Information Technology 9626/32 May/June 2019: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 3 Advanced Theory, May/June 2019. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
(a) Describe how the features of a 4G cellular communications system improve the ability of a smartphone to complete the download of a video file from the internet.
…… [4]
(b) 5G cellular communications systems promise significant improvements compared to 4G.
Describe two ways that these improvements may affect the use of smartphones.
1 ……
2 ……
[2]
Mark scheme
1(a) Four from: 4
Download speeds are typically 2 to 5 times that of 3G
Provides bandwidths of up to 100Mps (typically 15 to 20) c.f. 3G’s 6 to
10Mps
Uses OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) / same technology
as WiFi and digital TV which reduces latency as data is split and sent in
parallel ‘chunks’ to increase capacity
Uses MIMO (multiple input and multiple output) with multiple antenna arrays
at transmitter and receiver to increase performance
Common configuration is 2×2 MIMO for smartphones
Reduces power requirements
Reduces the need for additional bandwidth
Does not require extra data allowance to be used
Can revert seamlessly to 3G if 4G is not available
Provides smoother online streaming than 3G
Is an IP-based network.
1(b) Two from: 2
Continuous coverage in urban areas / better coverage of urban and rural
areas by providing a dense network
Lower costs of data transfer / download
Allows higher number of simultaneously connected devices / mobiles
More available spectrum
Fewer dropouts / poor signal issues / more reliable connections
Lower power requirements by phones so longer battery life / smaller
batteries
Provides greater download speeds for data than 4G
Has low latency which improves gaming / streaming experience.
Lasers can be used to create a data link between devices without using cables.
(a) Describe two applications for this method of data transmission.
…… [2]
(b) Describe one drawback of this method of data transmission.
…… [1]
Mark scheme
2(a) Two from e.g.: 2
Between spacecraft (in orbit through vacuum)
To connect sites across roads / other barriers not owned by sender /
receiver
Provide (temporary) network connection in e.g. disaster areas where cabling
is not possible.
2(b) One from: 1
Short range only in atmosphere due to dispersion of (light) beam by particles
in atmosphere
Accurate aiming of (light) beam is more / may be more difficult
Difficultly in connection is increased if sender / receiver are moving
Blocked by objects / weather in path of (light) beam / line of sight.
An author has written the source code of a web page that will be used when a person applies for a driving licence. The code, shown in Fig. 3.1, is intended to check that a person is at least 16 years of age.
The lines of the code are numbered only for your convenience when referring to the code.
The JavaScript code is in lines 8 to 19.
1 <html>
2 <body>
3 <p>You can apply for a licence to drive when you are 16 years old.</p>
4 <p>To check if you are old enough to drive, input your age and click the button:</p>
5 <input id="AgeNow" value="16" />
6 <button onclick="CheckAgFunction()">Check now</button>
7 <p id="AgeCheck"></p>
8
9 function CheckAgeFunction()
10 var AgeNow;
11 AgeNow = Number(document.getElementById("AgeNow").value);
12 if (isNaN(AgeNow)) {
13 CanApply = "Please enter your age in numbers.";
14 } else {
15 CanApply = (AgeNow >15)? "You are too young to apply for a licence.": "You are old enough to apply for a licence.";
16 }
17 document.getElementById("AgeCheck).innerHTML = CanApply;
18 }
19
20 </body>
21 </html>
Fig. 3.1
Testing has shown that the code contains a number of errors of different types which must be corrected before the code will perform as expected.
Identify the line numbers containing the errors. Explain why each of the errors prevents the code from running correctly and how each should be corrected. Use the table for your response.
Line number of error and explanation of Explanation of suggested correction. error.
[8]
Mark scheme
3 8
Line number of error and Explanation of suggested
explanation of error correction
Line 6/9 and the function is spelt Should be same as function/
incorrectly / differently, so will not CheckAgeFunction/
run on button click CheckAgFunction
Line 8 script is not opened so web Add <script> to open the script
browser cannot interpret it
Line 9 missing {/open curly bracket Add {/open curly bracket
so line is not terminated correctly
Line 10 the variable CanApply is Add , to separate variables / add
not declared so cannot be used in new line with var / add CanApply
function to declare the variable
Line 15 age is wrongly shown as Should be 16 as per intended age
15 so age check is incorrectly check/stem/line 3
compared
Line 15 incorrect logic comparison Change to < for correct
so age messages are reversed comparison/reverse the messages
when displayed to match comparison
Line 17 “ is missing from Add “
("AgeCheck “ so AgeCheck is not
interpreted as p id so its value is
not returned
Line 19 script is not closed so web Add </script> to close the script
browser cannot interpret it
1 mark for error and 1 mark for matching correction.
