usernames and passwords on the router Change the default privacy//use a strong privacy setting Disable features not in use Use strong WiFi encryption Separate the IoT from the home WiFi account Keep software/hardware up to date Avoid public WiFi networks Ensure firewall is operational Use anti-spyware/up to date anti-virus Use strong passwords Use unique passwords for each device Change passwords regularly 6 To earn marks, you must describe six distinct methods that can be used to protect a user's data in an IoT environment, such as changing default passwords or using strong encryption.

6 The internet has both moderated and unmoderated forums. Explain what is meant by an unmoderated forum. … … … … … … … … [4]

6 Four from: Online discussion forum/social platform/website Do not have an administrator Posts are not controlled/monitored Relies on a voluntary code from its users People write what they want There are no rules//Users cannot be barred for what they write 4 To earn marks, you must explain that an unmoderated forum is an online discussion platform without an administrator, where posts are not controlled or monitored, and users can write what they want without rules or being barred.

A family has purchased a wireless router for use in their home to allow their devices to be connected via WiFi to form a wireless local area network (WLAN). 7 When the family purchased the wireless router they were advised to change the default password. (a) Explain why they should change the default password. … … … … [2] Describe the process of using WiFi to connect to a WLAN. (b) … … … … … … … … [4] Their son produces large complex diagrams on his desktop computer at home. He needs to be able to access the diagrams when he is at university. Even if reduced in file size, the diagrams would be too large to send using email. (c) Describe in detail how he could transfer the diagrams from his home desktop computer to be able to access them at university, without using additional hardware. … … … … … … … … [4] One of the parents in the family works for a government department and sends sensitive data from their home computer to the office.The data is encrypted before being sent to ensure it is harder to understand if it is intercepted. (d) Describe four other preventative measures that could be taken to avoid network security issues. 1… … 2… … 3… … 4… … [4]

7(a) Two from: So that other people cannot access the router using the known default password As it is wireless the password could be cracked from outside easily and then used for free by others So that people cannot make changes to/access personal data on the router It would increase security of the data 2 7(b) Four from: The computer/device sends data to its wireless adapter The data is converted into radio waves The radio waves are transmitted A wireless adapter receives the radio waves Radio waves are converted into data The computer initiates a handshake with the wireless router The wireless router responds Establishes a session/pairing Wireless router checks the password/key is correct Data is transmitted User has to enter a password/passkey/automatic entry of key for known connections 4 7(c) Four from: Create a cloud storage account Ensure sufficient storage in the cloud account Log into the cloud at home Upload/transfer the diagrams from his home computer to the cloud At university: access/login to his cloud storage account At university: download/access the stored diagrams 4 7(d) Four from: Install security devices/firewalls Use a VPN Install security software/anti-virus/anti-spyware Set up security settings in the router/operating system Data backup in case of data loss/corruption Restrict access to the network infrastructure Train the family in the safe and secure use of the equipment Not opening emails/attachments from unknowns/phishing emails Not downloading files from unknowns/phishing emails Use a dongle to restrict use of software 4 (a) To earn marks, a student must provide two distinct reasons why changing the default password is important, focusing on security, preventing unauthorized access, or protecting personal data. (b) To earn marks, a student must describe four distinct steps in the process of connecting to a WLAN using WiFi, covering aspects like data conversion, transmission, device interaction, and password authentication.

7 Bluetooth is a method of communication to connect devices together. Describe how a smartphone can use Bluetooth to connect to another device. … … … … … … … … [4]

7 Four from: Smartphone sends data to its Bluetooth connector Data is converted to radio waves The smartphone automatically detects nearby devices The smartphone pairs to the other device if in range The smartphone randomly chooses one of 79 possible channels If the channel is in use, it randomly chooses another The connection changes channels, every few seconds Sends the radio wave to the other device 4 To earn marks, you need to describe four steps in how a smartphone uses Bluetooth, such as sending data to its connector, converting data to radio waves, detecting/pairing with devices, and changing channels.

Cambridge IGCSE ICT · 0417

IGCSE ICT (0417) Networks and the effects of using them past paper questions

Revise IGCSE ICT (0417) — Networks and the effects of using them with real Cambridge past-paper questions grouped by topic, each shown with its marking scheme. Working one topic at a time targets exactly the skill each question tests.

76 free questions from 2016–2021, each with its marking scheme. Open the full topical bank to filter by subtopic, paper, and year.