The correct answer is Campus Area Network (CAN) because this network type is specifically designed to interconnect multiple buildings within a limited geographic area, such as a university campus or corporate park, typically spanning up to a few kilometers. A CAN supports both wired and wireless infrastructure for thousands of users, making it the ideal fit for a university campus spread across a 2-kilometer area. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish network types by scale—a common trap is confusing a CAN with a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), which covers a city, or a WAN, which spans countries. Remember that a CAN sits between a LAN (single building) and a MAN (city-wide). For a quick memory tip, think “C” for “Campus” and “Close-range”—if the network stays within a bounded campus or business park, it’s a CAN.
220-1201 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. 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 network for a university campus that spans several buildings across a 2-kilometer area. The network must support both wired and wireless connections for thousands of users. Which network type best describes this setup?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Campus Area Network (CAN)
A Campus Area Network (CAN) is specifically designed to connect multiple buildings within a limited geographic area, such as a university campus or business park, supporting both wired and wireless infrastructure. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. A WAN is too broad, a PAN is too small, and a MAN typically covers a city.
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.
✗
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WAN spans large distances like states or countries, which is excessive for a 2-kilometer campus.
✓
Campus Area Network (CAN)
Why this is correct
A CAN is designed for a campus environment, connecting multiple buildings within a few kilometers, and can handle both wired and wireless users.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
A PAN covers only a few meters and cannot support thousands of users across buildings.
✗
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN covers a city-sized area, which is larger than a campus and typically used for connecting multiple CANs or LANs.
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 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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. 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.
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.
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Campus Area Network (CAN) — A Campus Area Network (CAN) is specifically designed to connect multiple buildings within a limited geographic area, such as a university campus or business park, supporting both wired and wireless infrastructure. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. A WAN is too broad, a PAN is too small, and a MAN typically covers a city.
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". 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.
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