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220-1201 Practice Question: A user’s laptop is connected to a Wi-Fi network…
A user’s laptop is connected to a Wi-Fi network with a strong signal, but the user cannot access any network resources. The IP configuration shows an address of 192.168.1.50 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a default gateway of 192.168.1.1. The technician pings the gateway successfully. What should the technician check next?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the misconception that any network issue requires hardware replacement or firewall changes, when in fact DNS is a common culprit after basic connectivity is confirmed.
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
✓
Check the DNS server settings on the laptop.
The laptop has a valid IP configuration and can ping the default gateway, indicating that local network connectivity is working. However, the user cannot access network resources, which suggests a problem with name resolution or routing beyond the local subnet. The next logical step is to check the DNS server settings, as incorrect DNS would prevent the laptop from resolving hostnames of network resources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the Wi-Fi adapter.
Why it's wrong here
The laptop's ability to connect to the Wi-Fi network, obtain an IP address, and successfully ping the gateway confirms that the Wi-Fi adapter is functioning correctly at both the data link and network layers. Replacing hardware is a drastic measure and premature when basic network connectivity is established, indicating the issue lies further up the OSI model or with specific service configurations rather than the adapter itself.
- ✓
Check the DNS server settings on the laptop.
Why this is correct
The successful ping to the gateway confirms Layer 3 network connectivity to the local router or access point. However, if web browsing or accessing resources by name fails, it strongly suggests a name resolution problem. Incorrect or misconfigured Domain Name System (DNS) server settings would prevent the laptop from translating human-readable domain names into the numerical IP addresses required for internet communication, thus blocking access despite local network functionality.
- ✗
Verify the SSID is correct.
Why it's wrong here
The problem statement indicates the laptop is already 'connected to a Wi-Fi network,' which inherently means it has successfully associated and authenticated with the access point using the correct Service Set Identifier (SSID). If the SSID were incorrect, the laptop would be unable to establish a connection to the network in the first place, precluding it from obtaining an IP address or pinging the gateway.
- ✗
Disable the firewall temporarily.
Why it's wrong here
While a firewall can restrict internet access, the successful ping to the gateway demonstrates that basic outbound network traffic is permitted through the firewall. A firewall blocking all internet connectivity would typically also prevent such fundamental network communication. Given that local connectivity is confirmed, checking DNS settings is a more targeted and probable solution for browsing issues than broadly disabling a potentially critical security component.
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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.