CAIE IGCSE Computer Science 3.4 Network hardware

What is the primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer?

• To manage the computer's memory.

• To control the central processing unit.

• To enable the computer to access a network.

• To provide long-term data storage.

Answer explanation

The primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC) is to enable the computer to access a network, allowing it to communicate with other devices and share resources.

Where is the Media Access Control (MAC) address typically assigned to a network device?

• By the network administrator.

• By the operating system during installation.

• At the point of manufacture.

• When the device connects to a network for the first time.

Answer explanation

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is typically assigned at the point of manufacture. This unique identifier is hardcoded into the network device's hardware, ensuring it remains consistent throughout its lifecycle.

In what format are MAC addresses usually written?

• Binary

• Denary

• Hexadecimal.

• ASCII

Answer explanation

MAC addresses are typically written in hexadecimal format, which uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F. This format is compact and easy to read, making it the standard for representing MAC addresses in networking.

What are the two main parts used to create a MAC address?

• IP address and subnet mask.

• Domain name and web page name.

• Manufacturer code and serial code.

• Static address and dynamic address.

Answer explanation

A MAC address consists of two main parts: the manufacturer code, which identifies the device's manufacturer, and the serial code, which uniquely identifies the device itself. This makes 'Manufacturer code and serial code' the correct choice.

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a MAC address?

• It is usually assigned dynamically by a router.

• It is generally a unique address for a network device.

• It is used to route data across different networks.

• It changes each time the device connects to the network.

Answer explanation

A MAC address is generally a unique identifier assigned to a network device, ensuring that each device can be distinctly recognized on a local network. This makes the correct choice the one stating its uniqueness.

What is the main purpose of an Internet Protocol (IP) address?

• To uniquely identify a physical network device on a local network.

• To identify and locate a device on a network for communication.

• To manage the flow of data within the CPU.

• To control access to the internet service provider.

Answer explanation

The main purpose of an IP address is to identify and locate a device on a network for communication, enabling data to be sent and received between devices effectively.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a dynamic IP address?

• It remains the same for a particular device.

• It can change each time the device is connected to the network.

• It is permanently assigned by the manufacturer.

• It is manually configured by the user.

Answer explanation

A dynamic IP address can change each time a device connects to the network, unlike a static IP address, which remains the same. This flexibility allows for efficient use of IP addresses in networks.

How many groups of numbers are typically found in an IPv4 address?

• Two

• Six

• Four.

• Eight

Answer explanation

An IPv4 address consists of four groups of numbers, each separated by a dot. These groups are called octets and represent 8 bits of the address, making the correct answer four.

What separates the groups of numbers in a typical IPv4 address?

• Colons

• Dashes

• Slashes

• Dots.

Answer explanation

In a typical IPv4 address, the groups of numbers are separated by dots. Each group represents an octet of the address, making 'dots' the correct choice over colons, dashes, or slashes.

How many groups of characters are found in an IPv6 address?

• Four

• Six

• Four or eight

• Eight.

Answer explanation

An IPv6 address consists of eight groups of hexadecimal characters, separated by colons. Each group contains four hexadecimal digits, making the correct answer 'Eight'.