Quick Answer
The answer is DNS, as the protocol responsible for name resolution is misconfigured on the VPN server. When remote employees can ping internal IP addresses but cannot resolve hostnames or browse the internet, the core issue lies in the VPN’s DNS settings—the server is failing to push correct DNS server addresses to clients, or the DNS forwarding rules are broken. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate network layer problems: connectivity (ICMP) works, but application-layer name resolution (DNS) fails. A common trap is to suspect the VPN tunnel itself or DHCP, but the clue is that IP-based pings succeed, which rules out routing or authentication issues. Remember the memory tip: “If you can ping the IP but not the name, DNS is the blame.”
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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 company's remote employees use VPN to connect to the office network. Recently, some users report that they can connect to the VPN but cannot browse the internet or access internal servers by name, though they can ping internal IP addresses. The VPN is configured to push DNS settings. Which protocol is likely misconfigured on the VPN server?
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses, but the issue is name resolution, not IP assignment.
DNS
DNS is responsible for name resolution; if the VPN server does not push correct DNS servers, name resolution fails.
IPsec
Why wrong: IPsec provides encryption for VPN traffic, not name resolution.
SSL/TLS
Why wrong: SSL/TLS provides encryption for VPN connections, not DNS configuration.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DNS
This scenario isolates a DNS issue within a VPN connection. If users can ping internal IPs but not resolve names, the VPN server's DNS configuration (likely using DHCP over VPN or DNS forwarding) is failing. The protocol involved is DNS, which the VPN should push to clients.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses, but the issue is name resolution, not IP assignment.
DNS
IPsec
SSL/TLS
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DNS — This scenario isolates a DNS issue within a VPN connection. If users can ping internal IPs but not resolve names, the VPN server's DNS configuration (likely using DHCP over VPN or DNS forwarding) is failing. The protocol involved is DNS, which the VPN should push to clients.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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