The answer is 802.11ac on the 5 GHz band. This combination minimizes interference because Bluetooth devices and cordless phones predominantly operate on the crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum, so shifting to 5 GHz avoids that congestion and provides cleaner, faster performance. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of frequency bands and their interference sources—a common trap is choosing 802.11n, which supports both bands but is slower than ac, or picking 2.4 GHz because it has better range, forgetting that range is useless if the signal is jammed. Remember the memory tip: “Blue and cordless use two-point-four, so go five for a clean drive.”
220-1201 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 setting up a wireless network for a small office that experiences heavy interference from neighboring businesses. The office uses many Bluetooth devices and cordless phones. Which 802.11 standard and frequency combination would minimize interference and provide the best performance?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Why wrong: These standards use the crowded 2.4 GHz band and will suffer from the same interference from Bluetooth and cordless phones.
B
802.11n on 2.4 GHz
Why wrong: Although 802.11n can use 5 GHz, the technician would need to ensure it is configured for 5 GHz; otherwise, it still faces 2.4 GHz interference.
C
802.11ac on 5 GHz
802.11ac operates exclusively on 5 GHz, which is far less crowded and avoids the interference from 2.4 GHz devices.
D
802.11ax on 2.4 GHz
Why wrong: Even though 802.11ax is advanced, using it on 2.4 GHz still subjects it to the same interference sources.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
802.11ac on 5 GHz
Bluetooth and many cordless phones operate on 2.4 GHz, so moving to 5 GHz (802.11ac or 802.11ax) avoids that crowded spectrum. 802.11ac is the most common high-performance standard for 5 GHz. 802.11n supports both bands but is slower. 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) also works on 5 GHz but is newer and more expensive.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
802.11b/g on 2.4 GHz
Why it's wrong here
These standards use the crowded 2.4 GHz band and will suffer from the same interference from Bluetooth and cordless phones.
✗
802.11n on 2.4 GHz
Why it's wrong here
Although 802.11n can use 5 GHz, the technician would need to ensure it is configured for 5 GHz; otherwise, it still faces 2.4 GHz interference.
✓
802.11ac on 5 GHz
Why this is correct
802.11ac operates exclusively on 5 GHz, which is far less crowded and avoids the interference from 2.4 GHz devices.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Even though 802.11ax is advanced, using it on 2.4 GHz still subjects it to the same interference sources.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 802.11ac on 5 GHz — Bluetooth and many cordless phones operate on 2.4 GHz, so moving to 5 GHz (802.11ac or 802.11ax) avoids that crowded spectrum. 802.11ac is the most common high-performance standard for 5 GHz. 802.11n supports both bands but is slower. 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) also works on 5 GHz but is newer and more expensive.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "minimum / minimize". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.