The correct next step is to check the web server’s firewall settings. Because the technician can successfully ping 10.10.10.50 from the user’s computer, network-layer connectivity and IP addressing are confirmed—the subnet mask 255.255.0.0 places both devices on the same network, so routing is not the issue. When ping succeeds but the service fails, the problem shifts to the application layer, where a firewall may be blocking HTTP or HTTPS traffic, or the web server itself could be misconfigured. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the OSI model and layered troubleshooting methodology; a common trap is to keep checking network settings after a successful ping. Remember the memory tip: “Ping works, service fails? Think firewall or app trails.”
220-1201 IP Addressing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a user's computer that cannot access a web server at 10.10.10.50. The user's IP is 10.10.20.15 with subnet mask 255.255.0.0. The technician can ping 10.10.10.50 from the user's computer. What should the technician check next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The web server's firewall settings.
Since the user can ping the web server, network connectivity and IP addressing are correct. The issue is likely at the application layer, such as a firewall blocking HTTP/HTTPS or a misconfigured web server. This tests the OSI model and troubleshooting methodology.
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.
✗
The default gateway setting on the user's computer.
Why it's wrong here
Pinging the server successfully shows that routing is working, so the gateway is likely correct.
✓
The web server's firewall settings.
Why this is correct
Since ICMP (ping) works but HTTP does not, a firewall on the server may be blocking the web traffic.
An IP conflict would cause intermittent connectivity, but the successful ping indicates no conflict.
✗
The subnet mask on the user's computer.
Why it's wrong here
The subnet mask 255.255.0.0 allows communication between 10.10.20.15 and 10.10.10.50, as they are on the same /16 network.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Pinging the server successfully shows that routing is working, so the gateway is likely correct.
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: The web server's firewall settings. — Since the user can ping the web server, network connectivity and IP addressing are correct. The issue is likely at the application layer, such as a firewall blocking HTTP/HTTPS or a misconfigured web server. This tests the OSI model and troubleshooting methodology.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is troubleshooting a network where a user cannot access a web server at 10.0.0.50. The user's workstation has an IP of 10.0.0.25 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The technician pings 10.0.0.50 and gets a reply, but the web page does not load. What should the technician check next?
medium
A.Verify the default gateway on the workstation.
✓ B.Check if the web server's firewall is blocking HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
C.Change the workstation's IP address to a different subnet.
D.Replace the network cable between the workstation and switch.
Why B: Since ping succeeds, Layer 3 connectivity (IP) is working. The issue is likely at Layer 4 (transport) or above, such as a firewall blocking the web port (80/443) or a misconfigured web server.
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Question Discussion
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