3 The errors are shown here:
Analyse the use of focus groups as a method of gathering feedback about a new product before it is made available for sale.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
4 Eight from e.g.: 8
Focus group is an interview with a small number of respondents conducted
by a trained interviewer / moderator
Members often have similar backgrounds / expertise in order to pool ideas /
views
Representatives of the organiser / stake holders may be present to gather
views / suggest ideas
Informal so that respondents can interact in a natural manner and freely give
their views
Interviewer / moderator may have a guide / agenda to lead the discussion to
a conclusion as the session progresses
Can provide accurate information in a short time
Can be less expensive that other methods of gathering information
Can be more expensive if carried out over e.g. national areas to gather
information from wide range of people
Results / views can be affected by presence of observers / representatives
of interested parties
Validity of outcomes can be questionable as participants may not be
independent / be affected by presence or stake holders
Outcomes may not be kept confidential as participants are often from
external sources.
Fig. 5.1 shows a table of tasks for a building project. The tasks F, G, H, I, J and K, need to be carried out between the stages A, B, C, D and E. The project starts with stage A and ends with stage E. Stages B and C are milestones.
Time (months)
Task taken to Milestones complete task
Task starts at Task ends at
F 4 A C
G 5 A B
H 3 B E
I 2 C D
J 3 D E
K 3 C E
Fig. 5.1
(a) (i) Draw an activity network diagram to represent the data in the table shown in Fig. 5.1.
[5]
(ii) Calculate the critical path through the tasks.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
5(a)(i) A suitable diagram could be: 5
Mark allocation:
3 marks for all milestones linked correctly
2 marks for 4 milestones linked correctly
1 mark for 3 milestones linked correctly
1 mark for all correct timings
1 mark for all correct tasks.
5(a)(ii) The critical path is F + I + J 1 mark 2
4 + 2 + 3 = (9 months) 1 mark
A packet switched network has routers at nodes labelled A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. Each router stores its own ‘routing table’ which shows how it is connected to the other routers.
Router Connected to routers:
A B
B A C D
C B D E F
D B C F
E C F
F C D E G
G F H
H G
(a) Complete the diagram by drawing routers C, D, E, F and G with connection lines to show how the routers are inter-connected to communicate with each other.
A B H
[3]
Router A regularly sends out packets to check that router H is reachable. When H receives a packet from A it sends a packet back to confirm that it is reachable.
Assume that each router takes zero time units to receive, process and resend a packet and that each packet takes six time units to travel from one router to the next.
(b) (i) Describe the shortest route that a packet can take from router A to router H.
…… [1]
(ii) Calculate the shortest time taken for router A to receive an acknowledgement from router
H confirming that H is reachable.
…… [2]
(c) (i) Assuming that the packets visit each router only once, calculate the longest time it could take for router A to receive an acknowledgement from router H confirming that H is reachable.
…… [2]
(ii) Describe the route that the packets would take.
…… [1]
(d) An additional router, J, is to be added to reduce the time for packets to travel from router A to router H to a minimum. However, no further connections can be directly made to routers A and H.
(i) Describe where J would be placed to reduce the travel time to a minimum.
…… [1]
(ii) Calculate the new minimum time that it would take for A to receive an acknowledgement that H was reachable.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
6(a) A suitable diagram could be: 3
Three from:
All correct labelled boxes for routers C, D, E, F, G
All correct connecting lines between boxes / routers
All connecting lines shown as double-ended arrows.
6(b)(i) (A, B), C/D, F, G, (H). 1
6(b)(ii) Two from: 2
shortest route is 5 hops so: 5 × 6 = 30 (time units)
× 2 for return, 30 × 2 = 60 (time units).
6(c)(i) Two from: 2
longest route takes 7 hops so: 7 × 6 = 42 (time units)
× 2 for return = 84 (time units).
6(c)(ii) One mark for all correct: 1
(A, B), D, C, E, F, G (H).
