IB DP Computer Science Topic 3: Networks -: 3.1 – Networks SL Paper 1

Question

Outline one reason for the use of standards in the construction of networks.

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans:

Standards ensure compatibility between nodes on the network;
Through the use of common techniques/protocols/language;

Question

Outline the reason for compression when transmitting data.

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans:
The reason for compression when transmitting data is to save on transfer times;
As it reduces the number of bits needed to represent data (when compared with the original data);
Compressing data involves modifying/restructuring files, so that they take up less space;
And this results in cost savings in cloud storage;
To take up less bandwidth;
Because data compression reduces the size of files to be transmitted over a network;
Note to examiners: Award [1] for a reason (for example, to save data usage for sending files over the internet, to save storage capacity, to speed up file transfer, to decrease costs for network bandwidth, etc.), and award [1] for an expansion.

Question

A school currently has a cabled network but wants to add wireless networking across the whole campus.

There are concerns that unauthorized people could access the data on the wireless network.

The school has decided to implement a virtual private network (VPN) to provide access to its network.

a.)Describe two hardware components the school will need to implement the wireless network. [4]

b.)Identify two advantages to the students of the new wireless network. [2]

c.)Outline two methods the school could employ to prevent network data from being accessed over their wireless system. [4]

d.)Identify two technologies the school would require to provide a VPN. [2]

e.)Explain one benefit to the staff of using a VPN to remotely access the school network. [3]

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans:

a.)

(Wireless) router;
A central hub for all the computers to connect to;
Enables wireless network packet forwarding and routing;

Wireless Network Interface Card (NIC);
To allow the computer to ‘talk to’ the (wireless) router;

Wireless access points;
allow Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network;

Wireless repeaters;
To expand the reach of the network;

Mark as 2 and 2.

b.)
The ability to use their own devices at school;
The ability to access the school network from anywhere in the school;
No cables laid, so reduces the risk of tripping over cables;
Numbers of connections are not limited to cable ports, so greater numbers of students can connect at any given time;

c.)

Use of encryption;
So that data cannot be understood if it is intercepted;

Use of user authentication/usernames and passwords;
To prevent unauthorized access to the system;

Setting up a file of accepted MAC addresses;
To only allow access to the network by registered mobile devices;

Hide network ID;
So that the wireless network is not publicly seen;

Mark as 2 and 2.

d.)
Client VPN software (to make a secure remote connection);
VPN-aware routers and firewalls (to permit VPN traffic to pass);
VPN appliance/server (to handle incoming VPN traffic);
Encryption protocol IPSec or SSL;

e.)
Enhanced security of data;
for example, using encryption;
This prevents unauthorised access;

Remote access to data and resources (from any location);
Normal access of materials on the network;
as though the user was using the network on site;

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