Component 3

Question 1

What is an ad hoc network?

Answer 1

Temporary networks with two or more computing devices

They do not require Wi-Fi access points or routers to work.

Question 2

What does ad hoc mean in Latin?

Answer 2

For this purpose

It describes the nature of ad hoc networks.

Question 3

List the uses of an ad hoc network.

Answer 3

• Connecting two laptops to share files
• Sharing internet access

Ad hoc networks facilitate direct communication between devices.

Question 4

What are the advantages of an ad hoc network?

Answer 4

• Easy to set up
• No specialist hardware required

They can be quickly established without complex infrastructure.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of an ad hoc network?

Answer 5

• Less secure
• Unmanageable due to lack of central control

These factors can lead to vulnerabilities and inefficiencies.

Question 6

True or false: Ad hoc networks are normally more reliable than traditional networks.

Answer 6

FALSE

Ad hoc networks are typically less reliable.

Question 7

What can cause performance issues in ad hoc networks?

Answer 7

• Poor signal
• Devices disconnecting if too far apart
• Many devices sharing a connection

These factors can slow down the network significantly.

Question 8

What is open Wi-Fi?

Answer 8

Wi-Fi offered without a password, often for free

Common in places like hotels, trains, and airports.

Question 9

What is a major security issue with open Wi-Fi?

Answer 9

Sends all data in plain-text

This makes sensitive data vulnerable to hackers.

Question 10

What type of encryption should you look for when connecting to Wi-Fi?

Answer 10

WPA2 encryption

This provides a more secure connection.

Question 11

What is a personal hotspot?

Answer 11

A connection method using a smartphone or small device

Allows tethering of devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Question 12

What does pairing mean in the context of Personal Area Networks (PANs)?

Answer 12

Connecting devices securely

Necessary for Bluetooth connections.

Question 13

What are the methods used for connecting to the Internet?

Answer 13

• Cables (copper or fibre)
• Mobile
• Satellite

These methods vary in availability and performance.

Question 14

What is Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC)?

Answer 14

Fibre connections that only reach the green cabinet in the street

Speeds typically up to 80 Mbps.

Question 15

What is the maximum speed of fibre connections to the premises?

Answer 15

300 Mbps or more

This provides faster internet access compared to FTTC.

Question 16

What are the generations of mobile networks?

Answer 16

• 1G: Analogue
• 2G: Digital with text messages
• 3G: Up to 2 Mbps
• 4G and 5G: Increased speeds

Each generation represents advancements in mobile technology.

Question 17

What is a blackspot in mobile networks?

Answer 17

An area without a mobile phone transmitter

Hills and buildings can block signals, creating these dead zones.

Question 18

Why do city locations typically have faster internet than rural ones?

Answer 18

• Denser population shares infrastructure costs
• More options for fibre, copper, and mobile connections

This leads to better availability and performance.

Question 19

What percentage of people in Africa had an internet connection in 2017?

Answer 19

Low percentage

This contrasts sharply with the UK, Europe, and North America.

Question 20

What are two reasons for low internet usage in some countries?

Answer 20

• Limited infrastructure for power
• Fewer cables for internet connections

These factors contribute to the challenges in connectivity.

Question 21

What are the two major areas that the cloud can be split into?

Answer 21

• Cloud storage
• Cloud computing

The cloud refers to services offered via the Internet, represented by a cloud symbol in network diagrams.

Question 22

What is cloud storage?

Answer 22

A service that allows users to store files and data on the Internet

It tends to be more sophisticated than offline storage.

Question 23

List three features of cloud storage.

Answer 23

• Data stored in multiple locations
• Synchronisation of devices to the cloud
• 24/7 Availability

Other features include redundancy, multiple file versions, and scalability.

Question 24

Define scalability in the context of cloud storage.

Answer 24

The ability of the storage system or cloud computing resources to increase in size

Unlike a home PC, which has limited storage expansion options.

Question 25

What is **Dropbox**?

Answer 25

A cloud storage service that works across many platforms ## Footnote Files can be synchronised across devices, and accounts are free to set up.

Question 26

What are the **security protections** needed in data centres?

Answer 26

* Door entry locks (biometric and physical) * Security staff and CCTV * Fire protection systems * Backups * Power backups (diesel generators and batteries) * Data backups (onsite and offsite) ## Footnote These measures ensure the safety and integrity of stored data.

Question 27

What are the **access rights** in cloud storage?

Answer 27

* Owner rights * Manager rights * Read or view rights * Edit, write, or modify rights ## Footnote Different users can be assigned different rights to manage access and file changes.

Question 28

What are three features of **Amazon S3**?

Answer 28

* Data stored in multiple locations * Versions of files are stored * Only pay for storage used ## Footnote Other features include different storage methods for archiving and data security measures.

Question 29

What is the primary function of **cloud computing**?

Answer 29

Online applications do most of their computing and processing in the cloud ## Footnote Applications are typically accessed through a web browser or an app on the user’s device.

Question 30

List two examples of **cloud computing applications**.

Answer 30

* G Suite / Google Docs * Office 365 ## Footnote These applications allow for collaboration and online editing.

Question 31

What are the **advantages of using cloud computing software**?

Answer 31

* Consistency of versions between users * Automatic saving of file versions * Collaboration tools for editing and messaging * Access from any browser/computer in the world * Easy setup for new employees ## Footnote These advantages enhance productivity and accessibility.

Question 32

What is a **platform** in computing?

Answer 32

The computer hardware and operating system that runs on it ## Footnote Cross-platform means software that runs on many platforms.

Question 33

List three features of **platforms**.

Answer 33

* Input method (keyboard, voice, touch, controller) * Hard disk technology (magnetic / SSD) * Durability ## Footnote Other features include portability, RAM, and screen size.

Question 34

What considerations should be made when choosing **cloud platforms**?

Answer 34

* Price may increase during subscription * Unwanted updates may require staff training * Security of data being stored ## Footnote Ease of use for staff is also a critical factor.

Question 35

How have **interfaces** changed for mobile phones?

Answer 35

Touch screen, fingerprint scanner, multiple cameras, vibration ## Footnote These advancements enhance user interaction and functionality.

Question 36

What are the **pricing models** for online services?

Answer 36

* Free with advertising * Paid monthly subscription * Family membership with multiple users ## Footnote Different services may use various pricing strategies.

Question 37

How does **Instagram** utilize cloud storage and cloud computing?

Answer 37

Stores all photos and videos in the cloud ## Footnote Originally used Amazon’s cloud service EC2, now uses Facebook’s data centres.

Question 38

What are the **photo and video access rights** on Instagram?

Answer 38

* All (viewable by Instagram users) * Private (viewable by followers) * Public ## Footnote These settings allow users to control who can see their content.