Quick Answer
The answer is a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. A VPN creates an encrypted site-to-site secure tunnel over the internet, allowing the branch office to communicate with the main office as if they were on the same local network, which is exactly what is needed for securely accessing shared resources. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of how different network services apply to real-world scenarios; a common trap is confusing VPN with DHCP (which assigns IP addresses) or NAT (which translates addresses but does not encrypt traffic). Remember that only a VPN provides the encryption and tunneling required for a secure branch office connection. A helpful memory tip is to think of the “V” in VPN as standing for “Vault”—it creates a secure, encrypted vault through the public internet.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 technician is configuring a network for a new branch office. The branch has 50 users and needs to access resources at the main office via a secure tunnel over the internet. Which service is required to establish this connection?
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IPs locally but doesn't create secure tunnels.
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves names but doesn't provide encryption or tunneling.
VPN
VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over the internet for secure communication between sites.
NAT
Why wrong: NAT translates IPs but doesn't provide secure connectivity across the internet.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
VPN
This question tests understanding of VPNs. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over the internet, allowing branch users to securely access main office resources. DHCP, DNS, and NAT are not sufficient for creating a secure site-to-site connection.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DHCP
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves names but doesn't provide encryption or tunneling.
VPN
NAT
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Network Services — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network Services practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: VPN — This question tests understanding of VPNs. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over the internet, allowing branch users to securely access main office resources. DHCP, DNS, and NAT are not sufficient for creating a secure site-to-site connection.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.