Gce Model Questions Vol1 2025 Computer Studies Question 22

A school's computer network is built as follows. The computer lab uses a star topology with 10 computers, each connected to a central switch by a 5\,m cable. The administration office uses a bus topology with 8 computers linked linearly; the distance between each adjacent pair of computers is 6\,m. The two subnetworks are joined by a single 30\,m Ethernet cable. The cost of cable is $2 per metre for the star links, $1.5 per metre for the bus links, and $3 per metre for the linking cable. (a) What is the total cost of the cabling for the whole network? (b) If a redundant 30\,m link is added between the switch and the administration office at the same cost per metre, what is the percentage increase in the total cabling cost? Give your answer to one decimal place.