220-1201 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. 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 small office has a single internet connection and needs to provide wired network access to 20 computers. They also need to allow guests to connect wirelessly but keep the guest traffic separate from the internal network. Which single device can handle both wired switching and wireless access with VLAN support?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Wireless router
A wireless router or a wireless access point integrated into a switch can provide both wired and wireless connectivity. However, the key requirement is VLAN support to isolate guest traffic. A wireless router with VLAN capabilities can meet all needs, but a standard wireless router without VLAN support cannot separate traffic. A switch alone provides no wireless, and an access point alone provides no switching. The correct answer is a wireless router with VLAN support, but since that's not an option, a wireless access point connected to a managed switch is the best fit. Actually, the correct device is a wireless router with VLAN capabilities, but in the options, 'Wireless router' is the most common device that can do both. Given the options, a wireless router is the correct choice as it typically includes a switch and can support VLANs if configured.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Managed switch
Why it's wrong here
A managed switch provides wired switching and VLAN support but does not include wireless access.
✓
Wireless router
Why this is correct
A wireless router combines a switch, router, and wireless access point, and many support VLANs for guest network isolation.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
Wireless access point
Why it's wrong here
A wireless access point only provides wireless connectivity; it does not include a wired switch.
✗
Hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub is a simple repeater that does not support VLANs or wireless, and is unsuitable for a modern network.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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 VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Wireless router — A wireless router or a wireless access point integrated into a switch can provide both wired and wireless connectivity. However, the key requirement is VLAN support to isolate guest traffic. A wireless router with VLAN capabilities can meet all needs, but a standard wireless router without VLAN support cannot separate traffic. A switch alone provides no wireless, and an access point alone provides no switching. The correct answer is a wireless router with VLAN support, but since that's not an option, a wireless access point connected to a managed switch is the best fit. Actually, the correct device is a wireless router with VLAN capabilities, but in the options, 'Wireless router' is the most common device that can do both. Given the options, a wireless router is the correct choice as it typically includes a switch and can support VLANs if configured.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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