220-1201 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user complains that their laptop's wireless connection drops frequently when they move around their home office. The laptop is running Windows 11 and connects to a Wi-Fi 6 router. Which of the following should a technician check FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is focusing on software or router settings when the symptom is clearly tied to physical movement, which points to signal coverage or interference.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The signal strength and potential interference in different locations.
Since the wireless connection drops only when the user moves, the most likely cause is varying signal strength or interference. Checking signal strength and interference patterns in different locations directly addresses the mobility factor. Driver, firmware, and channel width issues would typically cause consistent problems regardless of location. Therefore, the first step is to assess the wireless environment.
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 router's channel width setting.
Why it's wrong here
Channel width affects throughput and interference, but changing it is not the first step when the problem is location-dependent. The user might be moving out of range or into an area with interference. Adjusting channel width without understanding the environment could worsen the issue. It is a later tuning step after assessing signal and interference.
- ✓
The signal strength and potential interference in different locations.
Why this is correct
The drops occur when moving, indicating that signal coverage or interference varies by location. Checking signal strength and sources of interference (like walls, other APs, or appliances) is the most direct first step. This helps determine if the issue is due to dead zones or channel overlap. Tools like Wi-Fi analyzers can map coverage and identify problem areas.
- ✗
The laptop's wireless adapter driver version.
Why it's wrong here
Driver issues can cause drops, but they typically occur regardless of location. The fact that drops happen when moving suggests a physical or environmental cause. Updating drivers is a valid step, but it is not the FIRST check when the problem correlates with movement. Signal strength and interference should be addressed first.
- ✗
The router's firmware version.
Why it's wrong here
While outdated firmware can cause instability, it is not the first thing to check for a connection that drops only when moving. The issue is likely related to signal strength or interference, which are more directly affected by movement. Checking firmware is a good practice but not the immediate priority given the mobility factor.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.