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220-1201 Practice Question: A customer reports that their smart TV, which is…
A customer reports that their smart TV, which is connected to the home network via Wi-Fi, can stream video from the internet but cannot access media files stored on a wired desktop PC in the same home. The TV and PC are on the same IP subnet. Which network type is most likely being used, and why does this cause the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that 'same subnet equals automatic file access,' leading candidates to overlook the workgroup and file-sharing configuration differences inherent in peer-to-peer networks.
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
✓
Peer-to-peer network; the TV and PC may be in different workgroups or have disabled file sharing.
A peer-to-peer (P2P) network typically uses workgroups and relies on each device to share resources individually. The TV can stream from the internet (using a client-server model with a remote streaming service) but cannot access local files because the PC may be in a different workgroup, have file sharing disabled, or require SMB/CIFS authentication that the TV cannot perform. Since both devices are on the same IP subnet, the issue is not routing but rather the lack of a centralized authentication or discovery mechanism, which is characteristic of a P2P network.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Client-server network; the TV cannot authenticate to the server.
Why it's wrong here
A client-server network architecture involves dedicated servers providing resources and authentication to client devices. While the TV acts as a client for internet services, local file sharing between a TV and a PC typically operates on a peer-to-peer model, not requiring a central server for authentication. Since the TV can stream from the internet, its general network connectivity and authentication to the primary network (router) are functional, indicating the issue is not a server authentication failure for local resource access.
- ✓
Peer-to-peer network; the TV and PC may be in different workgroups or have disabled file sharing.
Why this is correct
In a peer-to-peer network, devices directly share resources without a central server, which is common for local media streaming between a smart TV and a PC. If the TV and PC are configured in different workgroups or domains, or if file and media sharing services are disabled on either device, they will be unable to discover and access each other's local content. This specific configuration issue explains why internet streaming works (as it's an external service) but local network discovery and sharing fail.
- ✗
Mesh network; the TV is connected to a different mesh node that blocks local traffic.
Why it's wrong here
A mesh network extends Wi-Fi coverage by using multiple interconnected access points that act as a single, unified network. While devices may connect to different mesh nodes, all devices on the same mesh network typically reside on the same logical subnet and can communicate directly with each other for local traffic. Mesh networks are designed for seamless connectivity and do not inherently block peer-to-peer communication or local resource sharing between devices within the same network segment.
- ✗
PAN network; the TV is using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi.
Why it's wrong here
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small-scale network typically used for short-range communication between devices, primarily utilizing technologies like Bluetooth or USB. The scenario explicitly states the smart TV is connected via Wi-Fi and can stream from the internet, which confirms it's operating on a larger local area network (LAN) using Wi-Fi, not a PAN. Bluetooth is unsuitable for high-bandwidth internet streaming or typical local network file sharing with a PC.
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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.