The answer is to change the AP to use only the 2.4 GHz band. This is correct because 802.11ac operates exclusively on the 5 GHz frequency, which has significantly shorter range and poorer penetration through obstacles like metal racks and concrete pillars common in a warehouse. The 2.4 GHz band, while slower, offers superior range and can better navigate the dense aisles and shelving that cause 802.11ac 5 GHz range issues in warehouse environments. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of frequency trade-offs: 5 GHz offers speed but sacrifices distance and obstacle penetration, while 2.4 GHz prioritizes coverage. A common trap is assuming a newer standard like 802.11ac always solves connectivity problems, but the real issue is physical layer limitations. Remember the mnemonic “5 for speed, 2 for distance” to quickly recall that 2.4 GHz is the go-to for coverage through walls and racks.
220-1201 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company deploys a new 802.11ac access point in a warehouse. After installation, workers report that their handheld scanners frequently disconnect when moving between aisles. The AP is mounted on a high ceiling. Which configuration change would most likely improve connectivity?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the AP to use only 2.4 GHz band.
802.11ac operates on 5 GHz, which has shorter range and poorer penetration through obstacles like metal racks. Enabling 2.4 GHz on the AP provides better range and obstacle penetration for mobile devices.
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.
✓
Change the AP to use only 2.4 GHz band.
Why this is correct
2.4 GHz has better range and can penetrate obstacles like warehouse racks more effectively, reducing disconnects.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Increase the AP's channel width to 80 MHz.
Why it's wrong here
Wider channels increase throughput but reduce range and are more susceptible to interference, worsening the issue.
✗
Enable WPA3 encryption on the network.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not affect range or signal penetration; it only secures data.
✗
Reduce the AP's transmit power to avoid interference.
Why it's wrong here
Lowering power would reduce range, making disconnects more likely.
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: Change the AP to use only 2.4 GHz band. — 802.11ac operates on 5 GHz, which has shorter range and poorer penetration through obstacles like metal racks. Enabling 2.4 GHz on the AP provides better range and obstacle penetration for mobile devices.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 client reports that their new 802.11ac laptop cannot connect to the office Wi-Fi, while older 802.11n devices work fine. The access point is a dual-band model. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason?
easy
A.The laptop's Wi-Fi antenna is damaged.
✓ B.The 5 GHz radio on the access point is disabled.
C.The laptop's drivers are not compatible with 802.11n.
D.The access point is set to 802.11b-only mode.
Why B: 802.11ac operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band, so if the 5 GHz radio is disabled or the SSID is hidden, the laptop cannot connect. This tests knowledge of 802.11ac's band requirement and dual-band configuration.
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Question Discussion
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