Cambridge International AS Level · Computer Science (9618)

Communication: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Communication.

10 questions23 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following is a key characteristic of fibre-optic cables when compared to copper cables in a wired network infrastructure?

Question 2

1 mark

A network administrator decides to use a bridge instead of a repeater to connect two segments of a Local Area Network (LAN). What is the primary functional difference that justifies this choice?

Question 3

1 mark

When a web browser requests a resource using a URL, the Domain Name Service (DNS) process begins. What is the specific role of the Recursive Resolver (usually provided by an ISP) in this sequence?

Question 4

1 mark

Which type of cloud computing is managed by a third-party provider and shares its physical server resources among multiple different organizations?

Question 5

1 mark

In a large-scale network, a mesh topology is often selected for critical infrastructure. Which of the following is the primary advantage of a full mesh topology compared to a star topology?

Question 6

2 marks

State one reason why a large organization might prefer a hybrid cloud model over using only a public cloud.

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Question 7

3 marks

A network uses the Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol. Describe the action taken by a node immediately after it detects that a collision has occurred during data transmission.

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Question 8

5 marks

In the context of bit streaming, explain why a high bit rate is necessary for high-definition video and describe the impact of a buffer on the user experience.

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Question 9

3 marks

Local Area Networks (LANs) often require specific hardware to maintain signal strength and link different segments together.

(a) Describe the purpose of a repeater in a network.
(b) Explain how a bridge is used to connect two separate LAN segments so they can function as a single logical network.

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Question 10

5 marks

IP addresses are essential for identifying devices on a network and ensuring data reaches the correct destination.

(a) Contrast static IP addresses and dynamic IP addresses, explaining how each is assigned to a device.
(b) Justify the use of a static IP address for a company's internal file server.
(c) Describe the role of a default gateway in a network when a local device attempts to send data to a host on a remote Wide Area Network (WAN).

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