Identify two characteristics of RAM.

State the purpose of persistent storage on the computers.

Identify two types of general application software that would be installed on the training computers.

Outline one advantage to the company of implementing this change.

Outline one disadvantage to the company of implementing this change.

Describe one method of security that may be used on this wireless network.

Explain why the speed of data transmission on the wireless network in the training room may vary.

Award [2 max].
RAM is volatile / contents erased when power is switched off;
Access speed is fast / faster than hard drive;
Data / instructions can be read from and written to it / /RAM can be overwritten;
Size is limited;

To store programs / files / data in a non-volatile device so it isn’t lost;
Stores more data as it has a larger capacity;

Award [2 max].
Word processor;
Spreadsheet;
Database management system;
Email;
Web browser;

Allow any general purpose application that is appropriate for a ‘training room computer’

Award [2 max].
May save money;
Due to not having to supply all the training computers;

May be able to increase the size of the training group;
Which may generate more income;

Trainees / teachers likely to be more familiar with software on own machine (and how new training software interacts with OS / user interface);
Making training sessions more efficient / allowing trainer to concentrate on the training rather than using generic applications;

Award [2 max] 
May cause security issues;
Due to multiple users having network access from their “unsecured” devices;

May interfere with running of training sessions;
As some machines may not be compatible;

Award [2 max] 
Encryption;
Scrambles the contents of the network transmissions so that if they are intercepted they can’t be understood (without the decryption key);

User ID (and password);
Only allows authorized users to access the network;

Media Access Control (MAC) addresses;
Unique identification codes embedded in networkable equipment so that only authorized equipment may access the network;

Firewall;
Checks traffic coming into the network and leaving the network, and can block suspicious data;

Award [4 max].
Mark as [2] and [2].

The speed of data transmission (on a wireless network) slows down;
The further the receiver is from the transmitter;

Passing through obstructions such as solid walls;
Can slow down transmissions (on a wireless network);

The bandwidth available for transmission on a wireless network is finite;
So, transmission speeds can be affected if the number of users on the network increases;

Note to examiners: Answers must relate to wireless networks and not be a comparison between cabled and wireless networks.

Candidates often named uses of RAM, but the question asked for characteristics of RAM, so therefore lost out as a consequence. However, many recognised it is volatile and can be overwritten.

Most candidates were able to state the purpose of persistent storage, but a significant number mistook this for ROM, so gave the purpose of that instead.

This part was not answered as well as it could have been. Candidates were asked to name two types of general-purpose applications software suitable for a training room, with the most likely answers being word processor and spreadsheet. However, candidates provided a wide range of incorrect answers that were, for example, utilities, system software or translation software.

Some candidates recognised that if the teachers could bring their own devices to the training room it would save the training company money, as they wouldn’t need to provide so many training computers. Or, that their training sessions may be more efficient, as the teachers were already familiar with their own machines, so they could get straight into the training session rather than learning how to use the machine. Unfortunately, many candidates gave responses that were benefits to the teacher and generally within their teaching environment rather than in the training room, such as being able to connect anywhere in their classroom.

Candidates often gave responses that were generic disadvantages of wireless networks, and sometimes, when compared to cabled networks, rather than relating their answers to the given scenario. Some candidates did, however, state that one of the teacher’s devices may be infected with malware which could be uploaded, or they may be incompatible with the training software.

Well answered, with the full range of possible answers seen.

Generally well answered, with the full range of possible answers seen.