6(d)(i) Between B and G. 1
6(d)(ii) Two from: 2
4 hops × 6 = 24
× 2 = 48 (time units).
Computing devices use network interface cards.
(a) Describe the role of a network interface card.
…… [4]
(b) Describe how a network interface card is involved in the sending and receiving of data.
…… [7]
Mark scheme
7(a) Four from: 4
Provides access (for protocols) to physical / wireless transmission medium
Creates the protocol stack (using its electrical components)
Allows communications between LANs / WANs (using the protocols it has
created)
Provides low level addressing at MAC level
Works at physical and data level of OSI model / OSI layer 1 and 2.
7(b) Seven from: 7
Accepts data from CPU via internal buses
Converts parallel data stream to linear / serial data stream and vice versa for
transmission / after reception to / from transmission medium
Data is sent / received in frames
When sending:
NIC is notified that frame has been created by OS in a buffer
NIC accesses / reads buffer / memory directly by DMA
NIC determines address and creates data frame
NIC transmits completed frame to transmission medium
NIC notifies OS that frame has been sent
When receiving:
NIC monitors transmission medium for frames
NIC reads frame from transmission medium into buffer using DMA
NIC checks frame contents and calculates checksum to verify integrity of
data
NIC interrupts host OS to indicate that a frame has arrived
Max. 6 if all sending or all receiving.
The photograph in Fig. 8.1 has been edited and is shown in Fig. 8.2.
Fig. 8.1 Fig. 8.2
Describe in detail how image editing tools could have been used to change the photograph in
Fig. 8.1 to that shown in Fig. 8.2.
…… [2]
Mark scheme
8 Two from: 2
Perspective / transformation tool has been used (to correct perspective) by
‘stretching’ the image across the top to align the sides of the stores / shops /
buildings
Rotate right tool used to correct the image to an upright store / shop /
building front
Curtains (in left windows) have been inserted by copy / paste / clone pixel
tools using those in right-hand set of windows as source
Image has been cropped to remove some of the building
Image has been resized to improve aspect ratio.
Colour gradients can be used when filling shapes in digital images.
(a) Describe two properties of the filled shape that can be changed with the use of colour gradients.
…… [2]
(b) Describe the types of gradient that can be used when filling a shape with colour.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
9(a) Two from: 2
Opacity from completely opaque to totally transparent
Fade (actual) colour from one colour into another colour / white across the
colour palette.
9(b) Four from e.g. 4
Linear fills evenly across the image
Radial fills with single line paths where the fill starts at centre and fills
outwards along all radii
«fills evenly along all radii
Elliptical fills with two line paths where fill starts at centre and fills outwards
along two directions away from the centre
«can be skewed along one line or the other
Conical fills create the illusion that the image is a cone shape
Square fills can produce a star-like view in the colour
Three colour fills merge from one colour into two others across the image
Four colour fills merge from one colour into three others across the image.
Homer uses headphones to listen to the audio from movies playing on his television. Homer is trying to decide whether to use Bluetooth or cables to connect his headphones to the TV while he watches the movies.
Choose, with reasons, the most appropriate of these methods so that Homer can hear the soundtrack while watching movies.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
10 Five from: 5
Cable ensures an uninterrupted connection to the TV
Cable does not suffer from dynamic range limitations as does Bluetooth
transmission so (action) movies do not have same impact
Cable does not suffer from limited frequency ranges as does Bluetooth
transmission so movie experience can be spoiled
Cable does not need power in the headphones so can be used without
preparation when watching movies / unlimited by battery going flat
Bluetooth can suffer from interference from other wireless devices which can
spoil the sound (effects) from movie
Bluetooth takes time to process so video and audio are out of sync / lip sync
issues spoil the movie experience
Bluetooth headphones can be larger / uncomfortable / heavy due to battery
requirements to movie watchers who get tired of using them before end of
movie
Bluetooth headphones do not work if battery is flat / needs charging, so
cannot listen to sound of movie.
Evaluate the use of anti-virus software and anti-spyware in combatting IT crime.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
11 This question to be marked as a Level of Response. 8
Level 3 (7–8 marks)
Candidates will evaluate, giving both advantages and disadvantages, of the
use of anti-virus software in combatting IT crime.
The information will be relevant, clear, organised and presented in a
structured and coherent format.
There will be a reasoned conclusion / opinion.
Subject specific terminology will be used accurately and appropriately.
