Cambridge A Level Information Technology (from 2017) 9626 — 2025 May/June Paper 3 · Variant 2

1 3D printing is used to create objects. (a) Describe the process of 3D printing an object. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [4] (b) Describe how 3D printing is used to improve healthcare. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [4]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) FOUR from: 4 • Set of instructions used to program the 3D printer / instructions created for the printer // CAD / software used to create instructions / design / model // uses computer-generated images // physical object scanned into software // software version of object • Instructions / image / (computer) model sent (to printer) • Printer prepared with (required) (raw) materials / plastics / metal powders / binding solutions e.g. titanium, nylon, concrete • Material heated to liquefy / prepare it to allow it to go through print nozzle • Thin layer of material sprayed / extruded through nozzles • Layers deposited / added in succession to build up object / printed from bottom up • Object cleaned / refined after printing to remove excess material • Material hardens / cools down / fused together • Removal of support / construction pegs 1(b) FOUR from: 4 e.g.: • Creation of external prosthesis/limbs/casts (1st) – that exactly match patient requirements/fit dimensions/bespoke (1) – reduced (long term) costs (1) • Creation of (internal) implants/bones/cranial plates/teeth/artificial blood vessels (1st) – that exactly fit patients (1) – use for training purposes (1) – do not have to wait for real organs / parts /donors (1) – to assist in regeneration / replace real / faulty ones (1) • Creation / use of instrumentation / tools / machinery (1st) – Use by surgeons / use as guides during surgery / to ensure exact location of surgery / implantation of devices (1) • Bioprinting (1st) – to assist in regeneration / replace real / faulty ones (1) • Creation of custom lenses for glasses / contact lenses (1st) – that exactly match patient requirements/fit dimensions (1) • Creation of customised medicines / drugs (1st) – to individual patients (1) • ‘On demand’ / remote creation of drugs / drug capsules

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2 Two characteristics of a network are its topology and its architecture. (a) Describe what is meant by network topology. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [3] (b) Describe what is meant by network architecture. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [3]

Mark scheme: 2(a) TWO from: 3 • The physical locations / arrangements of nodes / devices • The physical connections / wires / cables / wireless links between nodes / devices • The logical connections between nodes / devices • The flow of data (through the network) (1st) – regardless of the physical connections / follows the logical connections 2(b) THREE from: 3 Network architecture shows: • The design / structure (of the network) • The types of physical components (on the network) • How the components function / are configured to work together • The services provided (on the network) • The protocols used for communications / services • type of transmission // (specify) wired / wireless connections

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3 The role of a wireless access point (WAP) is to enable wireless devices to make a secure connection to a wired network. Describe how a WAP carries out this role. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [6]

Mark scheme: 3 SIX from: 6 • Contains / uses a WNIC (to provide Wi-Fi connectivity) • Uses radio (waves / signals) • Transmits beacon packets (1st) – informing WNICs in devices of its presence (1) • Wireless devices scan for available WAPs • Carry name of network / SSID for identification by user • Carry details of the radio frequencies / type / format of wireless network in use • SSID can be hidden / blank to hide network from (casual) users • Uses wireless protected access (WPA) security • WAP asks for passphrase / code / password when device requests connection • WAP rejects connection if incorrect passphrase // if correct connection is allowed • WAP uses passphrase / code to generate (encryption) keys • Keys are one-off / not re-used for other connections • (end-to-end) encryption of data (during transmission) • All connecting devices use same security method as WAP • Enterprise networks have central control of WAP security • (Provides / has) backhaul with sufficient bandwidth for all connected devices

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4 The colour select tool in image-editing software is a selection tool that can be used to select, remove or hide parts of a bitmap image. Analyse the use of three other selection tools that are provided by bitmap image-editing software. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [6]

Mark scheme: 4 Command word: Analyse - examine in detail to show meaning, identify elements and the relationship between them. 6 SIX from: Max FIVE if only TWO tools mentioned: Max THREE named tools from, max THREE per tool: • (Magnetic) lasso (tool) / free / direct selection (tool) (1st) TWO from: • Irregular area marked out (1) • Used to mark out area in an image (1) • Pointer placed at start of area / mouse clicked at start (1) • Button held down while moving around the area (1) • Mouse clicked at end (1) • Area is selected for copy / cut (1) • Magic wand / fuzzy / quick selection (tool) (1st) TWO from: • Makes automatic selection of area (1) • Works on edges / sharp changes in colour (1) • Pixel is selected by user (1) • (tool) selects all adjacent pixels of similar colour (1) • Produces contiguous area (similar to flood fill) (1) • Cut-out (tool) (1st) TWO from: • Used for removing / cutting section of image (1) • Area drawn by e.g. Magic wand / lasso (tool) (1) • Leaves a space / hole / blank area (1) • Section cut can be pasted into another / new image (1) • Crop (tool) (1st) 4 TWO from: • Removes unwanted areas (1) • From edges of images (1) • Marked out by straight lines / rectangular area (1) • Masking (tools) (1st) TWO from: • Used to cover / overlay area (1) • Change the opacity / transparency of area (1) • Using alpha channel / layer (1) • Mask is a layer on top of image area (1)

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5 Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of mobile networks. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [8]

