The answer is IPsec, the correct protocol to configure for an encrypted and authenticated site-to-site VPN connection between a branch office and a main office over the internet. IPsec is a suite of protocols that secures IP communications by providing both encryption for data privacy and authentication to verify that data has not been tampered with, making it the standard choice for router-to-router VPN tunnels. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of secure remote connectivity methods, often appearing in scenarios where a technician must differentiate between encryption protocols like SSL/TLS (used for web traffic) and IPsec (used for network-layer VPNs). A common trap is confusing IPsec with PPTP or L2TP, but remember that IPsec alone offers both encryption and authentication at the packet level. Memory tip: think “IPsec = IP security” for site-to-site links, and recall that it operates in tunnel mode to wrap the entire original IP packet.
220-1201 Network Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 technician is configuring a network for a branch office that will use a router to connect to the main office over the internet. The connection must be encrypted and authenticated to ensure data privacy. Which protocol should the technician configure on the router?
IPsec encrypts and authenticates IP packets, providing a secure tunnel between routers over the internet.
B
SSL/TLS
Why wrong: SSL/TLS is typically used for securing web traffic, not for router-to-router VPN tunnels, though it can be used in some VPN implementations.
C
PPTP
Why wrong: PPTP is an older VPN protocol that is less secure and often blocked by firewalls; IPsec is more robust.
D
L2TP
Why wrong: L2TP alone does not provide encryption; it is often combined with IPsec for security.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IPsec
This scenario tests knowledge of IPsec, a suite of protocols used for secure VPN connections. IPsec provides encryption and authentication for IP packets, making it suitable for site-to-site VPNs over the internet.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
IPsec
Why this is correct
IPsec encrypts and authenticates IP packets, providing a secure tunnel between routers over the internet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SSL/TLS
Why it's wrong here
SSL/TLS is typically used for securing web traffic, not for router-to-router VPN tunnels, though it can be used in some VPN implementations.
✗
PPTP
Why it's wrong here
PPTP is an older VPN protocol that is less secure and often blocked by firewalls; IPsec is more robust.
✗
L2TP
Why it's wrong here
L2TP alone does not provide encryption; it is often combined with IPsec for security.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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.
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: IPsec — This scenario tests knowledge of IPsec, a suite of protocols used for secure VPN connections. IPsec provides encryption and authentication for IP packets, making it suitable for site-to-site VPNs over the internet.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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