Level 2 (4–6 marks)
Candidates will explain both advantages and disadvantages, of the use of
anti-virus software in combatting IT crime.
For the most part, the information will be relevant and presented in a
structured and coherent format.
There may be a reasoned conclusion / opinion.
Subject specific terminology will be used appropriately and for the most part
correctly.
Level 1 (1–3 marks)
Candidates will describe the use of anti-virus software in combatting IT
crime
Candidates will explain advantages / disadvantages of the use of anti-virus
software in combatting IT crime
Answers may be in the form of a list.
There will be little or no use of specialist terms.
Level 0 (0 marks): Response with no valid content.
Answers may make reference to e.g.:
Advantages
Removes virus / malicious software that could delete / edit / destroy data
Protect against spyware to prevent theft of confidential / personal
information thus preventing unauthorised access to bank accounts leading
to financial loss
Can help / may protect against spam / phishing emails thus preventing the
divulgence of confidential / personal information
Protect against identity theft that may be a result of stolen confidential /
personal information
Protect against redirection of automatic payments (‘stealware’ or
‘chargeware / affiliate fraud’) to help prevent ’click fraud’
Can help protect / stop unwanted / unauthorised use of computer for crypto-
currency mining
11 Disadvantages
Anti-virus software must be kept up to date in order to combat the most
recent viruses / malicious software
Anti-virus software must be running all the time so places a performance
‘overhead’ on a computer system that may make the system slow / sluggish
/ unresponsive
Anti-virus software will not detect all / every instance / type of malicious
software so perpetrators can find ways around it
...infected websites use malicious code which is often not picked up by anti-
virus software.
Explain how perpetrator analysis could be used when planning for disaster recovery.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
12 Six from: 6
Perpetrators are the attackers and include e.g. script kiddies, crackers,
hackers, terrorists, business competitors, (foreign) governments who carry
out the crimes / intrusions
Each type of perpetrator has different skills / aims that can be identified by
an analysis
.. the higher the skill, the higher the risk of crime being perpetrated
Analysis of their actions is carried out by the company / victim agents /
representatives who design / implement the plan for disaster recovery
Allocation of resources to disaster recovery from cyber threats depends on
likelihood of perpetrators succeeding / wishing to / probability of attack on
the company
Analysis will define / determine the type of resource allocated e.g. firewalls /
antivirus / antispyware software
Intrusion detection systems can be deployed to combat the type of
perpetrator identified by the analysis
Resources can be targeted at the type of intruder / risk identified by the
analysis of who / what is likely to be of concern.
Many countries have enacted laws to govern the use of personal data.
Analyse the need for data protection laws.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
13 Eight from e.g.: 8
Data protection laws are needed to address these concerns e.g.:
Personal data is stored on computer systems / in databases which may not
be secure
Databases are easily edited / searched / accessed (remotely) so data can
be seen / manipulated
Data can be easily / quickly cross-referenced / correlated by computer
systems
Computer systems can be networked so data can be accessed from many
different locations / shared more easily between users
Control over shared data is more difficult to maintain
Accuracy of the information may be compromised / difficult to maintain when
shared
Data can be easily copied to other media / stolen without any trace of the
action
Data about individuals can be stored without their knowledge so infringing
their privacy
Keeping records of who / what / when data is accessed are difficult to
maintain unless enforced by law.
Checked your answers against these? Let AI mark the whole paper, on your own working.
Examiners follow the generic marking principles at the front of the scheme, then each question's points: method (M), accuracy (A) and independent (B) marks, error carried forward where the scheme allows it, and positive marking, so you're credited for what you got right.
Check your answers against it
Done this paper? Upload your script and CIE Buddy's AI marker marks it question by question against this exact scheme, puts the ticks on your own working and says what each lost mark needed.
Where can I find the 9626/32 May/June 2019 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/32, May/June 2019 (9626_s19_ms_32), and the question paper (9626_s19_qp_32), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 9626/32 out of?+
Information Technology 9626/32 for May/June 2019 is out of 90 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
Can I get my 9626/32 answers marked?+
Yes. Upload your answers to 9626/32/M/J/19 as a PDF or photos, and CIE Buddy marks every question against this paper's official mark scheme, using Cambridge's marking rules. You get your score, each lost mark explained on your own script, and the topics to revise. It's a guide, not an official Cambridge grade.