The answer is to deploy a mesh Wi-Fi system with nodes in each room. This is correct because 5 GHz signals attenuate significantly more through obstacles like thick concrete walls compared to 2.4 GHz, causing the dropout you described. A mesh system overcomes this by placing multiple nodes that relay the signal between rooms, effectively bypassing the wall’s attenuation and extending seamless coverage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless frequency propagation and the practical solution for signal penetration issues—a common trap is to suggest a range extender, but mesh nodes provide a more stable, dedicated backhaul. Remember the memory tip: “5 GHz is fast but fragile; mesh nodes patch the gaps.”
220-1201 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A client reports that their 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection works fine near the access point but drops out completely when they move to the next room, which has thick concrete walls. The 2.4 GHz band works throughout the house. Which of the following is the BEST solution?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy a mesh Wi-Fi system with nodes in each room.
5 GHz signals attenuate more through obstacles like concrete. A mesh system with multiple nodes can extend coverage by relaying the signal, overcoming the wall issue.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Replace the access point with a higher-gain antenna.
Why it's wrong here
Higher-gain antennas improve range in one direction but may not penetrate concrete walls effectively.
✗
Install a wireless repeater in the next room.
Why it's wrong here
A repeater can extend range but often halves throughput and may still struggle with concrete walls if placed poorly.
✓
Deploy a mesh Wi-Fi system with nodes in each room.
Why this is correct
Mesh systems use multiple nodes to create a seamless network, overcoming obstacles by placing nodes closer to clients.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Switch the client to 2.4 GHz only.
Why it's wrong here
This works but is a workaround, not a solution for utilizing 5 GHz speeds throughout the house.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 220-1201 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a mesh Wi-Fi system with nodes in each room. — 5 GHz signals attenuate more through obstacles like concrete. A mesh system with multiple nodes can extend coverage by relaying the signal, overcoming the wall issue.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 220-1201 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user complains that their laptop frequently disconnects from the Wi-Fi when they move to the conference room, which is 50 feet from the access point through two walls. The network uses 5 GHz. What is the MOST likely cause of the disconnects?
medium
A.The access point is overloaded with too many clients.
B.The laptop's power management settings are turning off the Wi-Fi adapter.
✓ C.5 GHz signals have poor penetration through walls.
D.The conference room has a metal door that blocks the signal.
Why C: 5 GHz signals have higher frequencies, which attenuate more quickly through obstacles like walls compared to 2.4 GHz. This explains the disconnects at a distance with obstructions.
Variation 2. A customer reports that their laptop frequently disconnects from the Wi-Fi in their home office, but works fine in other rooms. The office is located in a detached garage, and the wireless router is in the main house. Which wireless networking technology would best solve this issue without running cables?
medium
A.5 GHz frequency band
✓ B.Wireless mesh network
C.Powerline networking adapters
D.802.11ac standard
Why B: This scenario describes a long-range, obstruction-heavy connection. A wireless mesh network uses multiple nodes to extend coverage and maintain a stable connection, making it ideal for outbuildings. Powerline adapters are wired alternatives, and range extenders can cause performance drops. 5 GHz has shorter range and poorer penetration through walls.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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