hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A company deploys several tablets for field…
A company deploys several tablets for field technicians that need to connect to a private LTE network via a SIM card. One tablet connects to the network but has very slow data speeds. Other tablets in the same area work fine. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that a SIM card insertion issue or battery saver mode can cause slow data speeds, but the key differentiator is that the tablet is connected to the network—pointing to a configuration error like the APN rather than a hardware or power-saving issue.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The tablet is using the wrong APN configuration.
The most likely cause is an incorrect APN configuration. The APN (Access Point Name) defines the gateway between the LTE network and the internet, including required authentication and IP settings. If the APN is wrong, the tablet may still attach to the LTE network but will experience severely degraded data throughput because the packet data protocol (PDP) context cannot establish a proper data session.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The tablet's Wi-Fi is interfering with the LTE signal.
Why it's wrong here
Wi-Fi typically operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, while LTE utilizes a wide range of cellular frequency bands (e.g., 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1.7 GHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz). Due to this significant frequency separation, direct electromagnetic interference causing a consistent slowdown of the LTE signal on a single tablet is highly improbable. While some minor, localized interference might occur in extremely close proximity, it is not a common or expected cause for widespread, consistent slow LTE performance.
- ✗
The tablet's SIM card is not fully inserted.
Why it's wrong here
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is essential for authenticating the device to the cellular network and establishing a connection. If the SIM card is not fully or correctly inserted, the tablet would likely fail to register with the mobile network entirely, resulting in a "No Service" message or extremely intermittent connection drops. It would not typically establish a connection that consistently provides slow data speeds, as the primary issue would be a lack of proper network authentication or physical contact.
- ✓
The tablet is using the wrong APN configuration.
Why this is correct
The Access Point Name (APN) defines the network path for all cellular data connections, specifying the gateway, security protocols, and other settings the device uses to connect to the internet or a private network. An incorrect APN configuration might still allow a connection, but it could route data through an unoptimized or restricted gateway, apply incorrect Quality of Service (QoS) settings, or even connect to a different network segment with limited bandwidth. This often results in consistently slow data speeds, high latency, or inability to access specific resources, rather than a complete loss of service.
- ✗
The tablet's battery saver mode is enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Battery saver mode is designed to extend battery life by reducing system performance, often by throttling the CPU, limiting background app activity, restricting data synchronization, and reducing screen brightness. While it can make the user experience feel slower due to these limitations, it does not directly reduce the maximum theoretical speed or bandwidth of the LTE radio itself. The cellular modem would still be capable of its full speed, but the device's software would be preventing applications from fully utilizing that capacity.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.