| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 20N.1.SL.TZ0.2 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 1 | Time zone | no time zone |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
An airline has a server that holds the flight database. Passengers can check in using a number of self-service client kiosks located in the airport.
Define the term client.
Define the term server.
Explain the functions performed by the server in this situation.
Markscheme
Award [1 max].
A client is a simple application or a whole system that accesses services being provided by a (remote) computer/server;
Award [1 max].
A server is a computer / software which manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network.
A server is a computer/software that provides data to other computers/clients in a network;
Award [4 max].
the central computer receives requests from the kiosks/terminals at the check-in desks/mobile phones;
can manage several clients simultaneously (in order, each providing a different set of services);
makes sure that the request is valid by accessing its database;
processes the request;
sends information to the kiosk;
all requests/information are sent over the network connection;
Examiners report
A large number of candidates recognised a client as a system that accesses the services of a server.
A large number of candidates recognised a server as a computer that provides data to a client.
Many candidates failed to understand that answers were required to explain the functions of the server in an airline's system that holds its flight database. Some candidates recognised that the server receives requests from clients, processes requests, accesses the database, or works over the network. However, most candidates only described one or two of these points and rarely stated where the requests came from i.e. the kiosks, check-in desks, or mobile phones.
