The answer is a Wide Area Network (WAN), which is the correct network type for connecting LANs across different cities. A WAN is specifically designed to span large geographic distances, linking multiple local networks so that employees in separate branch offices can securely share resources, often using a VPN over the internet as a common implementation. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between network types based on scale: a LAN is confined to a single building, a MAN covers a metropolitan area, and a PAN is for personal devices. A common trap is confusing a WAN with a VPN, but remember that a VPN is a method used within a WAN, not a separate network type. For a quick memory tip, think “Wide” for “Wide area” — if the distance spans cities or countries, it’s a WAN.
220-1201 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 has two branch offices in different cities. They need to connect their LANs so employees can access resources at both locations securely over the internet. Which network type should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN (Wide Area Network) is designed to connect LANs across large geographic distances, such as between cities. A VPN over the internet is a common WAN implementation. A LAN is local, a MAN covers a city, and a PAN is personal. The correct answer is WAN because it spans cities.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Local Area Network (LAN)
Why it's wrong here
A LAN cannot connect two separate cities; it is limited to a single location.
✗
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN covers a city, not multiple cities across different regions.
✓
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why this is correct
A WAN is exactly for connecting LANs over long distances, such as between cities, often using VPNs or leased lines.
A PAN is for short-range personal device connections, not for inter-city networking.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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 OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Wide Area Network (WAN) — A WAN (Wide Area Network) is designed to connect LANs across large geographic distances, such as between cities. A VPN over the internet is a common WAN implementation. A LAN is local, a MAN covers a city, and a PAN is personal. The correct answer is WAN because it spans cities.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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 small business wants to connect two separate office buildings that are 150 meters apart, with no existing data cabling between them. They need a reliable, high-speed connection without running new cables. Which type of network should be implemented?
easy
A.Personal Area Network (PAN)
B.Local Area Network (LAN)
✓ C.Wide Area Network (WAN)
D.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why C: A Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) or point-to-point wireless bridge is designed to connect two separate locations over a distance without physical cabling. This scenario describes a typical site-to-site wireless link, which is a form of WAN connection. PAN is for personal devices, LAN is for a single building, and MAN typically covers a city but often uses wired infrastructure.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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