Mark scheme: 5 Command word: Discuss – write about issues(s) or topic(s) in a structured way. 8 EIGHT from: Max SIX from: Benefits: e.g.: • Allows use of mobile devices in (almost) any location • Have a large area coverage • Users are not restricted to wired / fixed locations • Enables users to move about while connected • So can communicate while travelling • Can work while travelling / away from office / home • Can be used to find your location • Using GPRS / internet (facilities / services) • Can access internet / entertainment services while mobile • Valid example of use e.g. use of social media Max SIX from: Drawbacks: e.g.: • connectivity issues / problems / lack of coverage (1st) cannot communicate (1) • risk of theft / robbery of mobile device (1st) more likely than when at home / in office (1) • security of data is at higher risk (1st) compared to fixed / cabled / in office / at home connection (1) • can lead to wasting time (1st) distraction of social media / gaming / gambling (1) • cost of use / connection is higher than fixed (1st) may restrict use / impact on other life choices (1) creates digital divide (1)

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6 Test plans are written early in the development cycle of new systems. Describe the tasks that are carried out when creating a test plan. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [6]

Mark scheme: 6 SIX from: 6 • analysis of the end-product / determine what has been created • defining the test strategy • aim of testing • what is to be tested • the types of tests to be carried out / what kind of testing • specifying who is to carry out the tests • specifying when the tests will be done • create / choose the test data • specifying the criteria for pass / fail of the tests • specifying the criteria for suspension of testing • create a means to record the test / test results // draw the table • writing the test schedule

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7 Performance Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) charts are used when planning a project. PERT charts can be drawn either as activity-on-node diagrams or as activity-on-arrow diagrams. Compare, by commenting on the similarities and differences, activity-on-node and activity-on-arrow PERT diagrams. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [6]

Mark scheme: 7 SIX from: 6 b FIVE from: Similarities: • both are graphical representations • Both show tasks (needed to complete a project) • Both show the order of tasks • Both show milestones in a project • Both have start / end points • Both show timings • Both used arrows / arrowed connectors to show flow of a project • both can show the critical path through a project • both show dependencies Max FIVE from: Differences: • activity-on-node diagram shows tasks at the node (1st) – in boxes (1) – containing timings (1) • activity-on-arrow diagram shows milestones at the nodes (1st) – in circles (1) • activity-on-arrow diagram shows tasks on the arrows Max FIVE from: Comparisons: • Activity-on-node diagrams focus on the tasks whereas activity-on-arrow diagrams focus on the milestones • Is only one PERT chart for the project with activity-on-node // can have multiple sub-PERTS with activity-on-arrow • Calculating critical path is easier with activity-on-node • Activity-on-node diagrams are less cluttered / easier to read / understand / interpret (than activity-on-arrow diagrams) • Activity-on-node diagrams are easier to insert tasks / amend / change / add to (than activity-on-arrow diagrams)

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8 Computer animation software can move and reshape objects. (a) Describe how inbetweening (tweening) can be used to create the illusion of smooth movement of an object. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (b) Morphing can be used to smoothly change a shape into another shape. Describe how animation software uses pixel mapping to morph one shape into another. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [4]

Mark scheme: 8(a) TWO from: 2 • Key frames used • Sets start and end positions of object • Software / automatically creates frames (in between the key frames) 8(b) FOUR from: 4 • Key points / positions marked on original shape are mapped to key points / position on new shape • Relocates/ moves pixels • Forward mapping • Each / every pixel in shape mapped / matched to (equivalent) pixel in new shape • Reverse mapping (1st) with a sample / selection of pixels in new shape (1) • Selected pixels used as start point / pixels in forward mapping • When all pixels mapped (1st) (software) creates intermediate images / shapes (1) with gradual distortion of original shape into new shape (1) • Pixels in old shape faded out / new shape faded in

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9 JavaScript statements can contain comparison operators such as > and <. (a) Describe the purpose of comparison operators. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (b) Explain the differences in function between the === and !== comparison operators. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [4]

Mark scheme: 9(a) TWO from: 2 • used in logical operations • to determine equality / inequality (1st) between variables / values (1) • returns TRUE / FALSE as the result of the comparison 9(b) FOUR from: 4 • === returns TRUE if (both) the value and the type are equal / the same returns FALSE if either is unequal / not the same • !== returns TRUE if the value is not equal or the type is not equal returns FALSE if either is equal / the same

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10 Blockchain technology is used as a distributed ledger in cryptocurrencies. (a) Describe what is meant by a distributed ledger. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2] (b) Describe two items of data that would be stored in a cryptocurrency’s distributed ledger. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Mark scheme: 10(a) TWO from: 2 • A shared database • (Copied / replicated) to all members / users • Is decentralised • All copies synchronised / updated at every transaction 10(b) TWO from: 2 • A record of every transaction • A timestamp for every / each transaction • A unique cryptographic signature (linked to every / each transaction)

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11 Discuss the use of data mining by banking organisations. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [8]

Mark scheme: 11 Command word: Discuss – write about issues(s) or topic(s) in a structured way. 8 EIGHT from: Content areas could include: e.g.: • Determines links / relationships / trends • In large datasets (of customer activities / products / services) between products used by customers so used in marketing of other bank / financial products • Increases sales by targeting of products based on customer choices / preferences / activity • Risk analysis discover trends / relationships / links between customer activity on credit / debit cards discover fraud / fraudulent / illegal activity / financial transactions • Used in credit scoring analyse customer activity over many accounts / time to determine reliability of customer management of customer financial portfolios…discover trends in stock / share values (over time) allocate capital / resources / money in trading of e.g. stocks and shares maximise profits for bank / customers • Investment banking discover suitable investments predict trends in value of investments • Privacy / security of personal information issues • Costs involved

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