The answer is to verify the switch port status and the cable connection. This is correct because when a printer and workstations are on the same 192.168.1.0/24 subnet, routing is not involved; the issue must be at Layer 1 (physical) or Layer 2 (data link). A bad Ethernet cable, a disabled switch port, or a loose connection will prevent the printer from responding to a ping even if its static IP address is configured correctly. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the OSI model troubleshooting methodology—always start at the physical layer when devices are on the same subnet. A common trap is jumping to check the IP configuration or firewall first, but if the link light is off or the port is administratively down, nothing else matters. Remember the mnemonic “Ping Fails, Check the Cables” to avoid overthinking Layer 3 issues when the subnet is identical.
220-1201 Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network troubleshooting. 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 technician is setting up a new printer on a network. The printer has a static IP address of 192.168.1.50, but users cannot ping it from their workstations. The workstations are on the 192.168.1.0/24 subnet. What should the technician check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify the switch port status and cable connection.
Since the printer and workstations are on the same subnet, the issue is likely at Layer 2 or Layer 1. The first step is to verify the physical connection and link status on the switch port, as a bad cable or disabled port would prevent communication.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Check the printer's default gateway setting.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect—the default gateway is only needed for traffic leaving the subnet; within the same subnet, ARP is used.
✓
Verify the switch port status and cable connection.
Why this is correct
Correct—a physical layer issue is the most common cause of a device being unreachable on the same subnet.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Change the printer's IP address to a DHCP address.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect—static IPs work fine; the issue is not the addressing method.
✗
Reboot the router.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect—the router is not involved in same-subnet communication; rebooting it would not help.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Network Troubleshooting — This question tests Network Troubleshooting — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify the switch port status and cable connection. — Since the printer and workstations are on the same subnet, the issue is likely at Layer 2 or Layer 1. The first step is to verify the physical connection and link status on the switch port, as a bad cable or disabled port would prevent communication.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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.