The correct next step is to investigate DNS resolution for the CRM’s domain. Because the office firewall already allows outbound HTTPS traffic, the network is not blocking the connection itself; instead, the problem likely lies in how the domain name is being translated into an IP address. If the office’s DNS server is misconfigured, blocking the query, or returning a stale or incorrect record, the browser cannot find the server even though the path is open. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that connectivity issues often stem from name resolution rather than port blocking—a common trap is to immediately blame the firewall or proxy. Remember the mnemonic “DNS Before Firewall”: always verify that names resolve before assuming a port is closed, especially when the user can access the same app from home.
220-1201 Cloud Computing Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cloud computing concepts. 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 user reports that they cannot access a cloud-based CRM application from their office, but they can access it from home. The technician checks the office firewall and finds that outbound HTTPS traffic is allowed. What should the technician investigate next?
Why wrong: Browser cache can cause display issues but not a complete inability to access the site; the user can access it from home, ruling out a browser problem.
B
The cloud provider's service status
Why wrong: Since the user can access the CRM from home, the service is operational; the issue is specific to the office network.
C
DNS resolution for the CRM's domain
If DNS is blocked or misconfigured in the office, the browser cannot resolve the CRM's IP address, even though outbound HTTPS is allowed.
D
The user's account permissions
Why wrong: Account permissions are global and would affect access from home as well; the user can access from home, so permissions are fine.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DNS resolution for the CRM's domain
If outbound HTTPS is allowed, the issue may be with DNS resolution, which can be blocked or misconfigured by the office network. The CRM's domain name might not resolve correctly, preventing the connection. The technician should test DNS resolution for the CRM's URL.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 user's browser cache
Why it's wrong here
Browser cache can cause display issues but not a complete inability to access the site; the user can access it from home, ruling out a browser problem.
✗
The cloud provider's service status
Why it's wrong here
Since the user can access the CRM from home, the service is operational; the issue is specific to the office network.
✓
DNS resolution for the CRM's domain
Why this is correct
If DNS is blocked or misconfigured in the office, the browser cannot resolve the CRM's IP address, even though outbound HTTPS is allowed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user's account permissions
Why it's wrong here
Account permissions are global and would affect access from home as well; the user can access from home, so permissions are fine.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Cloud Computing Concepts — This question tests Cloud Computing Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS resolution for the CRM's domain — If outbound HTTPS is allowed, the issue may be with DNS resolution, which can be blocked or misconfigured by the office network. The CRM's domain name might not resolve correctly, preventing the connection. The technician should test DNS resolution for the CRM's URL.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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