- A
The switch is a hub, not a switch.
Why wrong: A hub would cause collisions and reduce performance, but devices would still be able to see each other at Layer 2.
- B
The computer's network profile is set to 'Public', disabling Network Discovery.
In Windows, a Public network profile disables Network Discovery, preventing the computer from seeing other devices on the local network, even though internet access works.
- C
The router is blocking multicast traffic.
Why wrong: Routers block broadcast traffic by default, but local network visibility relies on broadcasts within the same subnet, which are not forwarded by the router anyway. This would not affect devices on the same switch.
- D
The Ethernet cable is a crossover cable.
Why wrong: Modern switches and NICs support Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable is rarely an issue. Even if it were, it would cause a complete link failure, not just a loss of visibility.
Quick Answer
The answer is the computer’s network profile is set to ‘Public,’ which disables Network Discovery. When Windows assigns a Public profile to a network, it treats the connection as untrusted and automatically turns off discovery features, so the device can still reach the internet through the router but cannot see or be seen by other local computers on the same switch. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Windows network location awareness interacts with basic switching—a common trap is assuming the switch or VLANs are misconfigured when the real issue is a software-level setting. Remember that a switch forwards frames by MAC address and does not block local visibility by itself; the problem is almost always the firewall profile. Memory tip: “Public hides, Private finds”—if you can get online but not see neighbors, check the network location first.
220-1201 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. 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 customer reports that their desktop computer, which is connected to the network via a wall jack, can access the internet but cannot see other computers on the same local network. The network uses a single switch and a router. What is the most likely misconfiguration causing this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The computer's network profile is set to 'Public', disabling Network Discovery.
This question tests understanding of the difference between a hub and a switch. A switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses and creates separate collision domains, but it does not inherently prevent devices from seeing each other on the same VLAN. The issue is likely that the switch ports are configured in separate VLANs, isolating traffic. However, the most common simple misconfiguration is that the device is connected to a hub instead of a switch, which would cause collisions but not prevent visibility. The correct answer is that the switch is functioning correctly; the problem is likely that the computer's network profile is set to 'Public' instead of 'Private' in Windows, which enables Network Discovery.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The switch is a hub, not a switch.
Why it's wrong here
A hub would cause collisions and reduce performance, but devices would still be able to see each other at Layer 2.
- ✓
The computer's network profile is set to 'Public', disabling Network Discovery.
Why this is correct
In Windows, a Public network profile disables Network Discovery, preventing the computer from seeing other devices on the local network, even though internet access works.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
The router is blocking multicast traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Routers block broadcast traffic by default, but local network visibility relies on broadcasts within the same subnet, which are not forwarded by the router anyway. This would not affect devices on the same switch.
- ✗
The Ethernet cable is a crossover cable.
Why it's wrong here
Modern switches and NICs support Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable is rarely an issue. Even if it were, it would cause a complete link failure, not just a loss of visibility.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The computer's network profile is set to 'Public', disabling Network Discovery. — This question tests understanding of the difference between a hub and a switch. A switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses and creates separate collision domains, but it does not inherently prevent devices from seeing each other on the same VLAN. The issue is likely that the switch ports are configured in separate VLANs, isolating traffic. However, the most common simple misconfiguration is that the device is connected to a hub instead of a switch, which would cause collisions but not prevent visibility. The correct answer is that the switch is functioning correctly; the problem is likely that the computer's network profile is set to 'Public' instead of 'Private' in Windows, which enables Network Discovery.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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