The answer is a campus area network (CAN). This is correct because a CAN is specifically designed to interconnect multiple local area networks (LANs) across a limited geographic area, such as a university campus or corporate park, where the total distance—like the 5-kilometer span described—remains smaller than a metropolitan area network (MAN) but larger than a single LAN. 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, but remember that a MAN typically covers a city (10–100 km), while a CAN stays within a campus boundary. For a quick memory tip, think “CAN = Campus, not City”—if the buildings are all on one property, 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 configuring a network for a university campus that has multiple buildings spread across a 5-kilometer area. Each building has its own LAN, and they all need to be interconnected to share resources. Which network type best describes the overall campus network?
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 interconnect multiple LANs within a limited geographic area, such as a university campus or business park. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. The scenario's 5 km range fits a CAN, not a MAN or WAN.
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.
✗
Local area network (LAN)
Why it's wrong here
A LAN typically covers a single building, not multiple buildings across 5 km.
✗
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN covers a city (often 10+ km), which is larger than the 5 km campus.
✓
Campus area network (CAN)
Why this is correct
A CAN interconnects LANs within a campus-sized area, exactly matching this scenario.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
A WAN connects geographically distant locations, often across cities or countries.
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 interconnect multiple LANs within a limited geographic area, such as a university campus or business park. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. The scenario's 5 km range fits a CAN, not a MAN or WAN.
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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