IGCSE Computer Science 0478 · Topic 2

Data transmission: past paper questions

174 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2026usually: Describe, Give, Explain, Identify, Complete

Real questions on data transmission

The newest 20 of 174 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q4c[2]
One benefit of using the USB cable to connect the optical mouse to the computer is that bits of data are less likely to arrive out of order. Give two other benefits of using the USB cable to connect the optical mouse to the computer.
See it on the paper →
0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q5a[1]
Give the purpose of the compiler and the interpreter.
See it on the paper →
0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q5b[1]
Identify one other type of translator.
See it on the paper →
0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q5c[4]
The table contains statements about compilers and interpreters. letter statement A An interpreter translates and executes the code one variable at a time. B A compiler displays an error report when it is unable to run the code due to syntax errors. C An interpreter stops translating as soon as it finds an error in the...
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3e(i)[2]
Each packet of data is divided into three parts. One part is the payload. Give the names of the two other parts of a packet of data.
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q4a[3]
Three bytes of data need to be transmitted. Give the correct parity bit that would be added to each byte of data for an odd parity byte check. parity bit byte of data 0 1 0 111 111 0 111 1 0 0 0 1 0
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q4b(i)[2]
Explain why the error may not be detected by a parity byte check. (i)
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q4b(ii)[2]
Give two other error detection methods that could be used. (ii)
See it on the paper →
0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[1]
The bits of data are divided into sections that are each transmitted independently across the network to their destination. Identify the name given to these sections of data.
See it on the paper →
0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q2c[6]
Data is transmitted across the network using the serial full-duplex data transmission method. Explain three benefits of transmitting the data using the serial full-duplex data transmission method.
See it on the paper →
0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q2d[3]
A checksum is used to check for errors in the data. A checksum value is calculated from the data before it is transmitted. Describe how this checksum value is used to check for errors in the data after transmission.
See it on the paper →
0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q5a[2]
Identify two translators that the student could use when developing the program.
See it on the paper →
0478/21 · May/June 2026 · Q10b[3]
Describe how the flowchart could be changed to only accept positive whole numbers.
See it on the paper →
0478/23 · May/June 2026 · Q1[1]
Tick (3) one box to complete this sentence. A standard method of solution used for adding together a set of values during iteration is A counting. B searching. C sorting.
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q3c(i)[1]
State what is meant by a USB interface.
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q3c(ii)[2]
Explain how a USB interface is used to transmit data.
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q4[4]
Draw and annotate a diagram or diagrams to show: the contents and structure of a data packet how a data packet is transmitted across a network. • • Turn over
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q7a[2]
State whether the method of transmission should be serial or parallel. Justify your choice. method of transmission justification
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q7b[2]
State whether the method of transmission should be simplex, half‑duplex or full‑duplex. Justify your answer. method of transmission justification
See it on the paper →
0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q7c(i)[1]
Give one way in which an error can occur during data transmission. (i)
See it on the paper →

What examiners said

Comprehensive responses • Few candidates gave a complete description of the interface. Limited responses • Many candidates gave benefits of a USB interface, for example it being universal, that it can transmit data a long way. • Some candidates described a USB memory stick, that the interface is the storage of data on a device that can be removed from the computer.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q3(c)(i) (Cambridge)

Comprehensive responses • Some candidates gave a suitable description of how the data is transmitted. Limited responses • Some candidates described the connection of the wire to the port, or the use of wires to power a device.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q3(c)(ii) (Cambridge)

Comprehensive responses • Many candidates identified the structure of a data packet and the content of these three sections. • Some candidates drew an annotated diagram that included the sender and receiver, multiple routers and packets being transmitted between these devices. These responses had annotations to explain what they were drawing, for example to identify the packets, to show the packet...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q4 (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise data transmission

In the syllabus

1 0478.2.0.01 — Describe the operation of a compiler and an • A compiler translates the whole code at once

Describe the operation of a compiler and an • A compiler translates the whole code at once
before executing it, producing an executable file
• An interpreter translates and executes the code line-by-line • A compiler provides an error report for the whole code if errors are detected • An interpreter stops execution when an error is found
Explain the basic operation and components of • Limited to:
– expert systems – machine learning • Expert systems have a knowledge base, a rule base, an inference engine and an interface • Machine learning is when a program has the ability to automatically adapt its own processes and/or data
standard flowchart symbols that must be used by students when drawing flowcharts
logic gate symbols that must be used by students when drawing logic circuits
format in which pseudocode will appear in examinations.

