The correct answer is to enable band steering on the access point. Band steering is a feature that actively monitors dual-band client devices and encourages them to connect to the less congested 5 GHz band rather than defaulting to the 2.4 GHz band, which is often slower and more prone to interference. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless configuration options and how to optimize network performance for dual-band devices. A common trap is confusing band steering with simply disabling the 2.4 GHz radio, which would break connectivity for older single-band devices. Remember the memory tip: “Steer to the clearer gear” — band steering guides capable clients to the faster 5 GHz channel without forcing the change.
220-1201 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. 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 small business has a single access point that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Employees report that their smartphones connect to the 2.4 GHz band, causing slow internet speeds. Which configuration change should the technician make to prioritize 5 GHz for capable devices?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable band steering on the access point.
Band steering is a feature that encourages dual-band clients to use the less congested 5 GHz band, improving performance. This directly addresses the issue of devices sticking to 2.4 GHz.
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.
✗
Disable the 2.4 GHz radio completely.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling 2.4 GHz would prevent older devices that only support 2.4 GHz from connecting, causing connectivity issues.
✓
Enable band steering on the access point.
Why this is correct
Band steering pushes dual-band clients to the 5 GHz band, reducing congestion on 2.4 GHz and improving speeds.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Set the 2.4 GHz channel to a non-overlapping channel like 1, 6, or 11.
Why it's wrong here
Channel selection reduces interference but does not prevent devices from preferring 2.4 GHz over 5 GHz.
✗
Increase the transmit power of the 5 GHz radio.
Why it's wrong here
Higher power may extend range but does not force clients to choose 5 GHz; band steering is needed for that.
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.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable band steering on the access point. — Band steering is a feature that encourages dual-band clients to use the less congested 5 GHz band, improving performance. This directly addresses the issue of devices sticking to 2.4 GHz.
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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