The answer is to disable cellular data in the mobile network settings. This is the correct choice because it physically cuts the smartphone’s connection to the mobile carrier’s network, forcing all data traffic to pass exclusively through Wi-Fi. When traveling internationally, leaving cellular data active can trigger expensive roaming charges the moment the device connects to a foreign tower, even if the user intends to rely solely on local Wi-Fi. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of mobile network configurations and data cost management—a common trap is confusing Airplane Mode with disabling cellular data, since Airplane Mode also kills Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which the user still needs. A reliable memory tip is to think “Cut the cell, keep the Wi-Fi spell”—disabling cellular data is like turning off the mobile faucet while leaving the Wi-Fi pipe open, ensuring you avoid roaming charges without losing internet access.
220-1201 Mobile Device Network Connectivity Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device network connectivity. 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 configuring a smartphone for a user who frequently travels internationally. The user wants to avoid high roaming charges but still use data when connected to local Wi-Fi. What should the technician do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable cellular data in the mobile network settings.
Disabling cellular data ensures the device only uses Wi-Fi for internet access, preventing accidental roaming charges. The user can still connect to local Wi-Fi networks for data.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable airplane mode and then turn on Wi-Fi.
Why it's wrong here
While this works, it is a two-step process that the user might forget. Disabling cellular data is a simpler, more direct setting.
✓
Disable cellular data in the mobile network settings.
Why this is correct
This stops all cellular data usage while allowing Wi-Fi to remain active, preventing roaming charges when connected to Wi-Fi.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Enable data roaming.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling data roaming would actually increase the risk of high roaming charges, contrary to the user's goal.
✗
Set the device to 2G only.
Why it's wrong here
This reduces data speed but still uses cellular data, which could incur roaming charges.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity — This question tests Mobile Device Network Connectivity — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable cellular data in the mobile network settings. — Disabling cellular data ensures the device only uses Wi-Fi for internet access, preventing accidental roaming charges. The user can still connect to local Wi-Fi networks for data.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.