Computer Network Elements

12 Grade 10 Computer Studies questions on Computer Network Elements, with worked marking schemes. 12 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   4 marks

   Explain the role of a server and of a client in a school's library catalogue system.

   (4 marks)

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2. Question 2

   4 marks

   A wireless network in a boarding school dormitory drops out at the far end of the corridor. Suggest two network elements that could be added to improve coverage and explain how each would help.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Two suggestions, each with an explanation (2 + 2): 1. An additional wireless access point placed at the far end and cabled back to the switch — provides a fresh strong signal in the weak area. 2. A wireless range extender/repeater — receives the existing signal and retransmits it further down the corridor. 3. A higher-gain or better-positioned antenna on the existing access point — directs the signal along the corridor instead of wasting it on the walls. (Accept any two developed suggestions.)

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Learners on a school network have been reaching unsafe websites. The administrator fits an element at the boundary of the network that inspects incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks whatever breaks the school's rules. This element is a:

   A. repeater

   B. firewall

   C. hub

   D. wireless access point

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   3 marks

   Explain why a network administrator gives the school's file server a fixed IP address while learners' laptops receive their addresses automatically.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Marking points (1 mark each): 1. The server must always be found at the same address so that clients and printers can reach it reliably. 2. If it changed address, shortcuts, mapped drives and services pointing to it would fail. 3. Learners' laptops come and go, so automatic (DHCP) allocation saves the administrator configuring each one and reuses addresses when devices leave. (Accept: automatic allocation prevents address conflicts among the many changing devices.)

5. Question 5

   4 marks

   Identify two items of network hardware needed, besides the cable itself, to connect ten computers in a small cyber cafe in Eldoret into one local area network, and state the purpose of each.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Two items, each identified (1) and purposed (1): 1. A switch — provides the central connection point and forwards frames to the correct computer. 2. A network interface card in each computer — converts the computer's data into signals for the cable and provides the connection socket. 3. RJ45 connectors — terminate the cable ends so they can plug into the computers and the switch. 4. A patch panel — organises and terminates the permanent cable runs so that patch leads can link them to the switch. (Accept any two.)

6. Question 6

   4 marks

   Distinguish between a hub and a switch.

   (4 marks)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   A secondary school in Kisii has its own local area network and a fibre line from an internet service provider. Which network element is responsible for passing traffic between the school network and the provider's network?

   A. Network interface card

   B. Patch panel

   C. Router

   D. Switch

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   3 marks

   State three functions of a router in a school network.

   (3 marks)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   What is the function of a network interface card in a computer?

   A. It converts data from the computer into signals suitable for the transmission medium and back again

   B. It supplies electrical power to the network cable

   C. It stores the web pages that the computer has visited

   D. It assigns IP addresses to all other computers on the network

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A small business in Kakamega connects to the internet over a telephone line. Which network element converts the digital signals from the computer into analogue signals that the line can carry, and converts them back at the receiving end?

    A. Bridge

    B. Switch

    C. Repeater

    D. Modem

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    A wireless access point extends a network by:

    A. allowing wireless devices to join a wired network

    B. storing files so that phones can read them offline

    C. splitting one internet account into several accounts

    D. amplifying a weak signal on a long copper cable

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    The signal on a long cable run between two blocks of a college in Nyeri has weakened to the point of being unreadable. A device is fitted midway to regenerate the signal and send it on. This device is a:

    A. gateway

    B. firewall

    C. bridge

    D. repeater

    (1 mark)

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