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220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their new laptop only sees…
A user complains that their new laptop only sees 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, not the 5 GHz network that was previously visible on their old phone. The router is dual-band and configured to broadcast both bands. What is the most likely reason the laptop cannot see the 5 GHz network?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common misconception is that a hidden SSID or channel mismatch causes a network to be completely invisible, but the most likely reason a device cannot see a specific band is lack of hardware support for that frequency.
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 laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz frequencies
The most likely reason is that the laptop's wireless adapter only supports 2.4 GHz frequencies. Since the old phone could see the 5 GHz network, the router's 5 GHz radio is functioning correctly, but the laptop's hardware lacks the capability to detect or connect to 5 GHz bands, which is a common limitation in budget or older laptops.
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 5 GHz radio is set to a channel not supported by the laptop
Why it's wrong here
While channel mismatch can cause issues, most modern adapters support standard 5 GHz channels; the more fundamental issue is hardware support.
- ✓
The laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz frequencies
Why this is correct
If the adapter only works on 2.4 GHz, it will never see 5 GHz networks, regardless of router settings.
- ✗
The 5 GHz SSID is hidden
Why it's wrong here
A hidden SSID still appears in network scans as an unnamed network; the laptop would see it as 'Hidden Network'.
- ✗
Interference from microwave ovens is blocking the 5 GHz signal
Why it's wrong here
Microwaves primarily interfere with 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz, and would not cause a network to be invisible.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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