The answer is 192.168.1.50. On a /24 subnet (255.255.255.0), the usable host range is 192.168.1.1 through 192.168.1.254, but the .1 address is almost always reserved for the default gateway, which in this case is the router at 192.168.1.1. Choosing an address like .50 ensures the server is on the same broadcast domain and reachable by all local devices, provided it falls outside the DHCP auto-assignment pool to prevent IP conflicts. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of subnetting fundamentals and the practical need to reserve static IPs for critical devices like servers. A common trap is selecting .1 or .255 (the broadcast address), so remember: the gateway owns .1, and .255 is for broadcasts. A handy memory tip is “Server stays steady, so pick an address that’s already ready—avoid .1 and the DHCP pool.”
220-1201 IP Addressing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 setting up a new file server and needs to assign it a static IP address. The network uses a subnet of 192.168.1.0/24, and the router's LAN IP is 192.168.1.1. The technician wants to ensure the server is reachable from all devices on the local network. Which of the following IP addresses should the technician assign to the server?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
192.168.1.50
For a /24 subnet (255.255.255.0), usable addresses range from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254, but .1 is typically reserved for the router. The technician should choose an address outside the DHCP pool, such as 192.168.1.50, to avoid conflicts.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
192.168.1.0
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 192.168.1.0 is the network address and cannot be assigned to a host.
✗
192.168.1.255
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 192.168.1.255 is the broadcast address for the subnet and cannot be assigned to a host.
✓
192.168.1.50
Why this is correct
Correct. 192.168.1.50 is within the usable range (1-254) and can be assigned as a static IP, provided it's not in the DHCP pool.
Incorrect. 192.168.2.1 is on a different subnet (192.168.2.0/24) and would not be reachable without routing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
IP Addressing — This question tests IP Addressing — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 192.168.1.50 — For a /24 subnet (255.255.255.0), usable addresses range from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254, but .1 is typically reserved for the router. The technician should choose an address outside the DHCP pool, such as 192.168.1.50, to avoid conflicts.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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