2 0478.2.0.02 — before executing it, producing an executable file

before executing it, producing an executable file

3 0478.2.0.03 — • An interpreter translates and executes the code line-by-line • A compiler provides an error report for the whole code if errors are detect

• An interpreter translates and executes the code line-by-line • A compiler provides an error report for the whole code if errors are detected • An interpreter stops execution when an error is found

4 0478.2.0.04 — Explain the basic operation and components of • Limited to:

Explain the basic operation and components of • Limited to:

5 0478.2.0.05 — – expert systems – machine learning • Expert systems have a knowledge base, a rule base, an inference engine and an interface • Machine lear

– expert systems – machine learning • Expert systems have a knowledge base, a rule base, an inference engine and an interface • Machine learning is when a program has the ability to automatically adapt its own processes and/or data

6 0478.2.0.06 — standard flowchart symbols that must be used by students when drawing flowcharts

standard flowchart symbols that must be used by students when drawing flowcharts

7 0478.2.0.07 — logic gate symbols that must be used by students when drawing logic circuits

logic gate symbols that must be used by students when drawing logic circuits

8 0478.2.0.08 — format in which pseudocode will appear in examinations.

format in which pseudocode will appear in examinations.

9 0478.2.1.01 — (a) Understand that data is broken down into

(a) Understand that data is broken down into
• A packet of data contains a: – packet header – payload – trailer • The packet header includes the: – destination address – packet number – originator’s address
• Data is broken down into packets • Each packet could take a different route • A router controls the route a packet takes • Packets may arrive out of order • Once the last packet has arrived, packets are reordered
(a) Describe how data is transmitted from one • Including:
– serial
– parallel – simplex – half-duplex – full-duplex
Explain the suitability of each method of • Including the advantages and disadvantages of
each method
Understand the universal serial bus (USB) • Including the benefits and drawbacks of the
interface

10 0478.2.1.02 — • A packet of data contains a: – packet header – payload – trailer • The packet header includes the: – destination address – packet number –

• A packet of data contains a: – packet header – payload – trailer • The packet header includes the: – destination address – packet number – originator’s address

11 0478.2.1.03 — • Data is broken down into packets • Each packet could take a different route • A router controls the route a packet takes • Packets may arr

• Data is broken down into packets • Each packet could take a different route • A router controls the route a packet takes • Packets may arrive out of order • Once the last packet has arrived, packets are reordered

12 0478.2.1.04 — (a) Describe how data is transmitted from one • Including:

(a) Describe how data is transmitted from one • Including:

13 0478.2.1.05 — – serial

– serial

14 0478.2.1.06 — – parallel – simplex – half-duplex – full-duplex

– parallel – simplex – half-duplex – full-duplex

15 0478.2.1.07 — Explain the suitability of each method of • Including the advantages and disadvantages of

Explain the suitability of each method of • Including the advantages and disadvantages of

16 0478.2.1.08 — each method

each method

17 0478.2.1.09 — Understand the universal serial bus (USB) • Including the benefits and drawbacks of the

Understand the universal serial bus (USB) • Including the benefits and drawbacks of the

18 0478.2.1.10 — interface

interface

19 0478.2.2.01 — Understand the need to check for errors after • Errors can occur during data transmission due

Understand the need to check for errors after • Errors can occur during data transmission due
to interference, e.g. data loss, data gain and
data change
Describe the processes involved in each of the • Including parity byte and parity block check

20 0478.2.2.02 — to interference, e.g. data loss, data gain and

to interference, e.g. data loss, data gain and

21 0478.2.2.03 — data change

data change

22 0478.2.2.04 — Describe the processes involved in each of the • Including parity byte and parity block check

Describe the processes involved in each of the • Including parity byte and parity block check

Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.