O Level Computer Science 2210 · Topic 2

Data transmission: past paper questions

90 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Give, Explain, Describe, Identify, State

Real questions on data transmission

The newest 20 of 90 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

2210/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5c(i)[2]
Explain how data is sent using the USB connection.
See it on the paper →
2210/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5c(ii)[2]
Give two benefits of using a USB connection for this purpose.
See it on the paper →
2210/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5c(iii)[1]
Give one drawback of using a USB connection for this purpose.
See it on the paper →
2210/12 · October/November 2025 · Q7f(i)[2]
Explain how errors may occur in the data during transmission.
See it on the paper →
2210/12 · October/November 2025 · Q7f(ii)[2]
Give two error detection methods that could be used to check for errors in the data after transmission.
See it on the paper →
2210/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[6]
The diagram shows a packet with three sections. Complete the diagram by writing the name of each section of the packet. Write an example in each section of what would be stored in that part of the packet. Packet First The first section is called the Example Second The second section is called the Example Third The thir...
See it on the paper →
2210/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(i)[4]
Serial full-duplex
See it on the paper →
2210/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(ii)[4]
Parallel half-duplex
See it on the paper →
2210/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[2]
Give two reasons why serial full-duplex is a suitable data transmission method for the data.
See it on the paper →
2210/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Give one improvement that would be made to the data transmission if parallel transmission is used instead of serial transmission.
See it on the paper →
2210/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(i)[5]
Describe the process of the checksum error detection method.
See it on the paper →
2210/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[1]
Identify one other error detection method that could be used to check for errors in the data.
See it on the paper →
2210/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4c(i)[1]
Tick (3) one box to show which item would not be included in a packet’s header. A destination address B originator’s address C packet number
See it on the paper →
2210/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4c(ii)[2]
The packets of data may need to be reordered when they arrive at the computer in the restaurant kitchen. Explain why the packets of data may need to be reordered.
See it on the paper →
2210/12 · May/June 2025 · Q3c(ii)[6]
The programmer needs to connect the printer to her computer. The printer is on the same desk as her computer. Give a suitable method of data transmission that could be used to connect the computer to the printer. Explain your choice. Data transmission method Explanation
See it on the paper →
2210/12 · May/June 2025 · Q3c(iii)[4]
An even parity check is used to detect errors in the data after it has been transmitted to the printer. Describe how an even parity check detects an error.
See it on the paper →
2210/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1[1]
Tick ( ü ) one box to identify the type of test to only check for the largest or smallest acceptable value. A normal test data B abnormal test data C extreme test data 1
See it on the paper →
2210/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(i)[3]
Explain how the data is sent using serial simplex data transmission.
See it on the paper →
2210/13 · October/November 2024 · Q2e(i)[3]
Circle three items of data that can be found in the packet header. trailer originator’s address interrupt input payload operating system
See it on the paper →
2210/13 · October/November 2024 · Q2e(ii)[1]
Each packet is sent along a different path from the employee’s device to the employer’s device. Tick (✓) one box to show the name of this method of sending packets. A packet networking B packet circuiting C packet switching
See it on the paper →

What examiners said

Many candidates were able to give the correct transmission methods. Some candidates only gave part of the transmission method used. For example, they gave serial data transmission instead of stating it was serial simplex transmission.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 2210/12 Q6 (Cambridge)

Many candidates were able to identify that encryption would be used.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 2210/13 Q4(d) (Cambridge)

Many candidates were able to identify a correct reason for an error occurring. The most common correct answer was interference.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 2210/13 Q5(a) (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

2.0 Data transmission

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.

2.1 Types and methods of data transmission

(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

2.2 Methods of error detection

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

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.